De Beers’ Profit Drops in First Half
Production and total sale volumes were both flat from the year prior.
Despite that, revenue fell 21 percent to $2.8 billion from the previous year’s $3.6 billion. The decline comes amid months of weak customer demand, low average selling price, and increased expenses.
Average diamond price decreased 23 percent to $163 per carat from $213 per carat in 2022, due to the increase in lower-value diamonds sold in 2023.
Demand for rough was impacted by continuous macroeconomic headwinds and high levels of polished-diamond inventory in the midstream coming into 2023, according to the company.
The average rough diamond price index also decreased by 2 percent, reflecting softening in consumer demand for diamond jewelry and the previously mentioned build-up in rough diamond inventory.
Rough diamond production was fairly flat at 16.5 million carats, compared to last year’s first-half production at 16.9 million carats.
The first-half production numbers reflected strong performance in three of the countries where De Beers operates, Botswana, Namibia, and Canada, offset by reductions in South Africa due to the transition of the Venetia open pit.
In South Africa, production decreased by 59 percent to 1.2 million carats from 9 million carats in 2022.
The country’s only mine, the Venetia open pit, closed at the end of 2022. Workers continue to process lower-grade surface stockpiles as it transitions to underground operations, where De Beers said first production was recently achieved. The company said production will ramp up over the next few years.
De Beers began the process of taking Venetia underground in 2013, a $2 billion project expected to extend the life of the mine to 2046 and produce around 94 million carats.
The Venetia project, along with other continued life-extension projects, led to a capital expenditure increase of $302 million, up 21 percent from $250 million in June of last year, per the first-half report.
Diamond production in Botswana, which accounts for more than 75 percent of De Beers’ total production, was at 12.7 million carats, a 9 percent increase from the 11.7 million carats produced in 2022.
The increase was driven by planned treatment of higher-grade ore at the Orapa mine, De Beers said.
De Beers Group and the government of Botswana have also reached a new sales agreement in the years-long renegotiation of the agreement that expired at the end of 2020. Following numerous extensions of the current contract, the new agreement for the country’s rough diamond production now extends to 2033 while the mining licenses for Debswana, the mining company operated jointly by De Beers and the government, now extend to 2054.
In Namibia, production was up 21 percent to 1.2 million carats compared to 1 million carats in the first half of 2022. The increase was driven by continued output from the Benguela Gem, the new marine mining vessel that commenced production in March 2022. The company said the rise is also due in part to ongoing expansion of the mining area at the land operations.
Canadian production was up 9 percent to 1.4 million carats from 1.2 million carats in 2022 as the treatment of higher-grade ore offset planned plant maintenance, De Beers said.
Production guidance for the year remains 30 million to 33 million carats, down from the 34 million carats it mined in 2022.
In response to a general slowdown in demand, De Beers combined the auctions for its fifth and sixth sales cycles.
In the sixth sales cycle, rough diamond sales slid again from $456 million in the fifth sales cycle (revised from a preliminary $450 million estimate) to a provisional $410 million estimate.
The company also said it continues to focus on developing the brand in China. A lack of Chinese demand in the first half due to a wave of Covid-19 infections that impacted consumer behavior negatively affected De Beers’ H1 figures.
CEO Al Cook said that by third-cycle sales, the company was seeing “signs of recovery in consumer confidence following the relaxation of travel restrictions.”
Though short-term challenges remain, the company said consumer desire for natural diamonds will remain robust in key markets long-term, although supply of rough diamonds is expected to decline.
The company sees potential for stakeholders and retailers’ focus on the importance of diamond provenance to reinforce demand for rough diamonds.
De Beers announced last month that the Tracr™ blockchain platform, which tracks a diamond’s journey from the source, would open to diamond industry participants.
The company said the “immutable data” Tracr provides will underpin consumer confidence in natural diamonds and their provenance.
The Latest
The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.