146亿库存压垮西方钻石巨头！外媒：绝不向中国制造低头

Core Insights - The decline of De Beers, once a dominant force in the diamond industry, is evident as it faces unprecedented challenges, including a record inventory of $2 billion (approximately 14.6 billion RMB) of unsold rough diamonds, the highest since the 2008 financial crisis [1] - De Beers' attempt to shift all rough diamond sales to an auction model was met with resistance from 50 certified dealers, leading to a projected loss of $2.5 million in 2024, a 65% drop in profit compared to the previous year [1] - Major mines are reducing production, with a forecasted one-third cut in output by 2025, indicating that the decline of De Beers is far from over [1] Industry Disruption - The rise of Chinese technology, particularly in the small county of Zhecheng, is disrupting the global diamond industry with lab-grown diamonds that offer superior quality at lower prices, rapidly gaining popularity on e-commerce platforms [3] - Domestic brands like "Zheguang" are emerging, achieving monthly sales of millions, allowing consumers to purchase high-quality lab-grown diamonds at a fraction of the cost of natural diamonds [3] - The technological advantages of lab-grown diamonds are significant, with "Zheguang" achieving 95% of its diamonds at D-F color grades, surpassing the typical H-J grades of natural diamonds [4] Consumer Behavior Shift - Young consumers are increasingly opting for lab-grown diamonds, as evidenced by social media comparisons showcasing the superior appearance of these diamonds at lower prices [6] - De Beers' attempts to market its lab-grown diamond brand, Lightbox, as "affordable jewelry" have failed, with "Zheguang" selling similar products at much lower prices and achieving significantly higher sales [8] - The diamond industry is witnessing a shift in consumer preferences, with 60% of customers now choosing Chinese lab-grown diamonds, further eroding the market share of traditional natural diamonds [9] Market Dynamics - The diamond testing industry is adapting to the changing landscape, with reports now suggesting that natural diamonds should be liquidated quickly due to declining prices [9] - De Beers is facing operational challenges, including layoffs and protests from miners, as well as competition from local brands in various markets [8] - The expansion of lab-grown diamond production facilities in China signifies a robust growth trajectory for this sector, marking the decline of De Beers' long-standing market dominance [9]