Sourcing

De Beers, Signet Lean Into Finding ‘The One’ in New Natural Diamond Campaign

SourcingOct 23, 2024

De Beers, Signet Lean Into Finding ‘The One’ in New Natural Diamond Campaign

Aimed at a generation that emphasizes self-care and mental health, “Worth the Wait” breaks new ground in the world of diamond advertising.

Still from Worth the Wait natural diamond marketing campaign
“Worth the Wait,” the new campaign marketing natural diamonds, features real-life couples and emphasizes the journey that goes into finding “the one,” likening it to the time and pressure it takes to form a natural diamond. The digitally focused campaign will run on streaming services like Hulu and Peacock, and across social media. (Image credit: Arnold Worldwide)
New York—Last week, De Beers Group and Signet Jewelers debuted the new marketing campaign they teased earlier in the year designed to encourage younger consumers to get engaged with natural diamonds.

“Worth the Wait” eschews the well-known “A Diamond Is Forever” tagline in favor of emphasizing the emotional work that goes into feeling worthy of love and bringing the “best version of ourselves” into a committed relationship.

The 90-second, long-form cut of the campaign’s commercial employs natural diamond metaphors—pressure, fire, Earth—throughout, but diamond jewelry doesn’t play a starring role until more than a minute in.

In the meantime, people cry, break down, break up, and see a therapist.

It’s a departure from traditional diamond advertising, which skipped over the work it takes to find “the one” in favor of emphasizing the happy ending.

Watch: The 90-Second Version of the “Worth the Wait” Commercial 

In an interview with National Jeweler, Signet Jewelers Group President and Chief Consumer Officer Jamie Singleton and De Beers Brands CEO Sandrine Conseiller spoke about the process of crafting “Worth the Wait.”

The campaign, they said, is aimed at soon-to-be-engaged 25 to 30 year olds, also known as “zillennials,” because they are the bridge between two generations. They are the youngest millennials and the oldest members of Generation Z. 

“We did a tremendous amount of consumer research and consumer testing for relevance,” Singleton said. “We really wanted to speak to the couples and about what mattered in the relationship.” 

What they discovered, she said, is that 25- to 30-year-old consumers value self-worth, self-care, and self-improvement. They want to bring the best version of themselves into a relationship.

Conseiller noted that while members of older generations were focused on the idea of “everlasting love” being central to who they are as a person, younger generations view their personal growth and development as being the core of their identity.

This interest in the time-consuming journey of forging their individual identities gave De Beers and Signet an opening to emphasize the traits that differentiate natural diamonds from lab-grown ones.

Worth the Wait natural diamond marketing campaign
Another still from “Worth the Wait.” Signet and De Beers executives said they created the campaign after doing extensive consumer research and testing among 25 to 30 year olds, a target demographic for engagement rings.


Natural diamonds take time to form and are unique, Conseiller said, noting that most people don’t know these gemstones can be more than 3 billion years old. 

“It’s the oldest thing you can ever possess,” she said. 

This is in contrast to lab-grown diamonds, which are much younger and produced in mass, she said, a point that’s made at the end of the 90-second spot without ever mentioning the words “lab grown.”  

“The diamond you chose should match your journey, match the patience you took to find each other, and match the resilience that formed the essence of your cores. 

“And that is a natural diamond, because just like your journey, a natural diamond is ... worth the wait,” the commercial concludes.

 Related stories will be right here … 

“Worth the Wait” features a total of seven couples, all of whom are together in real life; they are not actors who were paired together for the shoot. (The dog is also a real-life pet.) 

In addition to the 90-second commercial, there are two 30-second and two 15-second versions.

They will air on streaming services like Hulu, Peacock, and Roku, and across social media platforms including Instagram and Pinterest. The commercials will not air on traditional (linear) TV.

The videos also will run on screens in Kay Jewelers, Jared, and Zales stores, as well as on the Signet banners’ websites and digital storefronts.

In addition, De Beers and Signet said the retailer’s approximately 20,000 sales associates have undergone months of “intensive training” about the unique features of natural diamonds.

Kay Jewelers Milestones Natural Diamond Collection
Kay Jewelers’ new “Milestones Natural Diamond Collection” is one of the collections Signet is releasing in conjunction with “Worth the Wait.” The rings, earrings, and necklaces in the collection are offered in 10- or 14-karat white or yellow gold and are all set with natural diamonds. Prices range from $500 to $8,800.


When asked if Signet and De Beers plan to employ influencers to help spread the “Worth the Wait” message, Conseiller said not yet, but added, “We see this campaign living for a long period of time.

“What you will see is it develop and evolve going forward.”

In conjunction with the campaign, Signet is releasing “beacon-type” jewelry collections, meaning they are reminiscent of De Beers’ beacon programs of the past—the right-hand ring, the three-stone ring, etc.—but are exclusive to Signet-owned retailers and not available for the entire industry to embrace.

Kay Jewelers launched the “Milestones Natural Diamond Collection” last month. 

Later this month, Jared is set to debut “Unspoken,” a collection of natural diamond pendants, earrings, rings, and bracelets set in high-polish white or yellow gold.

The Latest

Boulle family in hard hats
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas Flagship

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

G Shock Coca Cola
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired Watch

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

Buddha Mama earrings
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are Trending

Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

16th century flower cluster hogback diamond ring
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in London

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Chouette Designs Margaux Ring
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of Love

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

CBG logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix Show

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

PG-05-SHOT-2-LUCIDA.033 1.png
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in Vegas

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

A selection of animal jewelry
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

Marie-Laure Cérède
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation Studio

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

Smiling Rocks booth at JCK Las Vegas 2026
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Azure blue diamond and 5.04-carat fancy vivid blue diamond
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’s

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

Saks Fifth Avenue New York City storefront
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for Reorganization

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

Jalen Javon Davis and Leslie La Vun Jones II
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store Robbery

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

Sylvie Levine wearing engagement ring
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s Ring

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

De Beers Group CEO Al Cook
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

Russ Whitehouse
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse Retires

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

Pride in the Industry LGBTQ+ Voices in Jewelry panel
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry Voices

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

Marie Lichtenberg Smash Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, Literally

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

Katherine Whitacre
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for Southeast

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

Collage of new Stuller items
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine Jewelry

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

De Beers Group’s Sally Morrison
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Lauren K Gemma pendant
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone Trio

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

Overnight Mountings Ring Builder Platform
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder Platform

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 Years

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

Stock image of a person shopping at the grocery store
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

Rebel Jewelry Tunnel Charm
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride Month

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy