禁止展出？美对准中国钻石又出“禁令”，网友讥笑：他们慌了

Core Viewpoint - The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has issued a ban on the exhibition of lab-grown diamonds, claiming it aims to "maintain market stability" and promote "natural beauty," which is seen as a reaction to the rapid growth of the lab-grown diamond industry in China [1][7]. Industry Summary - As of April 2024, lab-grown diamonds have surpassed natural diamonds in the U.S. retail market, accounting for over 56.8% of the market share, indicating a significant market shift [3]. - The price of a 1-carat lab-grown diamond with D color, VVS clarity, and 3EX cut is approximately 8,000 yuan, making it difficult for the traditional diamond narrative based on scarcity to sustain itself [3]. - The primary source of this lab-grown diamond boom is Zhecheng, Henan, which produces 6 million carats annually, representing 44% of global capacity [3]. - Zheguang diamonds, produced using high-temperature high-pressure (HTHP) technology, have achieved mass production of D color diamonds, and the introduction of "commemorative diamonds" has further integrated emotional significance into the product [3][5]. - The first month of sales for commemorative diamonds on platforms like JD and Taobao exceeded one million yuan, with custom orders of diamonds over 5 carats making up 70% of sales [3]. Competitive Advantage - Zheguang diamonds have gained international certifications (GIA, IGI) and possess chemical and optical properties indistinguishable from natural diamonds, with a clarity rating of D color [5]. - The production process has a 37% lower electricity consumption compared to traditional methods, and the price of a 1-carat lab-grown diamond is only 5% to 10% of that of a natural diamond [5]. - The incorporation of traditional Chinese design elements into the diamonds has shifted the perception of diamonds from a Western aesthetic symbol to a more culturally inclusive product [5]. Market Impact - The price index for natural diamonds is projected to drop significantly by 34% in 2024, forcing De Beers to reduce its mining output to the lowest levels of the century [5][7]. - The AGTA's ban highlights the dilemma faced by traditional diamond companies, as they struggle to maintain their premium pricing in light of the FTC's recognition of lab-grown diamonds as "real diamonds" since 2018 [7]. - The ban may backfire, as retail sales of lab-grown diamonds are expected to increase by 43% in 2024, while traditional diamond companies face debt crises and bankruptcies [7].