Details of De Beers Group of Companies History
2017 – 2000
2017
In September, De Beers Group announces a three-year partnership with UN Women to accelerate the advancement of women across its organisation, in its diamond producing countries and in its marketing.
2017
In June, Debmarine Namibia officially inaugurates the mv SS Nujoma, the world’s largest and most advanced diamond exploration and sampling vessel.
2017
In March, De Beers Group takes full ownership of De Beers Diamond Jewellers.
2017
In March, Gahcho Kué, the world’s largest new diamond mine in the last 13 years, officially begins commercial production.
2017
In February, Forevermark becomes available in more than 2,000 retail doors globally.
2017
In February, the IIDGR establishes its first retail grading partnership in Asia.
2016
In September, De Beers officially opens its newest mine, Gahcho Kué.
2016
2016
In May, De Beers signs a 10-year sales agreement with the Government of the Republic of Namibia for the sorting, valuing and sales of Namdeb Holdings’ diamonds.
It is the longest agreement ever signed between the two parties.
2016
In January, De Beers Consolidated Mines completes the sale of Kimberley Mines to Ekapa Minerals (Pty) Limited.
2015
Forevermark announces plans to bring into effect again the historic slogan, ‘A Diamond is Forever’.
2015
ALROSA, De Beers, Rio Tinto, Dominion Diamond Corporation, Lucara Diamond Corporation, Petra Diamonds Ltd, and Gem Diamonds Ltd form the Diamond Producers Association (DPA).
2015
De Beers acquires a 33.4% equity stake in Synova SA (Synova), a Swiss-based owner and supplier of a patent protected laser micro jet technology.
2014
De Beers launches The Diamond Insight Report 2014, giving an expert perspective on the global diamond industry.
2013
Global Sightholder Sales moves from London to Botswana.
2012
De Beers becomes a member of the Anglo American plc group.
2011
Anglo American, shareholders in De Beers since 1926, and the Oppenheimer family announce an agreement for Anglo American to acquire the family’s share in De Beers.
2008
De Beers opens its first mines outside Africa: Snap Lake mine and Victor mine in Canada. Snap Lake mine was placed into care and maintenance on 4 December 2015.
2008
The Forevermark brand is launched.
2008
De Beers Auction Sales pioneers the industry’s first successful sales of rough diamonds using online auctions.
2006
With the Government of the Republic of Botswana, we establish DTC Botswana, a company to sort and value all Debswana production and support local diamond manufacturing.
2003
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is established to stem the flow of conflict diamonds. One hundred per cent of De Beers’ diamonds are certified conflict free.
2001
We set up a new company, De Beers Diamond Jewellers (DBDJ). DBDJ provides the world’s most discerning customers with the world’s most beautiful diamonds.
2000
We welcome in the new millennium with the 203.04 carat De Beers Millennium Star Diamond.
1999 – 1980
1999
Nelson Mandela meets Harry Oppenheimer in London. After Harry’s death, in 2000, Mr Mandela praised him for his strong voice against apartheid, commending him for helping to build and develop South Africa while fighting for justice and freedom.
1998
Nicky Oppenheimer becomes Chairman of De Beers.
We begin the development of diamond inscribing technology that ends up giving birth to Forevermark.
1995
Highlighting the role of diamonds in marking life’s occasions, our iconic ‘Shadows’ campaign is launched in America.
1994
De Beers joins with the newly independent Republic of Namibia to form Namdeb, a 50/50 joint venture partnership, to mine the country’s diamonds.
1992
Venetia mine opens in South Africa. It will become South Africa’s largest diamond mine.
1988
Our centenary year. We unveil the 273.85 carat Centenary Diamond.
1987
De Beers Exploration discovers Kimberlite in Northern Ontario, which will eventually become Victor mine.
1982
Production begins at Jwaneng mine in Botswana.
1979 – 1960
1972
The Botswana desert gives up more riches when De Beers’ geologists discover the Jwaneng kimberlite pipe, hidden 150 metres below the surface. It becomes the world’s richest diamond mine, producing an average of 11 million carats per year.
1969
We join with the Government of the Republic of Botswana in establishing Debswana, a 50/50 partnership, to develop the Orapa mine. Production begins in 1971.
