Core Viewpoint - The emergence of lab-grown diamonds is reshaping the traditional perception of diamond value, challenging the long-held belief that natural diamonds are inherently more valuable due to their scarcity [1][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The price of lab-grown diamonds has significantly decreased, with one-carat lab-grown diamond rings now priced around 4,000 yuan, which is only one-tenth of the price of equivalent natural diamonds [6][7]. - The retail price of lab-grown diamonds has dropped over 50% from its peak, with high-quality one-carat lab-grown diamonds now quoted between 1,800 and 3,500 yuan in the Shenzhen market [6][24]. - Several upstream manufacturers of lab-grown diamonds have announced price increases of 15% due to rising costs of equipment and raw materials, indicating a potential end to the low-price era for lab-grown diamonds [2][15][23]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Consumers are increasingly opting for lab-grown diamonds due to their affordability, with many choosing to invest the savings in other assets, such as gold [7][28]. - The shift towards lab-grown diamonds reflects a broader trend of "self-indulgent consumption" replacing "symbolic consumption," as consumers prioritize value and personal satisfaction over traditional notions of luxury [7][28]. Group 3: Future Applications - Lab-grown diamonds are gaining traction in high-end manufacturing, particularly in AI chip cooling applications, where their thermal conductivity is significantly superior to that of copper and aluminum [26]. - The global market for lab-grown diamond cooling materials is projected to grow from $0.37 billion in 2025 to $15.2 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate exceeding 150% [26][27]. Group 4: Industry Outlook - The lab-grown diamond market in China is currently valued at approximately 14 billion yuan, with expectations to exceed 102.5 billion yuan by 2030, reflecting strong investor confidence in the industry's future [27]. - The competitive landscape of the diamond industry is evolving, with major players like De Beers responding to the pressures from the lab-grown diamond market by adjusting their pricing strategies [13][24].
培育钻石价格大跳水,1克拉钻戒只要4000元,上游搭上AI芯片逆势涨价15%
21世纪经济报道·2026-03-18 12:39