Not too long ago, I posted a question on Twitter, asking people what they thought was the average price of a diamond. Specifically, I wondered how much, in informed people’s opinion, was the average wholesale price per carat of polished diamonds. Just for fun, pick a figure before reading on, and keep it in mind. In response to my question, …
Insights Into the Diamond Industry - Page 12 of 13
Our latest insights, expert analysis and thinking on the topics that matter most in the diamond industry.
Sight Okay, Retail Not at All
De Beers finally got the message and lowered Sight prices. Retail sales were worse than previously stated and the future does not look bright.
Sightholders Begin New Contract Period Cautiously
On Monday, 84 Sightholders and two will begin attending the first Sight of the new contract period – but quite cautiously. The Sight is not expected to be very large, around $400 million, because Sightholders opted to start the contract by scheduling fewer goods for the upcoming Sight. Why Are Sightholders Acting Cautiously The first Sight of the 2015-2018 Global …
Jewelry Expenditure Rises amid Stunted Growth, Millennials Stepping Off the Plate
According to a new survey of the US consumer market, even though Americans increased fine jewelry and watch purchases in 2014, the rate of growth declined. This reaffirms other indicators that while 2014 was a year of growth, it was a stunted growth. According to the 2014 Mid-Year Consumer Expenditure Survey, in the period between July 2013 and June 2014, …
Rethinking the Diamond Model
Sometimes, connecting figures in ways in which they are not usually put together can highlight a great truth – a truth hiding in plain sight. Most people who follow the diamond industry already are familiar with the following figures. Yet what they disclose in this context is perhaps new and may require rethinking the diamond model.
“Less for More” Turns into “More for Less”
After the 2008 financial crash, a De Beers research study found that consumers continued to spend during the holiday season, but more cautiously. They bought fewer items, yet were willing to spend more per item – if it had long-lasting value. They called this trend “less for more,” and consumers were indeed willing to buy nice diamond jewelry items. The …
Refusals, Strops, Contracts and Conspiracies – A Rough Market Review
In a way, there were no surprises this past week, and that in itself should be a surprise. De Beers offered a large rough diamond supply to its clients – at slightly higher prices – and the market just could not digest it, leading to many refusals. Why did the miner offer so many goods in an overloaded market? Why …
The 2015 US State of the Jewelry Market Report
Discover one of the first in-depth analyses of the U.S. jewelry market, covering consumer buying habits, jewelry sales, Millennials’ spending patterns, retail market share, seasonal demand, and industry trends. Based on extensive market research, the report examines who buys jewelry, how much they spend, where they shop, and how purchasing behavior is reshaping the jewelry industry. A valuable resource for jewelers, diamond companies, manufacturers, retailers, investors, and market analysts seeking data-driven insights into the U.S. jewelry market.
What Do The Weak Hong Kong Shows Say About Our Future?
Weak attendance at the Hong Kong shows reflects more than a slow trade event. It offers a snapshot of how buyers are thinking, where demand is shifting, and why the second half of the year may prove challenging for the diamond industry.
Indian Diamond Companies Improve Cash Flow
Diamond manufacturers adjusted their operations to the current low and declining loose diamond prices and high rough diamond prices. In the backdrop are fixed overhead costs and costly financing, according to traders.