The diamond industry has long been associated with opulence, luxury, and immense wealth. Within this industry, there are individuals who have amassed fortunes through their involvement in various aspects of the diamond trade, including mining, trading, and investments.
These diamond owners have risen to prominence and hold significant influence in the global market. From Savji Dhanji Dholakia, the richest diamond owner in the world, to Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a Saudi Arabian prince known for his diverse investments, each individual has a unique story of success and wealth accumulation.
In this article, we will delve into the lives and achievements of the world’s wealthiest diamond owners, exploring their contributions to the diamond industry and the factors that have propelled them to the top of the wealth pyramid.
Top 10 World Richest Diamond Owners
1. Savji Dhanji Dholakia – $38 Billion
Personal Stats
- Name: Savji Dholakia
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: 12-Apr-1962
- Birth Place: Dudhala
- Country: India
- Nationality: Indian
- Profession: Business person
- Net Worth: $38 billion
Savji Dhanji Dholakia, the richest diamond owner in the world, founded Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Limited, a diamond manufacturing and export company. Born into a farming family in India, Dholakia dropped out of school at a young age to work in his uncle’s diamond business. Over the years, he gained extensive experience in the industry, which eventually led to the establishment of his own company. Hari Krishna Exports has manufacturing facilities in Surat, Gujarat, India, and has expanded its sales and marketing department in Mumbai. The company exports finished diamonds to over fifty countries worldwide and has subsidiaries in Hong Kong, China, the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, and the United States. Dholakia’s success is attributed to his business acumen and expertise in the diamond trade.
2. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – $18.7 Billion
Personal Stats
- Date of birth: 7 March 1955
- Source of Wealth: Investments, Self Made
- Residence: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Citizenship: Saudi Arabia
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Children: 2
- Education: Bachelor of Arts / Science, Menlo College; Master of Science, Syracuse University
- Net Worth: $18.7Billion (as of 2023) Forbes
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family, is known for his investments in various industries. While the prince made his initial fortune in real estate and construction, he gained international recognition for his investment in Citicorp, where he bailed out the company with a $590 million investment. As one of the richest individuals in the world, Prince Alwaleed indulges in luxury and owns an impressive collection of cars. Notably, he commissioned a custom-made Mercedes Benz adorned with diamonds and Swarovski crystals, which reportedly cost $48 million. This extravagant purchase showcases his wealth and love for luxury items.
3. Cheng Yu-tung – $14.5 Billion
Personal Stats
- Source of Wealth: diversified, Self Made
- Net Worth: 14.5 Billion (2023) Forbes
- Citizenship: Hong Kong
- Born: 26 August 1925, Shunde District, Foshan, China
- Died: 29 September 2016, Hong Kong
- Spouse: ying Chow (m. 1943–2016)
- Children: Henry Cheng, Kar Shing Cheng
- Grandchildren: Adrian Cheng, Sonia Cheng, Brian Cheng, Christopher Cheng
- Parents: Cheng King-yi
- Siblings: Cheng Yu-wing, Cheng Yu-pui
Cheng Yu-tung, the Honorary President of Chow Tai Fook Jewelry Group, holds the title of the third richest diamond owner in the world. He acquired the Cullinan Heritage Diamond, a 507-carat stone, for a record-breaking $35.3 million, making it the highest-paid rough diamond in history. Cheng’s fortune was built through extensive investments in service companies, hotels, real estate, transportation interests, and massive holdings in the jewelry retail trade. Chow Tai Fook Jewelry Group, headquartered in Hong Kong, is the largest jewelry retailer globally. Cheng’s success in the diamond industry is a testament to his business acumen and strategic investments.
4. Joseph Lau – $13.1 Billion
Personal Stats
- Born: 21 July 1951 (age 72 years), British Hong Kong
- Spouse: Chan Hoi-wan (m. 2016), Bo Wing-kam (m. 1977–1992)
- Children: Lau Ming-wai, Lau Sau-ying, Jade Lau Sau-yung
- Net worth: 13.1 billion USD (2023) Forbes
- Full name: Joseph Lau Luen Hung
- Nationality: British, Chinese, Hong Kong
- Parents: Yip Suk Woon, Lau Foh Wing
Joseph Lau, a Hong Kong billionaire, is known for his extravagant purchases of rare and valuable diamonds. Lau made headlines when he acquired the Blue Moon diamond, a 12.03-carat stone, for a staggering $48.5 million. He named the diamond “Josephine’s Blue Moon” after his daughter. Lau’s love for diamonds is evident as he also purchased a 16.08-carat pink diamond a few days earlier, which he named “Sweet Josephine.” Lau’s collection of valuable diamonds extends beyond these purchases, as he previously acquired a blue diamond in 2009, named the “Star of Josephine.” His passion for diamonds and willingness to invest substantial amounts in these precious stones has solidified his position as a prominent diamond owner.
