Gold Boom Meets Holiday Bling

Market Trends & Commodity Prices - Average ticket price increased by 15%, driven by a 50% rise in underlying commodity costs over the last year [1] - Silver and platinum prices have increased by 70% in the last year [1] - Natural diamond prices are down roughly 45% from their peak in March 2022 [7] - Gold has appreciated by 11% per annum over the last ten years [3] Lab-Grown Diamonds - Lab-grown diamonds are driving down the price of natural diamonds [2][6] - Approximately 60% of engagement rings sold in the U S this quarter will have a lab-grown center, compared to 2% in 2018 [8] - Industry anticipates 80% adoption of lab-grown diamonds in the next ten years [9] - On the diamond side, 60% plus is lab-grown, 40% is natural [10] Consumer Behavior & Sales - Jewelry industry is up over 10% this year, outperforming other luxury categories [13] - Current sales are up over 30% [12] - 75% of colored gemstone sales are natural, while 25% are lab-grown [10] - Customers prefer perfect diamonds but unique imperfections in colored gemstones [11] Gold Market Dynamics - Central banks are buying roughly 25% of the gold that's out there [5] - Financial investors are a significant part of the gold market [5] - Political and economic uncertainty are driving demand for gold [3]