The World Diamond Museum based in Monaco mourned the loss of Vladimir Malakhov, the Editor-in-Chief of Rough & Polished magazine. This online publication, known for its comprehensive coverage of the diamond sector, was available in four languages: Russian, English, Chinese, and Portuguese.
Vladimir Malakhov passed away on 17th June, 2023, at the age of 76, following a valiant battle with cancer. Known for his amiable nature and approachability, he fostered a close working relationship with approximately two dozen employees and correspondents around the world. Vladimir maintained a direct line of communication with influential figures in the industry, earning him a reputation as a trusted source within the diamond community.
Under his astute guidance, Rough & Polished emerged as a leading authority on global developments within the diamond and precious metals sector. Even in his final days, he was “soldiering on” the best he could, as he said with a good measure of irony.
Reflecting on the immense loss, Alex Popov, Founder and CEO of the World Diamond Museum, expressed his deep sorrow, saying, “I had a special relationship with Vladimir, and he was one of my close confidants in Moscow. His premature death will leave a huge void. The global diamond industry will miss his quiet attention and great analytic skills. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and close ones. May Vladimir’s memory be a blessing to all who cherished him.”