SourcingFeb 02, 2021
De Beers’ 2020 Production Down 18%, Lowers ’21 ForecastSourcingFeb 25, 2021
De Beers’ 2020 Revenue Declines 27%
The diamond miner and marketer said COVID-19 had a “profound impact” on global diamond supply and demand.
Rough diamond sales declined 30 percent in dollars terms and 27 percent in volume terms for De Beers Group in 2020, as the pandemic impacted all points in the supply chain, halting retail sales, manufacturing and mining. (Photo courtesy of De Beers Group)
London—Sales and diamond production dropped sharply in 2020 for De Beers Group, as COVID-19 had a “profound impact” on global diamond supply and demand, the company said.
Total revenue fell 27 percent to $3.4 billion, compared with $4.6 billion in 2019.
Rough diamond sales declined 30 percent to $2.8 billion, compared with $4 billion in 2019, as demand decreased at the retail level and factories in India shuttered for health and safety reasons, forcing De Beers to be more flexible with its clients.
Rough diamond sales volume shrunk 27 percent to 21.4 million carats, compared with 29.2 million carats in 2019. The average realized price slipped 3 percent to $133 per carat, down from $137/carat in 2019.
As previously reported, production fell 18 percent to 25.1 million carats due to COVID-19 shutdowns at mines and the drop in consumer demand.
De Beers recorded an underlying loss of $102 million, compared with underlying earnings of $45 million in 2019. Rapaport noted this was the company’s first time in the red since 2009, in the immediate aftermath of the global financial crisis.
Related stories will be right here …
Total revenue fell 27 percent to $3.4 billion, compared with $4.6 billion in 2019.
Rough diamond sales declined 30 percent to $2.8 billion, compared with $4 billion in 2019, as demand decreased at the retail level and factories in India shuttered for health and safety reasons, forcing De Beers to be more flexible with its clients.
Rough diamond sales volume shrunk 27 percent to 21.4 million carats, compared with 29.2 million carats in 2019. The average realized price slipped 3 percent to $133 per carat, down from $137/carat in 2019.
As previously reported, production fell 18 percent to 25.1 million carats due to COVID-19 shutdowns at mines and the drop in consumer demand.
De Beers recorded an underlying loss of $102 million, compared with underlying earnings of $45 million in 2019. Rapaport noted this was the company’s first time in the red since 2009, in the immediate aftermath of the global financial crisis.
De Beers Group’s 2020 financials were released Thursday morning as part of parent company Anglo American’s preliminary full-year results.
Other highlights of the year for De Beers included the following:
— Work continued on the underground expansion of the Venetia mine in South Africa, as well as on Cut-9 at Jwaneng in Botswana;
— Namibia’s new off-shore diamond mining vessel, AMV3, remains on track for commissioning in 2022; it is the largest diamond recovery vessel ever built; and
— Construction was completed on the Lightbox lab-grown diamond facility in Oregon.
Looking ahead to 2021, De Beers said there is potential for a continued recovery in demand for rough diamonds amid “positive” demand trends in key markets and healthier inventory levels across the supply chain.
The company also said it expects consumer desire for natural diamonds to remain high in the mid- to long-term future, despite the pandemic and the increasing supply of lab-grown diamonds on the market.
De Beers noted that COVID-19 accelerated the transformation that was already underway in the jewelry industry—more efficient inventory management, increased online purchasing, and growing demand by consumers to know where products come from and how they impact the people who make them.
De Beers has set its 2021 production guidance at 32-34 million carats, subject to trading conditions, further COVID-19-related disruptions, and ongoing operational challenges, particularly around the restarting of the plant at the Orapa mine following the planned shutdown in November.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEOKimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ NecklaceAs a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
Weekly QuizMay 09, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury StoreThe company’s Easton location will remain open.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New ChairmanBrian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler ScholarshipThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate ScholarshipIt will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
