Interesting diamond jewellery trends outlined in new report
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A new report published by the Natural Diamond Council was highlighted by an increase in engagement jewellery spending among consumers.
According to the report, the average spend reached $USD7,364 ($AUD10,450), reflecting a nine per cent year-on-year increase. Engagement rings, including loose diamonds and semi-mounts, accounted for 38 per cent of natural-diamond jewellery sales by volume. The report featured data provided by market analysis firm Tenoris, documenting more than four million transactions from 2,500 US-based jewellers. It assessed demand trends across cut, colour, clarity, carat weight, purchasing behaviour, and design influences. Round diamonds remained the most popular shape, accounting for 62 per cent of units sold, followed by oval shapes. The average centre diamond weighed 1.16 carats. The Natural Diamond Council anticipates that Gen Z will remain the fastest-increasing segment in 2026. This projection references a survey commissioned by the De Beers Group, which found that more than 40 per cent of women’s natural-diamond jewellery sales by value were self-purchases. “While many in the 30-46 bracket juggle the financial demands of family life, Generation Z looks set to remain the fastest-growing segment. Defined by the Pew Research Centre as those born between 1997 and 2012, these consumers are now around 29 at the oldest, while even the youngest will be adults by the end of the decade,” the report explained. “Generational patterns offer useful clues about emerging attitudes, as young adults often sit at the forefront of cultural and behavioural change. “But they are broad tendencies rather than rigid categories, and it’s important to avoid overstating or stereotyping how any one group buys. What is clear is that younger generations are leading the rise in individuals choosing to acquire diamonds for themselves.” Beyond the bridal category, tennis bracelets, wedding bands, and pendants experienced the highest unit increases. Bracelets led price increases, followed by rings, which accounted for 39 per cent of market share by volume. Necklaces also recorded a notable rise.
