Core Insights - The article discusses the economic influence of Gen Z and millennials, highlighting their consumption trends and preferences, which are shifting the market dynamics [3][5][14] - It also emphasizes the current favorable conditions for home buyers, particularly in mid-October, as a prime time to purchase homes due to lower competition and better pricing [28][29][40] Group 1: Economic Influence of Gen Z and Millennials - Gen Z and millennials represent nearly 48% of the global population, making their consumption trends crucial for investors [5] - This demographic is increasingly focused on value-based shopping, favoring non-branded local brands over luxury items [6][10] - They are digital natives, engaging primarily in e-commerce and digital experiences rather than traditional retail [7][11] - Their investment preferences are shifting towards digital assets like bitcoin, contrasting with older generations' preference for gold [12][14] Group 2: Housing Market Trends - The week of October 12th to 18th is identified as the best time to buy a home, with more listings and less competition [28][29] - Buyers can expect to save approximately $15,000 compared to peak prices seen in the summer, which averaged around $440,000 [34] - The housing market is experiencing a seasonal slowdown, but lower mortgage rates are expected to stimulate activity in the fall [40][41] - Current mortgage rates are below 6.5%, providing additional relief for potential buyers [41][42]

Core Viewpoint - The natural diamond industry is at a historic turning point due to technological advancements, changing consumer demographics, and market dynamics [1][3][5] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Technological innovations, particularly in lab-grown diamonds, are exerting significant pressure on the natural diamond market by offering price advantages [3][5] - The revival of the gold market is intensifying competition against natural diamonds, with gold jewelry gaining market share in wedding and everyday consumption scenarios [3][5] - The natural diamond market is experiencing structural differentiation, with the high-end market showing resilience driven by high-net-worth individuals' demand for scarcity and emotional value [5][7] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - The generational shift in consumer behavior, particularly among Gen Z, emphasizes sustainability, personalization, and brand values, prompting the natural diamond industry to reassess its value proposition [3][5] - Increased price sensitivity among consumers is leading to cautious spending on non-essential items, resulting in a decline in retail prices for natural diamonds in China [5][7] Group 3: Industry Response - The natural diamond industry is responding to efficiency challenges through technological innovation, enhancing mining, processing, and marketing efficiencies to reduce costs and improve competitiveness [7] - Emotional storytelling is being leveraged to strengthen brand value, connecting more deeply with consumers through the cultural narratives and emotional significance of natural diamonds [7] - The industry is advocating for sustainable development to rebuild consumer trust and promote a more environmentally friendly and sustainable direction [7] Group 4: Future Outlook - The natural diamond industry will face a clash between the "myth of scarcity" and "consumer rationality" over the next three years, with dynamic adjustments in supply-demand relationships and pricing systems [7] - Large carat and high clarity diamonds are expected to maintain stable prices due to supply constraints, while smaller carat diamonds may experience price volatility influenced by market factors [7] - The industry must adapt to changing consumer demands and implement targeted marketing strategies to remain resilient and achieve sustainable growth in a volatile market [7]

Group 1 - De Beers announced the closure of its lab-grown diamond brand Lightbox, marking a strategic shift back to its core business of natural diamonds after entering the synthetic diamond market in 2018 [1][2] - The company previously launched Lightbox to counter the rising market share of lab-grown diamonds, pricing 1-carat synthetic diamonds at $800, which was only a quarter of the market price at that time [1] - The wholesale price of lab-grown diamonds has dropped over 60% in three years, with the current price of 1-carat synthetic diamonds falling below $200, which is more than 40% lower than Lightbox's retail price [1] Group 2 - De Beers CEO Al Cook stated that the value of lab-grown diamonds in the jewelry sector is declining, highlighting the growing distinction between these products and natural diamonds [2] - The strategic retreat occurs during a period of significant adjustment in the diamond industry, with the global rough diamond price index down 23% from its peak in 2022 due to weak consumer demand [2] - The parent company, Anglo American, has listed De Beers as a business to be divested as part of its asset optimization strategy, and exiting the lab-grown diamond market may enhance the attractiveness of De Beers for potential buyers [2]