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Al Cook

Chief Executive Officer, De Beers

Search every verified Al Cook interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. In a September 2026 interview with CGTN, De Beers CEO Al Cook discussed the company's outlook and strategy for natural diamonds. He stated that diamond prices have stabilized and begun to grow, attributing this to increased demand in the United States and India and a supply decline of more than 10% due to aging mines. Cook said the company is confident in long-term price stability and is focusing on branded jewelry to engage European consumers, framing natural diamonds as unique items that appeal to a desire for "authentic individuality." Cook also addressed the company's decision to shut down its lab-grown brand Lightbox, saying De Beers does not believe synthetic diamonds will be profitable in jewelry and is instead shifting production toward technology applications. Regarding China, he outlined a three-part strategy to rebuild consumer trust in natural diamonds, including intergovernmental cooperation, underpinning value, and creating appealing designs. He expressed optimism about the long-term future of natural diamonds, citing their historical appeal over thousands of years, and drew parallels to gold, suggesting that natural diamonds could be seen as both beautiful and valuable investments.

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