Group 1: Market Trends - De Beers Group has lowered diamond rough prices again after more than a year, influenced by a cooling luxury goods market and the rising popularity of lab-grown diamonds [1][3] - The auction held by De Beers saw significant price reductions for rough diamonds over 0.75 carats, although the exact reduction percentage remains unclear due to a change in pricing strategy [3] - The trend of declining diamond sales and prices has persisted for several years, with certified diamond prices dropping by 35% to 40% in the past year [7] Group 2: Price Comparisons - A diamond ring purchased for 10,000 yuan a decade ago is now valued at only 3,000 yuan, indicating a significant depreciation [7] - The price of lab-grown diamonds has decreased by over 50% from peak levels, with 1-carat lab-grown diamonds now priced at 3,500 yuan, significantly lower than natural diamonds [11] - In contrast, gold prices have surged over 400% in the same period, highlighting the stark difference in value retention between diamonds and gold [8] Group 3: Lab-Grown Diamonds - By 2025, lab-grown diamonds are expected to account for over 40% of the global diamond jewelry market, an increase of more than eight times since 2019 [10] - The production of lab-grown diamonds in China is projected to reach approximately 22 million carats in 2024, representing a 144.44% year-on-year increase and 63% of global output [13] - The retail prices of lab-grown diamonds are now significantly lower than those of natural diamonds, making them increasingly attractive to consumers, particularly younger buyers [15]