Total diamond jewellery demand from the U.S. consumers increased 4.4 per cent in 2016 to exceed US$40 billion for the first time, according to industry insight data published today by De Beers Group.
While the slower U.S. GDP growth in the first quarter of 2017 is likely to have impacted diamond jewellery demand in the short term, the U.S. has recorded five years of consecutive demand growth. The U.S. consumers now account for roughly half of all diamond jewellery purchases globally – a level not seen since before the financial crisis.
Although bridal diamond jewellery continues to be the foundation of demand in the U.S., more frequent acquisitions and a higher value of spend from single women helped drive demand. Meanwhile, self-purchase trends increased among both single and married women.
Fifty-seven per cent of self-purchased diamond jewellery is acquired by married women, while a third is from Millennials. Retailers also reported high levels of consumer interest for multi-diamond pieces.
The data showed that consumers are spending more per piece on diamond jewellery, with retailers reporting an increase in the US$1,000 to US$4,999 category.
Globally, demand for diamond jewellery in 2016 increased marginally in US dollars (at actual exchange rates) to US$80 billion, with demand growth from the U.S. offsetting a contraction in India.
Further marginal global growth in diamond jewellery demand (in US dollar terms) is likely in 2017.
Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said: “American consumers continue to express strong desire for diamonds, but their purchasing habits are changing rapidly. While bridal diamond jewellery remains fundamental, we are seeing both single and married women buying for themselves more frequently and more purchases being made online. Meanwhile, products such as multi-diamond jewellery are becoming more popular.
“However, while the U.S. demand drove global growth in 2016, it is increasing demand from emerging markets that is behind the last five years being the strongest on record. Despite some markets facing challenging conditions last year, we see this trend continuing, with improvements in demand from China and India, in particular, emerging in 2017.”
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