DiamondBuzz
NDC’s LGD Report highlights price declines, soaring retailer margins, concerns over sustainability claims
The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has released a comprehensive report titled ‘Laboratory-Grown Diamond Facts’ shedding light on the current state of the laboratory-grown diamond (LGD) market, highlighting dramatic price declines, soaring retailer margins, and concerns over sustainability claims.
The report draws on data from leading industry analysts Edahn Golan and Paul Zimnisky and aims to equip consumers, retailers, and the media with transparent, fact-based insights to navigate a complex and fast-evolving category.
The report notes that the average price of a 1.5-carat LGD has plummeted 86%, from $10,750 in 2015 to $1,455 in 2025. Wholesale prices for 1ct VS1 F-G-H colour LGDs have fallen 95% since 2018, while retail prices have dropped 76%. Average retail margins have jumped from 85% in 2018 to over 500% today.

“Laboratory-grown diamonds are mass-produced in limitless quantities, but their sustainability claims often lack scrutiny,” said Natural Diamond Council’s CEO, David Kellie. “Our goal is to give consumers and other stakeholders a balanced picture that will inform more nuanced conversations and help consumers confidently make informed decisions.”
The report comes at a time when LGDs are increasingly positioned as eco-friendly alternatives to natural diamonds. However, the NDC cautions that such claims can be misleading, especially given the high energy and fossil-fuel dependence of many production facilities.
Adding to the growing distinction between natural and lab-grown diamonds, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently announced it will no longer use the 4Cs grading system for LGDs. Instead, the GIA will categorise LGDs broadly as “premium” or “standard”—or omit grading if quality is subpar—further underlining the need for clearer differentiation between the two products.
Kellie noted, “All too often, laboratory-grown diamonds are unfairly pitted against natural diamonds in comparisons that only leave consumers in the dark. Consumers deserve more. They need clear, honest information that will help them understand their choices. Without this clarity, the two different product categories natural and laboratory-grown diamonds will become obscured. This isn’t simply about pricing – it’s a wake-up call for greater clarity and integrity across all facets of the market.”
The NDC report also offers context on LGDs’ industrial origins, legal labelling requirements, and the role of certification bodies like GIA, IGI and GSI in ensuring proper disclosure
DiamondBuzz
De Beers Group Launches “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” Program at IIJS Bharat Signature to Revolutionize Natural Diamond Accessibility in India
De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company, marked a significant milestone in the Indian jewellery landscape with the official launch of the “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” program at IIJS Signature. The star-studded event featured actress Sonakshi Sinha, who joined Shweta Harit, Global Senior Vice President of De Beers Group and CEO of Forevermark, to unveil an initiative dedicated to making natural diamonds an integral part of daily life for the modern Indian consumer.



The “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” (Diamonds are for You) program is strategically designed to promote natural diamonds by raising awareness, boosting market visibility,and creating a seamless connection between retailers and consumers. With a focus on modern designs and attractive price points, the program also lets local retailers use De Beers Group campaigns as their own—second-piercing earrings, ‘Bestie’ bracelets, and ‘Intention’ pendants. It positions diamonds as a lifestyle choice for self-expression and daily wear.

Speaking at the launch, Shweta Harit, Global Senior Vice President of De Beers Group and CEO of Forevermark, detailed the evolution of the brand’s storytelling, stating, “De Beers Group has a rich legacy of creating iconic ritual campaigns that have shaped how the world perceives diamonds. With ‘Heera Hai Aapke Liye,’ program we are evolving that narrative for the Indian market to another level.
We are not just selling jewellery, we are making natural diamonds more accessible and desirable in India. Our goal is to empower retailers through INDRA (Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance) to ensure that every ‘First Diamond’ journey is as credible as it is beautiful.”

Speaking on the occasion, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said, “IIJS has always been a powerful platform for shaping the future of India’s gem and jewellery industry, and the launch of ‘Heera Hai Aapke Liye’ at IIJS Signature reinforces that role. GJEPC is proud to partner with De Beers Group on the INDRA (Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance) project, which is a critical step towards strengthening domestic demand for natural diamonds.
By empowering retailers, enhancing consumer confidence, and expanding access across metros and Tier 2 markets, this initiative aligns perfectly with our vision to grow the natural diamond category sustainably within India.”
The program ‘Heera Hai Aapke Liye’, rests on few strategic pillars aimed at industry growth and scalability:
- Stocking & New Consumer Opportunity: Identifying gold wholesalers and distributors across 15–20 cities to focus on a first-phase target of 500 retailers.
- Retailer Advantage: Providing a “Design Advantage” and strict “Product Hygiene,” backed by a clear buy-back policy and robust training and marketing support via the INDRA alliance.
- Heera Hai Aapke Liye is robust entry-level product kit featuring earrings, bangles, bracelets, etc supported by exclusive visual merchandising (VM) for display.
- Growth and Scalability: A PAN-India reach strategy designed to unlock new business opportunities for both manufacturers and retailers.


As India continues to grow as the world’s second-largest market for retail diamond jewellery, De Beers Group remains committed to strengthening the natural diamond narrative. By combining the emotional appeal of natural diamonds with the practical “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” framework, De Beers aims to build a sustainable future for the category across both metros and Tier 2 cities. De Beers and GJEPC aim to expand the base of Natural Diamond buyers, increase self-purchase consideration, and establish long-term credibility for the category.
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