Headlines

Is This the Start of a Comeback for the Diamond Industry?

Published

9 years ago

February 12, 2016

INSTORE Staff

Smaller diamond producers have their doubts.

In the face of decreased worldwide demand for diamonds, Bloomberg explores the potential impact of recent big sales by the two world’s largest producers, De Beers and Alrosa PJSC, who consequently have the biggest influence over prices.

The article explains how both companies recently sold a combined $1 billion in diamonds, though the CEOs of two smaller diamond producers are expressing doubt that it portends good things to come. William Lamb, CEO of Lucara Diamond Corp., told Bloomberg that it will be “very difficult to maintain the current exuberance of the market.” In the same vein, Firestone Diamonds CEO Stuart Brown called January “a good start on that road to recovery” but cautioned: “Time will tell. You don’t get any prizes for being bullish in this industry.”

Earlier this year, De Beers slashed diamond prices in response to slowing demand in China, which led to a giant $540 million sale in January. Industry guru Martin Rapaport later advised De Beers to not overprice rough diamonds “that result in a sharp decline in diamond manufacturing, polished shortages and bullwhip effects that increase volatility and uncertainty.”

You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”