De Beers Group said strong market demand and continuously improving consumer sentiment supported sales of rough diamonds at its second sales cycle of 2022.

Company data showed that the value of rough diamond sales, which include Global Sightholder Sales and Auctions, in cycle 2 reached US$650 million, up from US$550 million in cycle 2 last year. The latest figure is slightly below US$660 million achieved in cycle 1 2022.

Bruce Cleaver, CEO of De Beers Group, commented, “The second sales cycle of the year saw the continuation of robust rough diamond demand underpinned by sustained positive consumer sentiment.” 

Citing continued travel and trade restrictions around the globe, De Beers Group continues to implement a more flexible approach to rough diamond sales, the company added.