5. Nicky Oppenheimer – $8.3 Billion
Personal Stats
- Born: 8 June 1945
- Net worth: 8.3 billion USD (2023) Forbes
- Children: Jonathan Oppenheimer
- Spouse: Orcillia Lasch (m. 1968)
- Education: Christ Church, Harrow School
- Parents: Harry Oppenheimer, Bridget Oppenheimer
- Siblings: Mary Slack
Nicky Oppenheimer, a well-known figure in South Africa, comes from a family that has long held the title of the country’s richest. He inherited the legacy of his father and grandfather, who were involved in the renowned De Beers Diamond company. Oppenheimer’s wealth and success stem from his involvement in De Beers, where he served as the president of the company and its subsidiary, Diamond Trading Company. His family’s fortune has endured for decades, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in South Africa and the world.
6 Christo Wiese – $6.8 Billion
Personal stats
- Born: 10 September 1941 (age 82 years), Upington, South Africa
- Children: Clare Wiese, Jacob Daniel Wiese, Christina Wiese
- Nationality: South African
- Source of Wealth: retail, Self Made
- Residence: Cape Town, South Africa
- Citizenship: South Africa
- Marital Status
- Married: Children: 3
- Education: Bachelor of Arts/Science, University of Stellenbosch; LLB, University of Stellenbosch
Christo Wiese, a prominent businessman from South Africa, made a name for himself as one of the country’s richest individuals. He acquired a significant stake in the diamond mining company Trans Hex Group, which operates in South Africa and Angola. Trans Hex Group is involved in the exploration, mining, and marketing of diamonds. Wiese’s involvement in the diamond industry has contributed to his wealth and success. Apart from his diamond investments, Wiese has diverse business interests, including retail, property, and investment holdings.
7. David Kassel – $6 Billion
Personal Stats
- Occupation: Actor, Singer
- Date Of Birth/Age: March 19, 1955
- Place of Birth: Idar-Oberstein, West Germany
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: American
- Marital Status: Married
- Education: Penns Grove High School, Montclair State University
- Net Worth: $6 Billion
David Kassel is the Chairman of the New Reclamation Group (NRG) in South Africa. NRG is a diversified company involved in diamond mining, metal recycling, and other businesses. Kassel’s involvement in the diamond industry stems from NRG’s operations in diamond mining, where the company focuses on sustainable and responsible mining practices. NRG has mining operations in South Africa, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kassel’s leadership and commitment to ethical mining have contributed to his success in the diamond industry.
8. Laurence Graff – $3.4 Billion
Personal Stats
- Born: 13 June 1938, Stepney, London, United Kingdom
- Net worth: 3.4 billion USD (2023) Forbes
- Spouse: Anne-Marie Graff (m. 1962)
- Organization founded: Graff
- Siblings: Raymond Graff
- Source of Wealth: Diamond jewelry, Self Made
- Residence: Gstaad, Switzerland
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Children: 5
Laurence Graff, the founder of Graff Diamonds, is a renowned figure in the diamond industry. Graff Diamonds is a luxury jewelry brand specializing in rare and valuable gemstones, including diamonds. The company is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and exclusive designs. Graff himself is recognized for his expertise in diamond cutting and his ability to transform rough diamonds into exquisite pieces of jewelry. With boutiques in major cities worldwide, Graff Diamonds caters to a high-end clientele seeking unique and exceptional diamond jewelry.
9. Beny Steinmetz – $1.2 Billion
Personal Stats
- Born: 2 April 1956 (age 67 years), Netanya, Israel
- Nationality: French, Israeli
- Education: המכללה האקדמית נתניה
- Siblings: Daniel Steinmetz
- Parents: Rubin Steinmetz, Esther Steinmetz
- Source of Wealth: mining, diamonds, real estate
- Residence: Netanya, Israel
- Citizenship: Israel
- Marital Status: Married
- Children: 4
- Net Worth: $1.2 billion
Beny Steinmetz is a prominent figure in the diamond industry, having inherited the Steinmetz Diamond Group. He later founded the Beny Steinmetz Resource Group (BSGR), which is the parent company of the Octea Diamond Group. The Octea Diamond Group is involved in diamond mining, exploration, and marketing. Steinmetz’s involvement in the diamond industry has propelled him to considerable wealth. However, he has faced legal battles and controversies related to his mining activities in various countries, including Guinea and Sierra Leone.
10. Dan Gertler – $1.2 Billion
Personal Stats
- Born: 23 December 1973 (age 49 years)
- Net worth: 1.2 billion USD (2023) Forbes
- Nationality: Israeli
- Spouse: Anat Gertler
- Parents: Hanna Gertler, Asher Gertler
- Source of Wealth: Mining
- Marital Status: Married
- Children: 11
- Education: Diploma, High School
Dan Gertler, an Israeli businessman, made his fortune through investments in copper and diamond mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). His company, the Fleurette Group, has been involved in diamond mining operations in the DRC and has significant holdings in various mining companies. Gertler’s business activities in the DRC have been subject to scrutiny and controversy, with allegations of corruption and unethical practices. Despite the controversies, Gertler’s involvement in the diamond industry has contributed to his wealth and prominence in the business world.
