THE DIAMOND PAGE — Diamond sales increase for CSO

Sales of rough diamonds by De Beers’ Central Selling Organization reached US$2,748 million during the first six months of this year — 8.2% more than in the same period last year.

Sales in the first half of 1996 were 38% higher than in the second half of 1995. The increase is attributed to continuing firm demand for larger, better quality rough diamonds above half a carat.