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
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
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.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
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.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
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.
