Group 1: Market Trends - The average ticket price for jewelry has increased by 15%, while gold prices have risen by 50% and silver and platinum by 60% to 70% over the past year [1][2] - The jewelry industry overall has seen a growth of over 10% this year, with jewelry outperforming other luxury categories like handbags [12][13] - Central banks are currently purchasing approximately 25% of the gold available in the market, indicating strong demand from financial investors and jewelers [5] Group 2: Impact of Lab-Grown Diamonds - The price of natural diamonds has decreased by roughly 45% from their peak in March 2022, largely due to the rise of lab-grown diamonds [7] - Adoption of lab-grown diamonds has surged, with about 60% of engagement rings sold in the U.S. featuring a lab-grown center, up from just 2% in 2018 [8] - The market for lab-grown gemstones is expanding, with expectations that 80% adoption could be reached in the next ten years [9] Group 3: Consumer Preferences - Consumers are increasingly viewing gold as a hedge against economic uncertainty, which is expected to sustain its demand [3][4] - There is a notable difference in consumer preferences between diamonds and colored gemstones; while consumers prefer the perfection of lab-grown diamonds, they often favor the unique imperfections found in natural colored gemstones [10][11]