贬值99%！钻石跌穿底，黄金涨上天

Group 1 - The value of diamonds has significantly depreciated, with a reported 99% drop in resale value over the past decade, exemplified by a diamond ring purchased for 18,000 yuan now worth only 180 yuan [1][2] - In contrast, gold prices have surged over 400% during the same period, with the price per gram increasing from 290 yuan to 1,456 yuan, indicating a substantial investment return for gold compared to diamonds [1][2] - The diamond market has been experiencing a decline in both sales and prices, with certified diamond prices dropping by 35% to 40% in the past year, particularly affecting diamonds between 0.5 to 3 carats, which saw a 30% to 35% decrease in sales [1][2] Group 2 - De Beers, a major player in the diamond industry, has been forced to reduce prices significantly, with a 40% price drop on mainstream 2-4 carat diamonds since 2022, and an additional 10% reduction expected in early 2024 [2] - The company reported a loss of 1.3 billion yuan in the first half of the previous year and is facing a surplus of 14 billion yuan worth of unsold diamonds, indicating a severe imbalance between supply and demand [2] - The rise of synthetic diamonds, particularly from Henan, has contributed to the decline of natural diamond sales, with synthetic diamonds being produced at a fraction of the cost and accounting for 63% of global production by 2024 [2] Group 3 - The price of gold has reached historical highs, surpassing 4,800 USD per ounce, with a year-on-year increase of 80%, reflecting strong industrial demand and its role as a hedge against currency risks [3] - Domestic gold jewelry prices are approaching 1,500 yuan per gram, with significant increases noted among major brands, indicating a robust market for gold compared to the struggling diamond sector [3] - The overall demand for metals, including silver and copper, has surged, with silver prices increasing by 230% since early 2025, highlighting the industrial utility of these materials compared to diamonds [3] Group 4 - The decline of diamonds serves as a lesson in economics, illustrating that prices based on perceived value rather than intrinsic utility can collapse when demand wanes [4] - For businesses, reliance on brand narratives without real value creation can lead to price instability, while consumers are reminded that assets lacking cash flow or industrial use may ultimately be liabilities [5] - The market's ability to expose bubbles and elevate true scarcity reinforces the importance of genuine demand in determining asset value [5]