India to topple US to become no 2 mkt for De Beers' Forevermark diamonds

Sales volumes to increase up to 130,000 pieces; country's share in global sales to go up to 25%

India is poised to topple the United States (US) to become the second largest market for De Beers' Forevermark brand of diamonds this year as the company expects to more than double its sales volume in this country this year.

China, the brand's leading market, accounts for 50 per cent of sales volume, with US and India each accounting for 15 per cent. This year, however, India's contribution to the brand's global sales will increase to 20-25 per cent.

"Last year, our sales volume in India stood at 60,000 pieces. This year, we expect this volume to increase and range between