Grading

A Diamond ETF is the Way to Reinvigorate Natural Diamond Sales

Brought to you by

A Diamond ETF is the Way to Reinvigorate Natural Diamond Sales

The jewelry industry faces challenges from lab-grown diamonds. A diamond ETF can restore natural diamonds' value and drive investor demand.

national-jeweler_top-image_2.png

Brought To You By Diamond Standard 


To turn around consumer demand for natural diamonds, ask your vendors to support a diamond ETF with excess inventory.

The fine jewelry community is facing a critical challenge.  The spread of cheap lab-grown diamonds is undermining the value and reputation of natural diamonds, confusing consumers who mistakenly assume that lab-grown diamonds are equivalent—just cheaper, and perhaps more ethical.  The truth is that lab-grown is not luxury.  They are infinite in quantity and lack economic substance.  Lab-grown diamonds mimic a precious natural resource and destroy its prestige—and will do the same to your business.   The deception threatens millions of jobs and the value of every natural diamond already owned by consumers.

To support jewelry retailers and consumers, mines and vendors must urgently collaborate to differentiate natural diamonds from lab-grown, to restore their value and regenerate demand.  Many propose to increase natural diamond advertising, without identifying a source of funding.  But category marketing could easily backfire in this new age of social media backlash.

article_page_1@2x.png


There is a clear path forward: a diamond exchange traded fund (ETF) will establish natural diamonds as an investment grade asset.  Only real facts, as opposed to manipulative marketing, can rebuild consumer confidence and support a long term interest in diamonds.  Just as gold and silver ETFs increased investor participation and supported the value of those metals, a diamond ETF will have a similar effect, benefiting retailers and the industry.

Diamond Standard has approval to file a diamond ETF, as reported in the WSJ.  Only one ingredient is needed—the initial assets to meet listing requirements.  To raise the assets, Diamond Standard is purchasing excess inventory from manufacturers, mines and dealers, paying with ETF shares that they can later sell when prices improve.

Driving Retail Revenue
A diamond ETF will provide retailers with a powerful unique selling proposition— natural diamonds are a suitable investment, whether in a listed fund or in jewelry.  Only natural diamonds have long-term value and are likely to appreciate.  Consistently rising prices will incentivize sales and benefit all.

Retailers: Take Action Today
Jewelry retailers play a vital role in making this happen.  I encourage you to contact your largest diamond vendors and urge them to support the ETF by investing excess inventory.  Their participation will stabilize the market by reducing inventory levels, and benefit retailers by reinvigorating natural diamond jewelry as a desirable luxury good, and inherently valuable asset.

Together, we can protect and strengthen the future of natural diamonds. Thousands of investors, family offices and funds own Diamond Standard commodities, which are approved for CFTC regulated futures and now an ETF.  See Wall Street Journal (2) (3), Financial Times, CNBC, Bloomberg (2) (3), Forbes and more.

To learn more about Diamond Standard, please visit https://diamondstandard.co

To learn more about (or sell to) the ETF, please visit https://diamondstandard.co/ETF

The Latest

Anne Hathaway and Rose Byrne
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After Another

Natalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.

Tag Heuer CEO Béatrice Goasglas
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEO

Béatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.

Ben Bridge Jeweler Honolulu boutique
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu Boutique

The store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.

TopImageCrop.jpg
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.

Bonhams fine jewelry Paris
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.

Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Silvia Furmanovich Horse Mane Earrings, Cece Jewellery Underworld Triptych Necklace, Almasika Invictus Flower Brooch
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry Design

Our Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.

Vera Wang
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch Collection

The 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Andrea Pooler
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.

24 Karat Club banquet
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf Astoria

The reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.

Zoë Kravitz in Jessica McCormack’s Planetary Necklace
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.

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.

David Berdugo
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.

Woman working at bruting machine, seal at new Grandview Klein factory in South Africa
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa

The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.

MJSA Education Foundation logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications Open

The MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.

26.36 carat round brilliant cut
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.

Cast Compass pendant
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.

Pyrrha The Space Between Campaign
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New Collection

The collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.

Charles London, Mayer and Fran Udell, Mark and Candy Udell
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100

In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.

Virginia jewelers at charity ball
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s Hospital

The group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

Stack of gold bangles on denim
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.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More Stores

The retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.

Julianne Moore
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as Ambassador

The award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.

Sorellina Large Bloom Inlay Pendant
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New Collection

The “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.

Constellations Over the Sedona
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation Auction

The unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.

Jake Gyllenhaal as Bulgari Brand Ambassador
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest Ambassador

Bulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.

TJS scholarship winners 2026
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners

Awards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.

×

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