SourcingAug 12, 2026
Eshed-Gemstar on the Painstaking Process of Cutting ‘The Legacy Emerald’The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.
SurveysDec 12, 2016
The 2016 Global Diamond Report Is Out
While diamond consumption globally is in a “moderation phase,” the overall outlook for the future is positive, the report says.
Antwerp--The Antwerp World Diamond Centre and consulting firm Bain & Company have released their sixth annual global diamond jewelry report.
Examining 2015 and early 2016, the report states that diamond consumption is in a “moderation phase” after growing from 2012 to 2014.
Demand is highest among U.S. consumers, and this was reflected in the improvement of same-store revenues from mainstream jewelry retailers in 2015 like Signet Jewelers Ltd., which owns and operates Kay Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry and Zales stores.
Worldwide, retail sales of diamond jewelry increased by 3 percent in 2015 at constant exchange rates, but declined by 2 percent in U.S. dollars. This is due in part to Chinese sales; mainland sales were strong but Hong Kong and Macao experienced a decline in tourist spending.
According to the report, rough diamond sales fell 24 percent in 2015 as suppliers reduced output to match decreased customer demand, increased inventory, and cut rough diamond prices.
Profit margins were some of the lowest in recent years as demand slowed and polished diamond prices decreased. This was coupled with high inventory levels, culminating in cutters and polishers unloading approximately $5 billion in inventory to improve liquidity.
After a difficult 2015, midstream operators restocked in the first half of 2016, and rough diamond sales grew by 20 percent.
This isn’t necessarily positive, however, the report notes, as retail demand must now increase to meet the supply.
In the first half of 2016, sales declined at major jewelry retailers--like Signet--indicating the midstream sector likely will be oversaturated.
Remarking on retail’s hottest topic--millennials--the global diamond jewelry report states that the generation totaled 900 million across India, China and the United States in 2015, with a total income of about $8 trillion. The report advised that the jewelry industry invest in appropriate marketing and brand building that is millennial targeted.
Overall, the outlook for the diamond market is good, with supply of rough diamonds expected to stay in sync with demand over the next three years.
The recent decrease in rough demand is expected to reverse, instead growing probably about 2 to 5 percent annually, with rough production expected to dwindle by about 1 to 2 percent through 2030. This should even out the supply-demand relationship, the report states.
A key factor in this, however, is the growth of the Chinese and Indian middle classes.
Threats to the industry include lab-grown diamonds, possible U.S. recessions,
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
and the trend of slowed consumption in China, the report states.
Also, the midstream category of diamond players should “secure access to financing and continue to improve its business model to sustain profitability amid potential price volatility.”
To read the entire 2016 Global Diamond Report, visit Bain.com.
Also, the midstream category of diamond players should “secure access to financing and continue to improve its business model to sustain profitability amid potential price volatility.”
To read the entire 2016 Global Diamond Report, visit Bain.com.
More on Surveys
The Latest
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap SchemeTwo suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Another Diamond Mine Poised to CloseFinsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Jewelry Store Employee Gets 20 Years to Life in Choking Death of BossMichel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.
Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsAug 12, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names New SVP of SalesLongtime industry executive Beth Miller has taken on the role.
AuctionsAug 11, 2026
Verdura Unicorn Brooch With Royal Connection Up for Auction The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsAug 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Selects Mattel Exec to Lead Zales, BanterJamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.
IndependentsAug 11, 2026
Polly’s Fine Jewelry Co-Owner Richard Moore Dies at 69Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen ZDuvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2026
NAJA Announces Lineup For 2026 Fall Virtual ConferenceThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built HimselfHonest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
QVC Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Names New Interim CEOQVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ CollectionThe brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
And IJO’s 2026 Vendor of the Year Is … Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue NileCloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of WorkforceEtsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars PendantThe “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
