LLD Diamonds: Lev Leviev, King of Diamonds & Family

LLD Diamonds is one of the largest privately held diamond companies in the world. The company was founded by Lev Leviev, a billionaire businessman often called the “King of Diamonds.” His success came from breaking the traditional monopoly of De Beers and building a direct pipeline to diamond sources in Russia and Africa. 

LLD Diamonds has since grown into a global enterprise with a presence in Israel, Europe, the United States, and Asia. The company is known for cutting, polishing, and trading diamonds on a massive scale. It is also closely tied to the Leviev family name, which carries both prestige and controversy.

The Founding and Growth of LLD Diamonds

Early Career of Lev Leviev

Lev Leviev was born in 1956 in Uzbekistan, which was then part of the Soviet Union. His family later moved to Israel, where he entered the diamond industry as a young man. He began his career as a diamond cutter. 

This hands-on training gave him a deep understanding of the trade. Over time, he realized that the global diamond industry was tightly controlled by De Beers, which had dominated the market for decades.

Leviev saw an opportunity to do things differently. Instead of relying on De Beers’ supply chain, he looked for direct access to diamond mines. This move changed everything. He secured agreements with governments and mining companies in Russia and Africa. By doing so, he bypassed De Beers and established himself as a major force in the diamond world.

Expansion into Russia and Africa

In the 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Leviev moved quickly into Russia. He set up diamond-cutting facilities and secured deals with the Russian state-owned company Alrosa, one of the biggest diamond producers in the world. This was a bold step because Russia held some of the largest diamond reserves.

At the same time, Leviev expanded into Angola and Namibia, two African countries with rich diamond mines. By opening cutting and polishing factories locally, he created jobs and won government support. This strategy gave LLD Diamonds direct access to rough stones and strengthened its reputation as a global leader.

The Leviev Family and Their Involvement

The Family’s Role in the Company

LLD Diamonds is a family-led business. Lev Leviev’s children are involved in different parts of his empire, though they maintain a lower profile compared to their father. They help manage investments in real estate, fashion, and other industries. The family is known for its wealth and influence, especially in Israel, London, and New York.

Simon Leviev and the Netflix Scandal

A major controversy involving the Leviev name came from Simon Leviev. Simon, born Shimon Hayut, falsely claimed to be Lev Leviev’s son. He used the Leviev family name to present himself as the “Prince of Diamonds.” Lev built a fake identity, saying he was part of LLD Diamonds.

He was later exposed in the Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler. Victims accused him of fraud across Europe. He borrowed large sums of money by pretending he was backed by the diamond empire. In reality, the Leviev family denied any ties to him. They clarified that he was not part of LLD Diamonds and had no relation to Lev Leviev.

LLD Diamonds Real Sons and Daughters

Lev Leviev’s real children remain private and professional. They have been involved in managing parts of his business but avoid scandals. Unlike Simon, they are legitimate heirs of the empire. They keep the family’s reputation strong by focusing on legitimate business ventures and philanthropy.

LLD Diamonds Ltd

LLD Diamonds Ltd is the official name of the company. It operates as one of the biggest privately owned diamond firms worldwide. Its main activities include trading rough and polished diamonds, cutting and polishing stones, and supplying high-quality gems to international markets.

The company owns and runs diamond-cutting facilities in several countries. These factories employ skilled workers who turn rough stones into polished gems. LLD also has offices in Tel Aviv, Antwerp, New York, Moscow, and Hong Kong. These locations make it a central hub in the global diamond trade.

LLD Diamonds supplies diamonds to luxury brands, jewelry houses, and wholesalers around the world. Its direct access to rough diamonds makes it a preferred partner for companies that value reliability and scale. The company’s network spans from mining regions to high-end jewelry markets.

Lev Leviev: The King of Diamonds

Lev Leviev earned the title “King of Diamonds” because of his bold strategy. For decades, De Beers controlled the majority of the world’s diamond supply. Leviev broke this system by securing direct deals with producers. This shift allowed other companies to access diamonds more freely. It also gave governments in Africa and Russia more power in their negotiations.

Beyond diamonds, Leviev invested in real estate projects across London, New York, and Israel. He also ventured into fashion and infrastructure. Philanthropy has been a major part of his identity. He has donated large sums to Jewish communities, schools, and social causes. This mix of business and charity has made him a respected figure in many circles.

LLD Diamonds Worth

Because LLD Diamonds is privately owned, its exact worth is not public. However, experts estimate the company’s value in billions of dollars. The scale of its operations and its direct access to rough diamonds give it enormous financial power.

Lev Leviev’s personal net worth was once listed at over $1 billion. His wealth comes not only from diamonds but also from real estate, retail, and other investments. Even though markets fluctuate, his company remains one of the top players in the diamond trade.

Controversies and Challenges

The Simon Leviev scandal created confusion and damaged the company’s public image. Victims believed they were dealing with a real heir of the LLD empire. The family had to issue official statements denying any link to him. Although this was not a direct company issue, it became a global media story.

Like many diamond firms, LLD Diamonds has faced criticism over mining and labor practices. Operations in Africa have been questioned by activists. Concerns include labor conditions, profit distribution, and ethical sourcing. LLD Diamonds has stated that it follows ethical standards, but debates about the diamond industry continue worldwide.

Conclusion

LLD Diamonds is a powerful symbol in the diamond industry. Founded by Lev Leviev, it grew into one of the largest private diamond companies in the world. Its history is marked by bold moves, such as breaking the De Beers monopoly and building cutting facilities in mining countries. The Leviev family continues to lead the business, though it has faced challenges from outsiders like Simon Leviev.

Today, LLD Diamonds Ltd operates globally with billions in assets. Its influence extends from rough diamond mining to luxury jewelry markets. Lev Leviev remains the “King of Diamonds,” and his company stands as a lasting force in the world of precious stones.