Surveys

The 2016 Global Diamond Report Is Out

SurveysDec 12, 2016

The 2016 Global Diamond Report Is Out

While diamond consumption globally is in a “moderation phase,” the overall outlook for the future is positive, the report says.

Antwerp--The Antwerp World Diamond Centre and consulting firm Bain & Company have released their sixth annual global diamond jewelry report.

Examining 2015 and early 2016, the report states that diamond consumption is in a “moderation phase” after growing from 2012 to 2014.

Demand is highest among U.S. consumers, and this was reflected in the improvement of same-store revenues from mainstream jewelry retailers in 2015 like Signet Jewelers Ltd., which owns and operates Kay Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry and Zales stores.

Worldwide, retail sales of diamond jewelry increased by 3 percent in 2015 at constant exchange rates, but declined by 2 percent in U.S. dollars. This is due in part to Chinese sales; mainland sales were strong but Hong Kong and Macao experienced a decline in tourist spending.

According to the report, rough diamond sales fell 24 percent in 2015 as suppliers reduced output to match decreased customer demand, increased inventory, and cut rough diamond prices.

Profit margins were some of the lowest in recent years as demand slowed and polished diamond prices decreased. This was coupled with high inventory levels, culminating in cutters and polishers unloading approximately $5 billion in inventory to improve liquidity.

After a difficult 2015, midstream operators restocked in the first half of 2016, and rough diamond sales grew by 20 percent.

This isn’t necessarily positive, however, the report notes, as retail demand must now increase to meet the supply.

In the first half of 2016, sales declined at major jewelry retailers--like Signet--indicating the midstream sector likely will be oversaturated.

Remarking on retail’s hottest topic--millennials--the global diamond jewelry report states that the generation totaled 900 million across India, China and the United States in 2015, with a total income of about $8 trillion. The report advised that the jewelry industry invest in appropriate marketing and brand building that is millennial targeted.

Overall, the outlook for the diamond market is good, with supply of rough diamonds expected to stay in sync with demand over the next three years.

The recent decrease in rough demand is expected to reverse, instead growing probably about 2 to 5 percent annually, with rough production expected to dwindle by about 1 to 2 percent through 2030. This should even out the supply-demand relationship, the report states.

A key factor in this, however, is the growth of the Chinese and Indian middle classes.

Threats to the industry include lab-grown diamonds, possible U.S. recessions,

and the trend of slowed consumption in China, the report states.

Also, the midstream category of diamond players should “secure access to financing and continue to improve its business model to sustain profitability amid potential price volatility.”

To read the entire 2016 Global Diamond Report, visit Bain.com.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Nena Mensah and Sofia Carson at 2026 Actor Awards
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood Glamour

Diamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.

Rebecca Foerster
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual Luncheon

Foerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.

JFC facets 2026
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees

Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.

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.

Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, Luis Angel Alamo, of Joyeria Angelo’s in Chicago
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago

Chicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.

Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Ekapa mine
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing Workers

Owners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.

Savannah College of Art and Design Bench Jeweler
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and Design

A 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.

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.

Renato Cipullo Splendente R Stone Letter Pendant
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into Hardstones

The “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”

Lady Wardington and diamond clip brooch
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s Jewelry

The jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.

Rough diamonds from De Beers
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers Sale

The update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.

Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026

Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.

5 Star Jewelry Simi Valley California
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry Heist

Each received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.

Catherine (Cathy) Aulick’s GIA Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award Winning Necklace Design
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual Award

Catherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.

Diamond engagement rings by designer Lorraine West
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and Why

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

New Forevermark store in India
SourcingFeb 25, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s Future

Experts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.

Brilliant Earth Beverly Hills showroom
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills Store

Beth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”

My Next Question podcast with Marion Fasel and Natalie Francisco
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?

Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Breitling Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report Says

The Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.

Rahaminov Diamonds Matriarch Campaign
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its Matriarch

The campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.

Borsheims Rachel Bennett
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award Winner

Rachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already Imposed

After the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.

Sherry Smith, National Jeweler columnist and principal partner at The Retail Smiths
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail Smiths

The industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.

Yafa Signed Jewels Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace and Earrings
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in Miami

The vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.

Jin Lee Chrono24
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General Manager

Former Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.

Eddie Sakamoto
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72

Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.

NYCJAOS spring show 2026
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring Show

The April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.

×

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