CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
SourcingOct 04, 2019
De Beers, Alrosa Sales Both Pacing $1B+ Behind Last Year
The world’s two largest diamond miners reported a more than 30 percent drop in revenue in their most recent round of sales.
De Beers Group’s latest round of rough diamond sales fell 39 percent short of last year, while rival Alrosa’s August sales were down 38 percent year-over-year.
Gaborone, Botswana—The world’s two largest diamond mining companies both reported a more than 30 percent drop in revenue in their most recent round of sales, a sign the pipeline remains stuffed with goods amid weak polished sales.
In its eighth sales cycle of the year, De Beers Group sold $295 million in rough diamonds to sightholders and via its auction platform, down 39 percent from a year ago.
It is the sixth consecutive round in which the diamond miner and marketer’s sales have declined, and it is now more than $1 billion behind where it was at this point last year.
The company continues to allow sightholders to refuse goods, with CEO Bruce Cleaver noting in the statement on its most recent results: “As we approach what is traditionally a quieter time of year for the diamond industry during the Diwali holiday (Oct. 25-29), we have again offered our customers flexibility during this sales cycle.”
To date, 2019 sales have totaled $3.22 billion versus $4.41 billion at this point last year, a 27 percent drop.
Here’s a chart detailing De Beers’ rough diamond sales in 2018 vs. 2019.
Rival Alrosa’s sales slipped by almost exactly the same percentage.
In the second week of September, Alrosa reported rough and polished sales totaled $181.8 million in August, compared with $294.9 million in August 2018. That is a 38 percent drop.
In January-August 2019, sales totaled $2.16 billion, down from $3.32 billion in January-August 2018, a decline of 35 percent.
Avengy Agureev, who heads Alrosa’s sorting and sales arm, said in a company statement that the diamond industry is experiencing macroeconomic and industry-specific “headwinds” that are dampening demand in the midstream.
Among the headwinds battering natural diamond demand are a slowing world economy, the unrest in Hong Kong affecting sales there, competition from lab-grown diamonds and the changing tastes of younger consumers. According to the latest research from industry analyst Edahn Golan, U.S. stores are selling less bridal jewelry and more lower-priced fashion jewelry.
According to our research, American jewelry stores are selling less diamond bridal jewelry, while selling more lower-cost fashion diamond jewelry, reshaping the American jewelry retail landscape.#Diamonds #jewelry #bridal #engagementring #RetailAnalytics #afactforyourmonday pic.twitter.com/fUPIZH9Ro7
— Edahn Golan (@edahn) September 30, 2019
Yet, as the industry heads into what traditionally is the busiest time of year for U.S. retailers, Alrosa’s Agureev said he expects rough purchasing to pick up as the supply-demand ratio balances out.
“We are still expecting that after a significant decrease in rough diamond supply by major diamond producers since the beginning of the year, the excess stock in the system is decreasing. This will help to restore supply and demand balance, which should not take too long.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
