Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
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
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
