The global diamond industry is showing signs of revival in 2025, following two years of sluggish demand. According to Susan Jacques, President and CEO of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the gem and jewellery sector faced significant headwinds after a brief boom in 2021, which was fueled by pandemic-era shifts in consumer spending and travel behavior.

While 2022 saw strong pricing and demand, a downturn took hold through 2023 and 2024. Now, a renewed sense of optimism is emerging. “The recovery was expected, and we’re beginning to see positive momentum return,” Jacques noted.

A key driver of this rebound is India, whose cultural affinity for diamonds continues to underpin strong consumer interest. Over the past two decades, India’s share of global diamond demand has surged from just 2% to nearly 11%, positioning it as the world’s second-largest market for natural diamonds—trailing only the United States, which remains dominant with around 55% of total sales.

Pritesh Patel, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at GIA, remarked that the US market has remained stable in early 2025, and industry stakeholders are optimistic about sustained demand. In India, he observed a notable shift: interest in diamonds is expanding well beyond major metropolitan areas.

“Tier-2 and tier-3 cities are now driving growth, alongside established hubs,” Patel said. He added that demand is strong across India’s southern, northern, and western regions, signaling a broad-based recovery in diamond jewellery purchases.

The global industry is cautiously optimistic as it navigates 2025, buoyed by emerging markets and a renewed appetite for luxury adornments.