Oppenheimer, Leviev are Forbes' Diamond Billionaires

Forbes magazine's annual list of the world’s wealthiest people, with a net worth of at least $1 billion, includes two diamond magnates – De Beers’ Nicky Oppenheimer and Israel's Lev Leviev. Both did well in the past year, seeing their fortunes grow more than 30 percent, climbing higher on the list.

Moving up to 72nd place with a net worth of $6 billion, Oppenheimer is described by Forbes as the richest man in Africa. In last year's list he was listed 103rd with $4.4 billion. Oppenheimer has a 45 percent direct stake in De Beers and a large holding in diversified miner Anglo American, which in turn holds another 45 percent stake in De Beers.

The magazine says Oppenheimer has a big year ahead of him, noting De Beers Consolidated Mines black empowerment partner selection in South Africa and De Beers LV's New York store opening.

The other diamond billionaire is Leviev, with an estimated net worth of $2.6 billion, placing him at 228 on the list of 691 billionaires, up from 277th place with $2 billion last year, the first time he was listed.

Leviev, owner of LLD group and majority shareholder in Africa-Israel Investments, is the world’s largest diamond trader and manufacturer with interests in Russia, Angola, Namibia and Israel. Real estate interests through Africa-Israel include property in Moscow, Las Vegas, Miami and New York - including the Chase Manhattan building. The publicly traded company also owns Israeli swimsuit maker Gottex and 1,700 Fina gas stations in the Southwest U.S.

While according to the Israeli press DTC Sightholders Beny Stienmetz should also be on the list of billionaires, Forbes does not list him.

This year's Forbes list of the world’s wealthiest people includes 691 billionaires, up from 587 listed last year, with a collective net worth of $2.2 trillion, up $300 billion last year. Topping the list are Microsoft’s Bill Gates, followed by legendary investor Warren Buffett and Indian born steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who jumped into third position from 62nd last year with a $25 billion fortune.