De Beers’ rough diamond sales (Global Sightholder Sales and Auction Sales) for the eighth sales cycle of 2018 amounted to US$ 475 million (provisional). This compares with sales worth US$ 503 million (actual) notched for the previous sales period (Cycle 7 2018); and sales of US$ 376 million for Cycle 8 2017.

Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said: “While the Rupee-Dollar exchange rate has impacted demand for lower value categories, we continue to see steady overall demand for De Beers Group rough diamonds, reflecting ongoing consumer demand for diamond jewellery in the US.”