“抛弃”欧美？海内外富豪扎推冲向河南钻石，外媒：根本拦不住

Core Viewpoint - The rise of cultivated diamonds from Henan, China, is significantly impacting the global diamond market, challenging the dominance of De Beers and reshaping consumer perceptions of diamond value [1][3][8]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Henan's Zhecheng produces 6 million carats of cultivated diamonds annually, accounting for nearly half of global production [1]. - De Beers faces a crisis with a 60% drop in net profit for the fiscal year 2024 and $2 billion in inventory, leading to plans to split its diamond business [1][3]. - The cultivated diamond market in China has seen a retail market size growth from over 10 billion yuan three years ago to an expected 30 billion yuan this year, indicating substantial market potential [8]. Group 2: Consumer Trends - The price of cultivated diamonds is approximately 10% of that of natural diamonds, making them more accessible to consumers [3]. - Local brands like Zheguang have gained popularity, with a reported 400% increase in sales within a month due to consumer interest in large carat diamonds [3][5]. - The shift in consumer perception is evident as cultivated diamonds are increasingly viewed as legitimate alternatives to natural diamonds, supported by endorsements from high-profile brands like Pandora and Swarovski [8]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The emergence of cultivated diamonds is breaking the monopoly previously held by natural diamond suppliers, leading to a democratization of diamond ownership [8]. - The concept of "diamond freedom" is becoming ingrained in consumer culture, emphasizing quality, aesthetics, and affordability [8]. - The technological advancements in diamond cultivation are not only enhancing product quality but also challenging traditional notions of value based on scarcity [8].