Sourcing

De Beers’ Sixth-Cycle Sales Down 8% YOY

SourcingAug 15, 2018

De Beers’ Sixth-Cycle Sales Down 8% YOY

The diamond miner and marketer’s sightholder and auction sales totaled $530 million.

2017_De-Beers-kimberlite.jpg
A photo of kimberlite, the igneous rock that can contain diamond, from one of De Beers’ facilities. The diamond miner and marketer reported rough diamond sales of $530 million in its latest round of sales, an 8 percent drop from the same period last year.

Gaborone, Botswana—De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 8 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sightholder and auction sales.

Revenue for the sixth sales cycle of 2018 totaled $530 million, compared with $576 million the same period last year.

De Beers’ diamond revenue also declined when compared with the fifth sales cycle, with actual sales for that period reported at $581 million, a revision from the preliminary figure of $575 million given in July.

CEO Bruce Cleaver said sixth-cycle sales were in line with company expectations for the seasonally quieter summer period, when many who work in the industry’s midstream sector are on break.

Overall, De Beers’ 2018 sales are pacing slightly behind 2017, totaling $3.24 billion to date, compared with $3.51 billion at the same point last year.

Here is a chart showing the year-over-year comparison for De Beers’ rough diamond sales to date in 2018.

               2017   2018        First sales cycle                   $729 million                         $672 million           Second $553 million $563 million Third $586 million  $524 million Fourth $522 million $554 million  Fifth $541 million  $581 million Sixth $576 million $530 million (provisional)  Seventh $507 million Eighth $376 million Ninth $466 million Tenth $455 million
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 6827 and Rolex Lady Datejust ref. 6917
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data Shows

Five of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.

Daniel’s Jewelers storefront
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private Equity

The Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.

Brilliant Earth The Elizabeth Taylor Collection Campaign Imagery
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection

“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.

1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Dana Rebecca Alexa Jordyn Marquise Marge hoops
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day Diamonds

The artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.

Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jewelry display
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be Taking

JSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.

Header - One platform_ total protection_ seamless shipping (1).png
Supplier BulletinSep 24, 2026
Ship with Confidence with JM Shipping Solution

Sponsored by JM Shipping

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

8.03 carat natural fancy light blue diamond
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry Auction

The fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.

Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry by Amy Azzarito
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry

“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.

Lab-grown diamond tennis bracelets and rings from Kira Jewels
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry

KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Dana Rebecca Designs Tennis Bracelets Campaign Imagery
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, Personalization

This holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.

Paul’s Jewelers 7Cs Cafe
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7Cs

Paul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.

Kay Love All In campaign
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on Love

Part of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.

Jean Schlumberger’s Hedges and Flowers Necklace
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum

The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.

Pandora x Pat McGrath campaign image
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry Collab

The jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.

Texas Jewelers Association
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th Anniversary

The association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Back to School and Bling 2026
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event Returns

The jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.

Pandora and Foundrae medallions
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court Rules

A federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.

The Retail Smiths Peter Smith
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional Selling

People aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.

Constance Polamalu
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' List

The Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.

Photo collage of new GCAL by Sarine lab in Mumbai
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in Mumbai

The facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.

NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Autumn Edition Imagery
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn Edition

The four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.

Cartier Cheich watch in white gold
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M

Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.

Pamela Bernstein-Gulla and Elle Hill at the Wynn Las Vegas
MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to Retire

Bernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.

Bhindi Jewelers Glendale Store Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California Store

The relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.

Unheated Paraiba
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s

The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.

×

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