• Indian manufacturers buck downturn. If the economic crises of the past few decades have taught the diamond industry anything, it’s that prudent financial management, diversification, innovation and customer relations are central to a company’s growth strategy. In separate interviews with JNA, three of India’s major diamond manufacturers shared their insights on the challenges and opportunities in today’s business environment, and some of the lessons they learned from the economic disruptions of the past few years.

• China is top consumer of quality gems. China’s appetite for clean and higher-quality gemstones such as tourmaline, tanzanite and blue topaz remains robust, a major coloured gemstone supplier told JNA. According to Nirmal Bardiya, chairman and managing director of RMC Gems, multi-coloured tourmalines are among the most sought-after goods by Chinese buyers.

• Thai jewellers rise above challenges. Thailand is training its sights on maintaining its hard-earned reputation as a powerhouse for gems and jewellery. Despite a series of challenges last year, including the worst flooding in the country’s recent history, Thailand’s gems and jewellery exports grew from $11.6 billion in 2010 to $12.3 billion.