It is located in Marin County, California.
De Beers, Alrosa Sales Both Pacing $1B+ Behind Last Year
The world’s two largest diamond miners reported a more than 30 percent drop in revenue in their most recent round of sales.
Gaborone, Botswana—The world’s two largest diamond mining companies both reported a more than 30 percent drop in revenue in their most recent round of sales, a sign the pipeline remains stuffed with goods amid weak polished sales.
In its eighth sales cycle of the year, De Beers Group sold $295 million in rough diamonds to sightholders and via its auction platform, down 39 percent from a year ago.
It is the sixth consecutive round in which the diamond miner and marketer’s sales have declined, and it is now more than $1 billion behind where it was at this point last year.
The company continues to allow sightholders to refuse goods, with CEO Bruce Cleaver noting in the statement on its most recent results: “As we approach what is traditionally a quieter time of year for the diamond industry during the Diwali holiday (Oct. 25-29), we have again offered our customers flexibility during this sales cycle.”
To date, 2019 sales have totaled $3.22 billion versus $4.41 billion at this point last year, a 27 percent drop.
Here’s a chart detailing De Beers’ rough diamond sales in 2018 vs. 2019.
Rival Alrosa’s sales slipped by almost exactly the same percentage.
In the second week of September, Alrosa reported rough and polished sales totaled $181.8 million in August, compared with $294.9 million in August 2018. That is a 38 percent drop.
In January-August 2019, sales totaled $2.16 billion, down from $3.32 billion in January-August 2018, a decline of 35 percent.
Avengy Agureev, who heads Alrosa’s sorting and sales arm, said in a company statement that the diamond industry is experiencing macroeconomic and industry-specific “headwinds” that are dampening demand in the midstream.
Among the headwinds battering natural diamond demand are a slowing world economy, the unrest in Hong Kong affecting sales there, competition from lab-grown diamonds and the changing tastes of younger consumers. According to the latest research from industry analyst Edahn Golan, U.S. stores are selling less bridal jewelry and more lower-priced fashion jewelry.
According to our research, American jewelry stores are selling less diamond bridal jewelry, while selling more lower-cost fashion diamond jewelry, reshaping the American jewelry retail landscape.#Diamonds #jewelry #bridal #engagementring #RetailAnalytics #afactforyourmonday pic.twitter.com/fUPIZH9Ro7
— Edahn Golan (@edahn) September 30, 2019
Yet, as the industry heads into what traditionally is the busiest time of year for U.S. retailers, Alrosa’s Agureev said he expects rough purchasing to pick up as the supply-demand ratio balances out.
“We are still expecting that after a significant decrease in rough diamond supply by major diamond producers since the beginning of the year, the excess stock in the system is decreasing. This will help to restore supply and demand balance, which should not take too long.”
The Latest
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.