SourcingJan 04, 2022
2021 Diamond Sales Exceed Pre-Pandemic Levels for De Beers, Alrosa SourcingJan 26, 2022
Diamond Sales Surged 49% for Alrosa in 2021
Together, rough and polished sales topped $4 billion, fueled by consistent consumer demand for diamond jewelry.
Alrosa’s 2021 rough and polished diamond sales were up 49 percent year-over-year, reaching $4.17 billion. Diamond production was up 8 percent on the year, totaling 32.4 million carats. (Photo courtesy of Alrosa)
Moscow—Both sales and production rose for Alrosa in 2021, driven by continuing consumer demand for diamonds.
The mining company reported late last week that fourth-quarter sales of rough and polished diamonds amounted to $895 million ($844 million in rough and $51 million in polished), down 27 percent from $1.22 billion in the prior-year period.
Alrosa attributed the drop to being up against a strong Q4 2020—diamond sales picked up midway through 2020 after the initial COVID lockdowns eased—and some December sales shifting to January.
For the full year, sales were up 49 percent, topping $4 billon, including $3.98 billion in rough sales and $192 million in polished.
In volume terms, fourth-quarter diamonds sales were down 45 percent year-over-year to 9.4 million carats due the strength of Q4 2020 and Alrosa having “minimum levels” of rough diamond inventory available for sale.
Industry analyst Edahn Golan observed on social media that high demand coupled with lower-than-usual production resulted in Alrosa’s 2021 sales and inventories nearly aligning, which is “uncharacteristic” for the miner.
The mining company reported late last week that fourth-quarter sales of rough and polished diamonds amounted to $895 million ($844 million in rough and $51 million in polished), down 27 percent from $1.22 billion in the prior-year period.
Alrosa attributed the drop to being up against a strong Q4 2020—diamond sales picked up midway through 2020 after the initial COVID lockdowns eased—and some December sales shifting to January.
For the full year, sales were up 49 percent, topping $4 billon, including $3.98 billion in rough sales and $192 million in polished.
In volume terms, fourth-quarter diamonds sales were down 45 percent year-over-year to 9.4 million carats due the strength of Q4 2020 and Alrosa having “minimum levels” of rough diamond inventory available for sale.
Industry analyst Edahn Golan observed on social media that high demand coupled with lower-than-usual production resulted in Alrosa’s 2021 sales and inventories nearly aligning, which is “uncharacteristic” for the miner.
ALROSA tends to hold inventories that are double its sales. This allows it to build consistent assortments.
— Edahn Golan (@edahn) January 21, 2022
In 2021, ALROSA’s sales and inventories were near fully aligned. This is a result of a lower than usual production against very high demand. Very uncharacteristic. pic.twitter.com/luE5in2PCi
For the full year, diamond sales rose 42 percent to 45.5 million carats, including 1.4 million carats purchased at Gokhran auctions and 11.7 million carats from accumulated inventories. Gem-quality diamonds accounted for 67 percent of total sales, down from 72 percent and 69 percent in 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Revenue per-carat from gem-quality diamonds was $124/carat, up 36 percent year-over-year. For the full year, revenue per carat totaled $128, up 17 percent due to higher prices and changes in the sales mix.
Related stories will be right here …
Revenue per-carat from gem-quality diamonds was $124/carat, up 36 percent year-over-year. For the full year, revenue per carat totaled $128, up 17 percent due to higher prices and changes in the sales mix.
Alrosa’s diamond production rose too, both in the fourth quarter and on the year.
Fourth-quarter production was up 29 percent due to ore processing volume growth at Severalmaz and Aikhal, and a higher grade at the underground International diamond mine.
For the year, production was up 8 percent, reaching 32.4 million carats, due primarily to the V. Munskoye and Nyurba divisions.
Commenting on the market, Alrosa noted that consumer sentiment remained strong during the holiday season, with reports suggesting U.S. jewelers experienced their best holiday season in years.
Polished diamond prices rose in November and December on the back of stable orders from the United States while demand for rough diamonds is greater than the supply, which is a “boon” for rough prices, Alrosa said.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
