PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
SourcingFeb 15, 2018
Alrosa’s Diamond Production Up 6% in 2017
The Russian mining company produced 39.6 million carats of diamonds last year, up from 37.4 million in 2016.
Alrosa recovered this 98.63-carat rough diamond from the Jubilee pipe in December 2017. Development in the richest part of the kimberlite pipe was one of the reasons Alrosa gave for its 6 percent increase in diamond production last year.
Moscow--Production rose 6 percent year-over-year in 2017 for Alrosa, the Moscow-based mining company reported.
Alrosa mined 39.6 million carats of diamonds, up from 37.4 million in 2016 and in line with the company’s target for the year, 39.2 million.
Key drivers for production growth were higher output at the Udachny underground mine, increased grade at the Arkhangelskaya and Karpinskogo-1 pipes operated by Severalmaz, higher production at the Botuobinskaya pipe and development of the richest part of the Jubilee pipe.
Jubilee is the pipe known for producing large white diamonds, including a 98.63-carat rough mined in December and diamonds of 82.82, 163.11 and 108.34 carats recovered in October. Alrosa said Jubilee produced more than 20 rough diamonds weighing more than 50 carats last year.
The increased production at these pipes was enough to offset the temporary shutdown of Mir underground following a fatal accident at the mine in August. Eight workers were killed when the mine flooded and Alrosa fired two top executives and disciplined 22 more after a government investigation concluded that the accident was due in part to Alrosa’s design for the mine.
Preliminary sales results for 2017 show that Alrosa sold 41.2 million carats of diamonds in 2017, up slightly from the 40 million sold last year.
Rough diamond sales totaled $4.2 billion while polished diamond sales were $96.9 million and included the sale of four of the five diamonds in the “Dynasty” collectionn.
Alrosa also recently released its results for January 2018.
RELATED CONTENT: De Beers Reports First Sales Results for 2018The company sold $504.5 million in rough and polished diamonds in the first month of the year, with rough diamond sales accounting for $499 million of that and polished diamond sales totaling $5.5 million.
Alrosa Deputy CEO Yury Okoemov said the “good” demand for diamonds early this year is due in part to positive sales trends in major markets in 2017, including the United States, that ended with a solid holiday season.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
SurveysOct 07, 2024
Hill & Co.’s New ‘Business of Jewelry Report’ Is OutThe first in what is slated to be a series of in-depth reports from the consulting company, it focuses on shortening supply chains.
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
