ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
SourcingJan 26, 2017
To Start the Year, De Beers’ Sales Rise 32%
The diamond miner and marketer sold $720 million in rough at its first sales cycle of the year.
De Beers Group sold $720 million worth of rough diamonds in the first sales cycle of 2017, a 32 percent year-over-year increase.
Gaborone, Botswana--Rough diamond sales through Jan. 23 were up 32 percent year-over-year, De Beers Group said Tuesday.
In the first sales cycle of 2017, which includes both auction and sightholder sales, the diamond miner and marketer reported provisional sales of $720 million, compared with $545 million in the first sales cycle of 2016.
Commenting on the results, CEO Bruce Cleaver said demand was “good” across the majority of the company’s assortment of diamonds, also noting that the early part of the year is typically when rough demand is strongest. (In 2016, De Beers’ strongest sales cycle was the third; see chart below.)
Also contributing to the increased demand was the longer gap between the final sight of 2016 and the first sight of 2017.
In India, some diamond polishing operations reopened, which helped boost demand for smaller, lower-quality rough diamonds. Still, Cleaver said De Beers maintains a “cautious” outlook on the market, which is still trying to adjust to the government’s demonetization policy.
The policy banned the widely used 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in an effort to combat terrorism and corruption but has hurt India’s smaller and mid-sized diamond cutting companies, many of which deal in cash. Both De Beers and Alrosa noted the negative effects of the policy when reporting their year-end results in December.
In releasing its results for the first sales cycle of the year, De Beers also revised its provisional figure for the final sales cycle of 2016 upward, from $418 million to $422 million.
Here is the final chart of De Beers’ sales for 2016, plus the figure for the first sales cycle of this year.
2016
2017
First sales cycle
$545 million
$720 million (provisional)
Second
$617 million
Third
$666 million
Fourth
$636 million
Fifth
$564 million
Sixth
$528 million
Seventh
$639 million
Eighth
$494 million
Ninth
$476 million
Tenth
$422 million
De Beers’ strong start to the year follows the December report from Rapaport Group in which diamond dealers expressed optimism for the year ahead following a holiday season that was good for some--but not all--jewelers.
A number of independent retailers told National Jeweler they had their best Christmas in years while Signet Jewelers Ltd. struggled due to declining mall traffic and website troubles, and Tiffany & Co. said it took a hit because of Trump Tower.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
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.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
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.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
