Sourcing

De Beers ‘encouraged’ by first sales of the year

SourcingFeb 01, 2016

De Beers ‘encouraged’ by first sales of the year

The diamond miner and marketer said rough diamond sales totaled $540 million in its first sales cycle of the  year, more than double the $248 million recorded at the end of 2015.

2016-De-Beers-rough-diamonds.jpg
After a dismal ending to 2015, De Beers saw its rough diamond sales increase 118 percent in the first sales cycle of the year. Seasonal demand in the U.S. helped push polished diamonds through the pipeline, stimulating demand for rough.

Gaborone, Botswana--Rough diamond sales have shown signs of recovery so far in 2016, figures released last week by De Beers show. 

Accounting for both sightholder and auction sales, De Beers reported that its rough diamond sales totaled $540 million in January. That is more than double the $248 million in sales recorded in the final sales cycle of 2015.

A “positive” holiday season in the United States, combined with the fact that manufacturers and polishers bought less rough in the fourth quarter and slowed manufacturing, helped to push some of the polished diamonds through the backed-up pipeline. This, in turn, meant more companies needed to buy rough during this first sales cycle of the year.

In a statement included in De Beers’ sales news release, CEO Philippe Mellier said he was “encouraged” by the results and noted that the company will “keep working closely with our customers to deliver sustainable improvements in the diamond industry in 2016,” a year in which there is expected to be volatility in the marketplace.

It is believed that this is the first time in its 128-year history that De Beers has disclosed rough diamond sales data on a cycle-by-cycle basis.

As Mellier noted in his speech during parent company Anglo American’s investor day in December, De Beers has started releasing the cycle-by-cycle sales figures so the market doesn’t “rely on rumors” when it comes to rough diamond prices.

When asked what rumors Mellier was addressing specifically in his speech, De Beers spokesman David Johnson said it was the reports in the trade press “speculating” on what they believed the company’s rough diamond sales to be, reports that could be “significantly different” from the actual results.

Rapaport (Diamonds.net) is one example of trade website that regularly published estimated figures on De Beers’ sightholder sales.

Mellier also said that the release of the cycle-by-cycle figures was part of an effort by De Beers to increase transparency, noting in his speech that “you (meaning Anglo American investors) have been asking a lot of questions about how we are doing and you wanted to understand a little bit more (about) our business.”

There are limits, however, to how much information De Beers is willing to disclose.

The figures released last week did not include year-over-year comparisons, and Johnson said Monday that De Beers will not break down the sales value by channel, i.e. sightholder sales vs. auction sales, because it does not want

to share information about its operations that could be beneficial to its competitors.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Angelina Conti of Conti Jewelers
IndependentsMar 29, 2024
Angelina Conti of Conti Jewelers Dies at 98

She is remembered by loved ones as a “guiding force” behind the store and an active presence in her community.

Emerald Slinkee Drops earrings
EditorsMar 29, 2024
Piece of the Week: Boochier’s ‘Slinkee Drops’ Earrings

The emerald earrings reference objects from designer Melinda Zeman’s childhood.

Future Fortune sapphire ring
TechnologyMar 28, 2024
Pinterest’s 2024 Wedding Report Is Out

The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

David Ettinger
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
David Ettinger of Bechdel Jewelers Dies at 69

He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.

Weekly QuizMar 28, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Jewelers of America logo
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
JA to Host Series of Learning Workshops

The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Madison Avenue NYC store
WatchesMar 28, 2024
Peek Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Revamped NYC Flagship

The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC)
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports

The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Instappraise logo NAJA logo
Events & AwardsMar 25, 2024
NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMar 21, 2024
Sparks Fly as Burglars Lose Safe on California Freeway

JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy