The Forbes magazine list of the world’s richest people in 2010 has been released, identifying Carlos Slim Helu of Mexico as the wealthiest man in the world, having an estimated fortune of $53.5 billion, higher by $18.5 billion than the previous year. The 2010 list consists of names of 1,011 billionaires and a combined net worth of $3.6 trillion, while in 2009, the total net worth identified was $2.4 trillion. This year names of 218 new billionaires have been added.

Featuring in the list are some names of executives associated in some manner with the gem and jewellery industry. Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway has been placed on number 3 with fortunes worth $47 billion; he was named the second wealthiest man last year. Ranked at No.7 was Bernard Arnault of LVMH with a net worth of $27.5 billion, while the previous year, Arnault ranked at No.15. Jeffrey Bezos of Amazon.com was at No. 43 with a net worth of $12.3 billion, rising higher by 25 spots than last year. Francois Pinault and family (retailer PPR) stood at No. 77 with a net worth of $8.7 billion.

Nicky Oppenheimer and family stood at No. 154 with net worth of $5 billion, lowered by 56 spots from 2009. Laurence Graff was at No. 374 with a net worth of $2.5 billion, dropping by 69 spots. Beny Steinmetz of the Steinmetz Diamond Group stood at No.488 with a net worth of $2 billion; Lev Leviev was down 187 spots to No.655 with a net worth of $1.5 billion and Jack Ma of Internet retailer Alibaba Group was placed at No. 828 with a net worth of $1.2 billion.