1967
A year after Botswana gains its independence from Britain, the Orapa kimberlite pipe is discovered. The second largest pipe in the world, it covers 262 acres at the surface.
1966
Kimberlite, the tell-tale diamond-bearing ore, is discovered by De Beers’ prospectors in northern Botswana.
1964
De Beers Auction Sales, trading as Diamdel, began supporting non-Sightholder businesses with rough diamond supplies.
1960
De Beers begins an exploration programme in Canada.
1959 – 1940
1957
Following the death of his father, Sir Ernest, Harry Oppenheimer succeeds him as Chairman.
1947
Frances Gerety, a young copywriter at the N W Ayer advertising agency, creates the timeless slogan, ‘A diamond is forever’. Fifty years later, it’s recognised by Ad Age as the greatest advertising slogan of the 20th century. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, visit Kimberley.
1941
Diamond Trading Company offices in London are destroyed in the Blitz. The operation temporarily moves to Berkshire.
1940
World War II engulfs Europe. All De Beers’ mines close for the duration. In Tanzania, Dr John Williamson, a Canadian geologist, establishes the Williamson mine, later famous for its fine pink diamonds.
1939 – 1920
1939
Harry Oppenheimer heads for New York to kick-start De Beers’ pioneering diamond advertising campaign.
1934
Harry Oppenheimer, son of Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, joins the De Beers Board.
1932
As the Great Depression deepens, demand for diamonds dries up. De Beers closes all its mines.
1928
Diamond cutting comes to South Africa when we open our first African cutting factory in Kimberley.
1926
Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, knighted for his wartime efforts, is elected to the De Beers Board after Anglo American, the company he founded, becomes a major De Beers shareholder.
1919 – 1900
1917
Ernest Oppenheimer founds the Anglo American Corporation to develop gold mining in South Africa.
1905
The Cullinan Diamond is discovered at the Premier mine. At 3,106.75 carats, it is the largest rough diamond ever found. The Premier mine is later renamed the Cullinan mine. The Cullinan Diamond is cut into nine gems. The two biggest are presented to King Edward VII in 1908 and now form part of the British Crown Jewels.
1902
Cecil Rhodes dies at his cottage at Muizenberg, aged 48. Ernest Oppenheimer arrives in Kimberley to work as a diamond buying agent. He and Rhodes never meet.
The Premier mine, near Pretoria, is discovered. It will ultimately produce a higher number of large gem diamonds than any other mine.
1899 – 1880
1899
Within days of the outbreak of the second Boer War, the town of Kimberley is besieged. It remains under siege, its mines closed, for 124 days.
1890
Ten merchants form the London Diamond Syndicate and agree to buy De Beers’ entire production.
1888
De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited is established on 12 March. Cecil Rhodes is named as founding Chairman.
1887
Cecil Rhodes and Barney Barnato, each buying claims and shares in nearby mines, vie for commercial pre-eminence in the Kimberley diamond fields. To outproduce each other, they flood the market causing diamond prices to plummet. A merger is the only solution.
1879 – 1860
1874
‘Barnato Brothers Dealers in Diamonds and Brokers in Mining Property’ opens for business.
1873
Barney Barnato, 18, a one-time music hall turn, joins his brother in Kimberley. Meanwhile, Cecil Rhodes buys a claim. Barney becomes a diamond millionaire within 10 years of arriving in South Africa.
1871
The De Beers Mine is discovered in May, and the Kimberley Mine in July. The latter will become the world’s richest mine for nearly a century.
1870
Cecil Rhodes, 17, arrives in South Africa. He sells ice to miners in the hot African sun and saves his money.
1869
The Star of South Africa, an 83.5 carat rough diamond, is discovered by a Griqua herdsman. It triggers the first diamond rush. The diamond was sold for 500 sheep, 10 head of cattle and a horse. It is now in London’s Natural History Museum.
1866
The Eureka Diamond, a 21.25 carat rough diamond, is found. Erasmus Jacobs, a 15-year-old farmer’s son, finds Africa’s first authenticated diamond near the Orange River. Erasmus gave the shiny pebble to his sisters as a plaything. Later, his mother gave it away to a neighbour. The Eureka Diamond is now exhibited at the Kimberley Mine Museum.
