果然财经|天然钻石大降价，买钻戒便宜了吗？记者实探

Core Viewpoint - De Beers, the world's largest diamond producer, has lowered the prices of rough diamonds over 0.75 carats, reflecting a structural change in the diamond market driven by the rise of lab-grown diamonds and the impact of rising gold prices [2][3][10]. Group 1: Price Adjustments and Market Dynamics - De Beers' new pricing policy has led to a 10%-15% actual negotiation range, with a cumulative price drop of over 25% in rough diamond prices over two years due to supply-demand imbalances in the natural diamond market [3][13]. - Despite the price drop in rough diamonds, retail prices for natural diamond jewelry remain stable or have even increased due to rising gold prices, which have surged over 400% in the past decade [5][12]. - The price transmission from rough diamonds to retail is hindered by a multi-layered pricing mechanism in the diamond industry, where diamonds undergo several markups before reaching consumers [5][12]. Group 2: Rise of Lab-Grown Diamonds - The lab-grown diamond market is expanding rapidly, with retail prices dropping over 50% from peak levels, making them significantly more affordable compared to natural diamonds [6][9]. - Lab-grown diamonds are marketed as a cost-effective alternative, with prices for high-quality lab-grown diamonds being approximately 10 times lower than those of natural diamonds [6][8]. - The consumer demographic for lab-grown diamonds is primarily younger couples, who are increasingly drawn to their affordability and quality [8][9]. Group 3: Changing Consumer Perceptions - Recent cases of significant depreciation in the resale value of small carat natural diamonds have shattered the myth of diamonds as a long-term investment, leading consumers to prefer gold for its better value retention [10][12]. - The diamond industry's marketing strategies, which emphasize scarcity and long-term value, are losing effectiveness as younger consumers become more rational in their purchasing decisions [10][12]. - The market is witnessing a shift towards a dual-track system where natural diamonds focus on high-end luxury while lab-grown diamonds capture the mass market [13][14]. Group 4: Industry Challenges and Future Outlook - De Beers is facing inventory issues with over $2 billion in unsold diamonds, prompting price adjustments to alleviate financial pressure [13]. - The diamond market is undergoing profound changes due to technological advancements, shrinking consumer demand, and the increasing preference for gold as a reliable investment [13][14]. - The industry is expected to see a continued division where natural diamonds cater to high-end markets while lab-grown diamonds dominate everyday consumer segments [14].