NEWS | May 1 -15 Jewellery Recap

Here's your bitesize May 1 -15 Jewellery and Diamond News! The jewelry and diamond industry is buzzing with dynamic shifts in 2025. Richemont’s Cartier brand drives strong sales growth, while De Beers pivots away from lab-grown diamonds to focus on natural stones amid market challenges. Despite tariff uncertainties, diamond prices show resilience, especially for smaller stones. Innovation shines at JCK 2025, where digital tools and AI are reshaping retail and design. Sustainability and ethical sourcing remain top priorities, with growing consumer demand for transparency and eco-friendly luxury. Meanwhile, colored gemstones and the Asia-Pacific market are emerging as key growth areas.

1. Historic Uncertainty Impacts Diamond Market 

   (Rapaport, May 6, 2025)

   Diamond prices rose sharply in early April due to U.S. tariff announcements but stabilized after a 90-day tariff delay. The RapNet Diamond Index showed modest gains for 1-carat and smaller stones, driven by Indian demand and improved Chinese market conditions. Elevated U.S. inventories and slowed global trading reflect ongoing tariff negotiations between the U.S. and India, creating market uncertainty. https://rapaport.com/press-releases/historic-uncertainty-impacts-diamond-market/

   
   

2. De Beers to Shut Down Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery Brand Lightbox 

   (Reuters, May 8, 2025)

   De Beers announced it will discontinue its lab-grown diamond brand Lightbox due to weak prices and tariff uncertainties. The company will refocus on natural diamonds, which command higher prices. Discussions are underway to sell Lightbox’s assets. This marks a strategic shift as De Beers aims to optimize operations amid market challenges and potential ownership restructuring by Anglo American. https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/de-beers-shut-down-its-lab-grown-diamond-jewellery-brand-lightbox-2025-05-08/

   
   

3. Diamond Jewelry Market and Companies Analysis Report 2025-2030 

   (GlobeNewswire, May 13, 2025)

   The report highlights a growing shift toward lab-grown diamonds, strengthening the ethical and sustainable luxury market. Despite De Beers’ Lightbox closure, lab-grown diamonds continue to gain traction for their environmental benefits. The market is expected to evolve with consumer demand for sustainability influencing company strategies through 2030. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/05/13/3079817/0/en/Diamond-Jewelry-Market-and-Companies-Analysis-Report-2025-2030-Shift-Towards-Lab-Grown-Diamonds-Strengthens-the-Business-Case-for-Ethical-and-Sustainable-Luxury.html

   
   

4. Why JCK 2025 Las Vegas Is a Must-Attend for Retailers

   (Luxare, May 14, 2025)

   JCK 2025 in Las Vegas showcases digital transformation in jewelry retail, including POS systems, inventory tracking, and customer experience tools. The event offers networking, trend briefings, and workshops, helping retailers scale smartly and stay ahead of market trends. It is positioned as essential for those seeking innovation and meaningful industry connections. https://www.luxare.com/resource/why-jck-2025-las-vegas-is-a-must-attend-for-retailers

   
   

5. Richemont Sales Jump on Resilient Demand for Cartier Jewelry 

   (Bloomberg, May 16, 2025)

   Richemont SA reported a rise in full-year sales driven by strong demand for Cartier jewelry. The jewelry division, including Van Cleef & Arpels, saw an 8% sales increase at constant exchange rates, outperforming expectations. The most recent quarter showed an 11% revenue surge. Richemont’s resilience contrasts with competitors like LVMH amid a softening luxury market, highlighting Cartier’s enduring appeal. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-16/richemont-sales-rise-amid-resilient-demand-for-cartier-jewelry