价格崩了？18000元买的只能卖180元，“省下的钱能多买些黄金”；巨头宣布降价，记者走访济南多家珠宝店

Core Viewpoint - De Beers, the world's largest diamond producer, has lowered the prices of rough diamonds over 0.75 carats, but this price reduction has not yet reached the retail market, where prices for natural diamond jewelry remain stable or even increase due to rising gold prices [1][2][3]. Group 1: Price Dynamics - De Beers has adopted a unified pricing policy for rough diamonds, leading to a recognized actual negotiation range of 10%-15% for price reductions, with a cumulative drop of over 25% in rough diamond prices over two years [2][3]. - Despite the drop in rough diamond prices, retail prices for natural diamond jewelry have not decreased, with some prices increasing due to the rising cost of gold, which has surged over 400% in the past decade [2][3][7]. - The price transmission from rough diamonds to retail is hindered by a multi-layered pricing mechanism in the diamond industry, where diamonds pass through various stages of markup before reaching consumers [3][10]. Group 2: Market Trends - The cultivated diamond market is rapidly expanding, with retail prices dropping over 50% from peak levels, making them significantly more affordable compared to natural diamonds, which still command high prices [4][5][10]. - The core consumer group for cultivated diamonds is young couples, particularly those preparing for weddings, who are increasingly opting for these more cost-effective options [5][6]. - The market for cultivated diamonds is projected to grow significantly, with sales expected to account for over 40% of the global diamond jewelry market by 2025, reflecting a rapid increase in consumer acceptance [6][10]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - Recent cases of drastic declines in the resale value of small carat diamond rings have shattered the myth of diamonds as a long-term investment, leading consumers to prefer gold for its better value retention [7][8]. - The perception of diamonds as a luxury item is changing, with younger consumers becoming more rational and less influenced by traditional marketing narratives about diamond scarcity [8][10]. - The preference for gold jewelry over diamonds is growing, with many consumers prioritizing value for money in their purchases [10][11]. Group 4: Industry Transformation - The diamond market is undergoing a significant transformation driven by technological advancements, changing consumer demand, and the increasing appeal of gold as an alternative [10][11]. - De Beers is facing challenges, including a stockpile of over $20 billion in diamonds, prompting a need to adjust its business strategy [9][11]. - The industry is likely to solidify a dual-track structure, with natural diamonds focusing on high-end markets while cultivated diamonds capture the mass market [11].