Core Insights - The announcement by Henan Power Diamond Co., Ltd. regarding the successful cultivation of a 156.47-carat diamond marks a significant achievement in the artificial diamond industry, setting a new world record for the largest single crystal diamond cultivated using high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) methods [2] - The rapid development of the artificial diamond industry is attributed to advancements in HPHT and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technologies, which allow for the creation of diamonds that are nearly identical to natural ones in terms of physical and chemical properties [2] - The artificial diamond market is gaining recognition among consumers and jewelry brands due to lower prices, enhanced environmental sustainability, and greater supply chain transparency [2] Industry Overview - Henan Province, particularly the city of Shangqiu, is a major production base for artificial diamonds in China, benefiting from policy support and industrial cluster effects [4] - In 2023, the production of artificial diamonds in Henan reached 19 billion carats, representing a 19% year-on-year increase, with the province accounting for approximately 80% of the national output of synthetic diamonds [4] - Henan is also the leading province in China for artificial diamond exports, with the export value in 2023 constituting 63% of the national total [6] Competitive Advantage - The "Henan model" emphasizes full control over the entire industrial chain, from raw material supply to production and trade, creating a closed-loop system [7] - For instance, Power Diamond's single six-sided press machine has an annual output value exceeding 2 million yuan, with a utilization rate of 95%, significantly higher than the industry average [7] - This scale of production enables Henan enterprises to maintain profit margins during price competition while continuously investing in research and development [7] Challenges and Opportunities - Despite its dominant position in the global artificial diamond market, the industry faces challenges such as insufficient development of the downstream consumer market and shortcomings in midstream processing technology [7] - Experts suggest that unlocking the potential of the cultivated diamond industry relies on enhancing downstream demand and strengthening midstream capabilities, particularly in cutting and polishing technology [7]