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.

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.
The Latest

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.


Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.