ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
SourcingMay 22, 2019
Alrosa, De Beers Note Muted Demand for Diamonds
Diamond sales for both are lagging behind last year due to a few factors.
De Beers’ latest round of rough diamond sales totaled $415 million, 25 percent below the same period last year, while Alrosa’s rough and polished April sales were down 21 percent year-over-year. (Photo credit: Alrosa)
New York—Diamond sales for both De Beers Group and Alrosa are lagging behind last year due to macroeconomic conditions and continuing issues with financing in India, the companies said.
De Beers announced Tuesday that in its fourth sales cycle of the year, sightholders and auction customers purchased $415 million in rough diamonds, a 25 percent drop from $554 million in the same period last year.
It is also a decline from the third sales cycle when rough diamond sales reached $581 million.
To date in 2019, De Beers’ rough diamond sales have totaled $1.99 billion, down from $2.31 billion in the same period last year.
CEO Bruce Cleaver pointed to the “backdrop of macroeconomic uncertainty” and noted that the industry is entering a seasonally slower period for rough diamond sales because factories in India will close for the standard summer break.
Here is a chart outlining De Beers’ sales so far in 2019.
2018 2019 First sales cycle $672 million $500 million Second $563 million $496 million Third $524 million $581 million Fourth $554 million $415 million (provisional) Fifth $581 million Sixth $533 million Seventh $503 million Eighth $482 million Ninth $442 million Tenth $544 million
Meanwhile, rival Alrosa reported last week that April sales of rough and polished diamonds totaled $318.7 million, down 21 percent from sales of $405.3 million in April of last year.
Rough diamond sales amounted to $315.8 million, compared with $396.2 million in April 2018, while polished sales declined more sharply, dropping from $9.1 million to $2.9 million.
Year-to-date, Alrosa has sold $1.32 billion in rough and polished diamonds, down 34 percent from $2.01 billion at this point last year.
Evgeny Agureev, the director of Alrosa’s United Sales Organization, called global demand for diamonds “somewhat weaker” so far this year, due to mid-stream Indian companies still struggling to access affordable financing and the inherent cyclicality of the market.
He said: “The company maintains a moderately positive outlook for the foreseeable future, expecting the market situation to improve in the second half of the year.”More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
