The World Diamond Museum mourns the death of Vladimir Malakhov, Editor-in-Chief of Rough & Polished- an online diamond industry publication that appeared in four languages: Russian, English, Chinese, and Portuguese. Vladimir passed on June 17, 2023, at 76, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Vladimir was a kind and easy-going man who enjoyed working closely with about two dozen employees and correspondents worldwide, maintaining close contact with the industry’s “who’s who.”

Under his tutelage, Rough & Polished became one of the prime news sources about worldwide developments in the diamond and precious metals industry and trade. Until his last days, he was “soldiering on” the best he could, as he said with a good measure of irony. Shortly after Malakhov’s death, the Rough & Polished website went offline.

“I had a special relationship with Vladimir, and he was one of my close confidants in Moscow. His premature death will leave a huge void. The global diamond industry will miss his quiet attention and great analytic skills,” said Alex Popov, Founder and CEO of the World Diamond Museum.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and close ones. May Vladimir’s memory be a blessing to all who cherished him.”