As the rough diamond distribution arm of the De Beers family of companies, the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) sorts, values and sells just over 40% of the world’s rough diamonds by value.
A growing international concern, the Diamond Trading Company has a combination of wholly-owned and joint venture operations in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and the UK.
The diamonds sold by the DTC are sourced from De Beers’ mining operations in South Africa and Canada and from mines run in partnership with the governments of Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania. The DTC also purchases diamonds from Russia. Highly skilled technicians sort these diamonds into approximately 12,000 different categories based on size, shape, quality and colour, ensuring consistency and accuracy in supply for DTC Sightholders.
Its clients – known as ‘Sightholders’ – are among the world’s leading diamantaires. Sightholders qualify for DTC supply by means of an objective process every three years, including for their ability to add value to the diamonds sold by the DTC. The DTC’s diamond distribution channel creates unrivalled access to the diamond pipeline for producers and is a key generator of sustainable revenues. Through its sales process, the DTC is able to offer its clients a consistent supply of diamonds in a range of assortments. In addition, the Diamond Trading Company engages in a range of activities that aim to improve capabilities in line with the economic objectives of its producer partner Governments.
These activities are helping to support the establishment of a sustainable, integrated diamond industry within producer countries and to further the wider economic goals of their governments. Activities include skills development, promotion of producer countries abroad and assistance with diversification initiatives beyond diamonds.