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
AuctionsMar 21, 2023
Marlene Dietrich’s Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Going Up for AuctionExpected to earn up to $4.5 million, the “Jarretière” bracelet is the star of Christie’s “The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” sale.
ColumnistsMar 21, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: Customer Retention Mindset—The New CRM With jewelry sales coming down from their pandemic highs, retailers need to do all they can to retain existing customers, Peter Smith says.
Events & AwardsMar 21, 2023
ASJRA’s May Conference Examines ‘Iconic’ Jewelry CompaniesJewelry historians, authors, and experts will explore the works of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman, Verdura, and more.
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your FingertipsDistinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
IndependentsMar 21, 2023
Borsheims Executive Jennifer Johnson RetiresJohnson joined the retailer in 1987, establishing its first human resources department.
Weekly QuizMar 17, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Recorded WebinarsMar 20, 2023
Watch: Lab Grown Diamonds: What's Now? What's New? What's Next?Supplier Spotlight Presented by IGI
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2023
Gem Awards Shine Spotlight on Design, Dedication, and FamilyThe industry gathered to celebrate those who elevate the jewelry and watch industries.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
CrimeMar 20, 2023
Jewelry Crime Reached Record Level in 2022, JSA SaysAt JSA’s annual luncheon, President John J. Kennedy said the organization recorded more than 2,000 cases last year.
CollectionsMar 20, 2023
A New Book on Chanel Is a High Jewelry Lover’s DreamIt highlights Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s lasting influence on modern design.
Recorded WebinarsMar 17, 2023
Watch: Lessons From GemsJewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi explores the qualities and accomplishments that make this year’s Gem Award nominees shine.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2023
JCK Industry Fund Announces Grant RecipientsHere’s what the nine chosen organizations plan to do with the funds.
TrendsMar 17, 2023
Piece of the Week: Anita Ko’s Award-Ready EarringsThe designer is nominated for a Gem Award for Jewelry Design.
FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Winter Weather, Declining Engagements Weigh on Signet’s Results The jewelry giant’s full-year sales were essentially flat, brought down by fourth-quarter declines.
FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Brilliant Earth Took a Record Number of Orders in 2022In its recent results, the company highlighted non-bridal jewelry sales and said its “inventory-light” showroom model may change.
Events & AwardsMar 16, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: Sparkling Gems See 15 fabulous pieces from the 2023 Gem Award for Jewelry Design nominees: Anita Ko, Kirsty Stone, and Ron Anderson and David Rees.
WatchesMar 16, 2023
Citizen’s New Eco-Drive Watches Run for a Full YearThe new Cal. E365 movement doubles the running time of the current Eco-Drive models.
Lab-GrownMar 15, 2023
India’s Lab-Grown Diamond Industry Is Growing UpThe mood is bullish as more companies get into the business despite the dramatic drop in lab-grown diamond prices.
Policies & IssuesMar 15, 2023
When Diamonds Replenish the EarthHari Krishna Exports and the Dholakia Foundation’s “Mission 100 Sarovar” aims to create 100 lakes to help revive an area of Gujarat.
TechnologyMar 15, 2023
Sarine’s New Website Schools Consumers on TraceabilityThe educational resource will highlight the positive impact diamonds can make on their journey from mine to market.
SourcingMar 15, 2023
Canada’s Ekati Diamond Mine to Get a New OwnerAustralian mining company Burgundy Diamond Mines announced plans to buy the mine in a deal valued at $136 million.
AuctionsMar 15, 2023
Antique Rings Discovered by Retirees Perform Well at AuctionA 17th-century gold seal ring and an 18th-century memento mori ring met or exceeded estimates at a recent Noonans auction.
Events & AwardsMar 15, 2023
JSA Announces Award RecipientsThey will be recognized at the organization’s annual luncheon this weekend in New York City.
ColumnistsMar 14, 2023
On Data: How Did Independent Jewelers Do in January and February? Sherry Smith breaks down the results so far this year, including which categories are the sales standouts and which are struggling.
MajorsMar 14, 2023
Dutch Historian Discovers Medieval JewelsThe 1,000-year-old find is now on display in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities.
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2023
GemGenève Is Gearing Up for Its Biggest Show YetMore than 200 exhibitors are scheduled for the May 11-14 event.
SourcingMar 14, 2023
Bonas Group’s Jimmy Gove Joins OpsydiaGove, who has more than a decade of experience in the diamond industry, is Opsydia’s new sales and marketing director.
