Forevermark Targets Key European Markets

RAPAPORT... Forevermark ismaking a play for the European market, after achieving significant retail growth last year. The De Beers brand has signed an exclusive licensing deal with German jeweler Heinz Mayer to sell products in thekey nation, it said Thursday. The Idar-Oberstein-based diamond specialist willpresent the collection at the Baselworld show, which runs until Tuesday.  Forevermark, which promises high quality, rarity andresponsible sourcing for all its stones, is also in advanced talks with GroupeMarcel Robbez Masson in France and World Diamond Group in Italy about similarpartnerships. European countries are important for the brand because ofthe large numbers of international travelers passing through from major consumermarkets such as the US, China, India and Japan, Forevermark CEO Stephen Lussiernoted. "Bolstering the brand's visibility in leading Europeandestinations is a powerful next step following the successes of 2017," Lussiersaid. Sales of Forevermark diamonds surged 19% globally last year by volume, according to De Beers. Forevermark, which launched in 2008, offers its diamonds inmore than 2,000 stores across the world, including in North America, EasternEurope, the Middle East and Asia.