De Beers announced July 23 that sales of their rough diamond
were $2.6 billion for the first half 2010, an 84 percent increase compared to
the first half of 2009.

According to De Beers, the increase is a result of increased
demand from retail markets, particularly India and China, as well as restocking
by the trade.

After a
difficult 2009, De Beers Diamond Jewellers, De Beers’ joint venture with LVMH,
has seen a healthy rebound in sales in 2010.

Carats recovered in the first half of 2010 amounted to 15.4
million, more than double those for the first half of 2009 (6.6 million carats)
in line with increased demand from DTC Sightholders.

JCK