CollectionsMay 31, 2024
Piece of the Week: Francesca Villa’s ‘The Blink of an Eye’ PendantCouture attendees should stop by booth 410 to see Francesca Villa’s rendition of antique “lover’s eye” jewelry.
SourcingFeb 16, 2016
De Beers Sees 2015 Sales Drop 34 Percent
The diamond miner and marketer’s sales totaled $4.7 billion in 2015, down from $7.1 billion in 2014.
Lower rough diamond sales led to a 34 percent year-over-year decline in revenue for diamond miner and marketer De Beers.
London--Total revenue for De Beers fell by 34 percent last year, as decreased demand for diamond jewelry in the downstream market resulted in a drop in rough diamond sales at the top of the pipeline.
Parent company Anglo American reported Tuesday that the diamond miner and marketer’s sales totaled $4.7 billion in 2015, down from $7.1 billion in 2014. Driving the decline was a 36 percent year-over-year drop in rough diamond sales, partially offset by a 5 percent increase in the average price-per-carat for the diamonds it sold.
The 2015 average realized diamond price was $207 per carat, up from $198 a carat in 2014, which De Beers said “reflected a stronger product mix, despite an 8 percent lower average rough price index for the [year].”
De Beers’s rough price index declined by 15 percent between the fourth quarter 2014 and the fourth quarter 2015, as the company cut prices as the year wore on in response to a slowdown in demand worldwide and outcry from manufacturers, who found their margins squeezed.
As reported previously, De Beers also pulled back on production in 2015, mining 12 percent fewer carats than it did in 2014.
While rough diamond sales fell in 2015, De Beers said its diamond brand, Forevermark, recorded “double-digit sales growth” (the company did not provide exact figures) and is now available in 1,760 outlets worldwide, a 14 percent increase over 2015.
The company’s chain of jewelry stores, De Beers Diamond Jewellers, “maintained its focus on fast-growing markets” and has a total of 35 stores in 12 key markets. The stores see strong sales at the high end and among Chinese consumers worldwide.
In 2016, De Beers expects the United States to remain the main driver of growth in consumer demand for diamond jewelry.
Rough diamond demand will depend on consumer demand and the resultant levels of restocking required by retailers and, consequently, the midstream (manufacturers, cutters and polishers.)
While subject to trading conditions, 2016 diamond production is expected to be slightly lower or on par with 2015, at 26 to 28 million carats.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsMay 31, 2024
To Do in Las Vegas: What’s New in 2024National Jeweler rounded up five ways to spend the evening or treat your team.
FinancialsMay 31, 2024
Movado’s Q1 Sales Fall 6%The company attributed the decline to a “challenging” retail environment.
Brought to you by
The End of an Era? Lab-Grown Diamonds' Journey Towards Price StabilityAs the demand for lab-grown diamond jewelry may still be increasing, the most notable change we are likely to see is price stabilization.
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2024
14 Can’t-Miss JCK Talks Education Sessions From social media strategy to colored gemstone updates, these are a few of the sessions JCK Las Vegas goers should attend.
Weekly QuizMay 31, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMay 30, 2024
These Are the 2024 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s honorees include two multi-store independents and the CEO of the world’s largest diamond jewelry retailer.
Supplier BulletinMay 30, 2024
Is Your Jewelry Producer Committed to Sustainability and Ethicality?Sponsored by Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionGIA®’s most advanced microscope has new features to optimize greater precision and comfort.
CollectionsMay 29, 2024
Who’s New in Couture’s Design AtelierA springboard for more nascent jewelry designers and brands, the Design Atelier features 21 new faces this year.
TrendsMay 29, 2024
Bows, Snakes, and Tennis Bracelets: A Guide to What May Be Trending in VegasA recent jewelry trends report sheds light on what likely will be hot when the industry descends on the desert.
Events & AwardsMay 29, 2024
Couture Announces Education SessionsThe programming topics include gemology, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 29, 2024
Diamonds Do Good to Honor Beyoncé’s Stylist in Las VegasShiona Turini will receive the “Diamond Influence Award.”
ColumnistsMay 28, 2024
The Smart Lab: How to Effectively Navigate Jewelry Brand Requests Emmanuel Raheb outlines six ways retailers can make brand relationships smoother and more beneficial for both parties.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2024
BIJC Collective Returns to Las VegasThe Black in Jewelry Coalition will showcase four designers at JCK Las Vegas and JCK Luxury.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2024
Natural Diamond Council To Host Club in VegasAppointments can be made ahead of time for access to exclusive events.
TrendsMay 23, 2024
State of Jewelry Design: 3 Themes That Will Shape the Next 5 YearsColor, storytelling, and the use of nonconventional materials are the signatures of today’s most innovative and influential designers.
AuctionsMay 23, 2024
Sotheby’s to Offer Rare VCA Necklace, ‘Lavender Dream’ DiamondA tie necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels and a pinkish purple diamond are highlights of the upcoming New York jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 23, 2024
PGI to Debut New Platinum Alloy in Las VegasInoveo Platinum will be distributed exclusively by Stuller in the U.S.
MajorsMay 23, 2024
Gem-A CEO Alan Hart ResignsHe is stepping down in August after eight years as CEO.
SourcingMay 22, 2024
State of Colored Stones: Why the Market Is More Colorful Than EverAs prices of “The Big Three” skyrocket, supply dwindles, and focus on sustainability grows, an age of open-mindedness is dawning.
AuctionsMay 22, 2024
Christie’s Website Back Online, Announces Plans to Auction 10-Carat Pink DiamondThe fancy intense pink “The Eden Rose” is estimated to sell for up to $12 million at the New York “Magnificent Jewels” sale next month.
CollectionsMay 22, 2024
Pandora’s New Jewelry Collection Reimagines the EssentialsThe “Pandora Essence” collection brings a contemporary and sculptural feel to staples like gold hoops and pearl necklaces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2024
InStore ‘Cram Day’ To Focus on Lab-Grown Diamond EducationThe limited-seating learning event precedes its second annual trade show, which starts Aug. 11.
IndependentsMay 21, 2024
State of Retail: 4 Retail Design Trends for 2024From lighter color palettes to the integration of AR, experts offer inspiration for jewelers in need of an aesthetic refresh.
AuctionsMay 21, 2024
Dame Shirley Bassey’s Diamonds Are Ready for Their EncoreSotheby’s will auction jewelry belonging to the “Diamonds Are Forever” singer in Paris this October.
ColumnistsMay 21, 2024
Successful Vendor Relationships: A Win-Win ApproachSherry Smith shares tips for fostering successful vendor-retailer partnerships, from marketing investment to fast-seller replenishment.
IndependentsMay 21, 2024
Jennifer Herold Promoted to VP at IJOHerold has been with the organization for 22 years and will continue in her current role of conference director.
