SourcingJan 26, 2022
Diamond Sales Surged 49% for Alrosa in 2021SourcingFeb 01, 2022
In Response to Demand, De Beers Ramps Up Production
Fourth-quarter production was up 15 percent year-over-year, with the full-year total topping 32 million carats.
A shot of the entrance to the Jwaneng mine in Botswana, one of the major contributors to De Beers’ Q4 production uptick. The company mined 7.7 million carats of diamonds, up from 6.7 million in the prior-year period.
London—De Beers Group ramped up production in the fourth quarter in order to meet continued consumer demand for diamond jewelry.
The diamond miner and marketer reported late last week that Q4 2021 production was up 15 percent to 7.7 million carats, compared with 6.7 million carats in Q4 2020, principally from the Jwaneng mine in Botswana and its operations in Namibia.
Production in Botswana was up 23 percent to 5.2 million carats compared with 4.3 million carats in the prior-year period.
Namibia posted a 16 percent increase in production to 392,000 carats, while production in South Africa was flat at 1.29 million carats and production in Canada fell slightly (771,000 carats vs. 776,000 in Q4 2020).
For 2021, De Beers’ rough diamond production was up 29 percent to 32.3 million carats compared with 25.1 million carats in 2020, a year in which COVID-19 had a significant impact on mining operations.
South Africa recorded the largest increase for the year with production up 41 percent, while production rose 35 percent in Botswana and 1 percent in Namibia.
Production in Canada slipped 4 percent.
De Beers forecasts full-year production could increase slightly in 2022, with its current guidance set at 30 million-33 million carats.
Related stories will be right here …
The diamond miner and marketer reported late last week that Q4 2021 production was up 15 percent to 7.7 million carats, compared with 6.7 million carats in Q4 2020, principally from the Jwaneng mine in Botswana and its operations in Namibia.
Production in Botswana was up 23 percent to 5.2 million carats compared with 4.3 million carats in the prior-year period.
Namibia posted a 16 percent increase in production to 392,000 carats, while production in South Africa was flat at 1.29 million carats and production in Canada fell slightly (771,000 carats vs. 776,000 in Q4 2020).
For 2021, De Beers’ rough diamond production was up 29 percent to 32.3 million carats compared with 25.1 million carats in 2020, a year in which COVID-19 had a significant impact on mining operations.
South Africa recorded the largest increase for the year with production up 41 percent, while production rose 35 percent in Botswana and 1 percent in Namibia.
Production in Canada slipped 4 percent.
De Beers forecasts full-year production could increase slightly in 2022, with its current guidance set at 30 million-33 million carats.
As Alrosa noted in releasing its full-year 2021 results, strong demand for diamond jewelry continued in the United States over the holiday season.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales totaled 7.7 million carats from three sights in the fourth quarter compared with 6.9 million carats from two sights in the prior-year period.
The full-year consolidated average realized price for rough diamonds was up 10 percent to $146 per carat, compared with $133 per carats in 2020, primarily due to positive market sentiment, De Beers said.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
