从“恒久远”到“卖不动”：钻石行业经历了什么

Core Insights - The diamond market is experiencing a significant downturn, contrasting with the rising prices of gold jewelry, as diamond prices continue to decline globally despite a brief increase in early 2023 [1][4][10] - De Beers Group announced the closure of its lab-grown diamond brand Lightbox and is considering divesting its diamond business due to declining performance across key financial metrics [4][6] - Consumer preferences are shifting towards lab-grown diamonds, which are significantly cheaper and meet the demand for personalized products, undermining the traditional value narrative of natural diamonds [7][8][10] Market Trends - Global natural diamond prices have shown a year-on-year decline, with specific price indices reflecting decreases of up to 20% for larger carat sizes [3][6] - The lab-grown diamond market is growing rapidly, accounting for 20% of the global diamond jewelry sales, with prices being approximately one-twentieth of natural diamonds [8][10] - Traditional jewelry brands are adjusting their strategies, with some like Chow Tai Fook optimizing their store formats while others like DR are shifting focus away from the traditional "love binding" narrative [9][10] Consumer Behavior - There is a noticeable decline in the foot traffic and sales of diamond jewelry, with consumers becoming more pragmatic and value-conscious in their purchasing decisions [5][6] - The younger generation is increasingly favoring lab-grown diamonds for their affordability and aesthetic appeal, leading to a reevaluation of the emotional value traditionally associated with natural diamonds [7][8] - The wedding market, a core driver of diamond sales, is also under pressure due to declining marriage rates, further impacting diamond consumption [6][10] Industry Challenges - The diamond industry is facing a dual challenge from both the rise of lab-grown diamonds and changing consumer attitudes towards luxury and value [10] - Continuous price wars in the lab-grown diamond sector are affecting profit margins, with significant price reductions observed in recent years [10] - The need for a redefined value proposition in the diamond market is becoming increasingly urgent as consumer preferences evolve [10]