International News
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones
Gemfields Group Limited has expressed strong support for the Zambian government’s decision to suspend the 15% export duty on precious gemstones and metals, a move expected to significantly boost the country’s emerald industry. The suspension, announced by Zambia’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, is effective immediately, meaning the duty will no longer apply to emeralds mined by Kagem Mining Limited. The company is majority-owned by Gemfields (75%) with the remaining 25% held by Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation.
Gemfields CEO, Sean Gilbertson, lauded the government’s swift action, stating, “We express our sincere thanks to President Hakainde Hichilema’s government for their prompt and impressive action in addressing the 15% export duty on precious gemstones. The Zambian emerald sector has experienced exceptional growth over the past 16 years and is now the world’s largest emerald exporter. This decision signals a clear commitment to fostering growth and job creation in Zambia, putting our industry back on track for continued success.”
DiamondBuzz
Natural Diamond Council: Average Engagement Ring Price Surpasses $7,000 in 2025
Round Cuts Dominate Sales as Larger Carat Stones, Gen Z Buyers and Self-Purchases Drive US Natural Diamond Demand
The average price of an engagement ring in the US rose 9% in 2025 to $7,364, according to the latest trend report released by the Natural Diamond Council (NDC).
Round diamonds continued to dominate the engagement-ring category, accounting for 62% of units sold, followed by oval shapes at 14%. The average center stone size stood at 1.16 carats, with SI1 clarity emerging as the most common grade. Overall, diamond engagement rings — including loose stones and semi-mounts — represented 38% of natural-diamond jewellery sales by volume during the year.
The report, based on data compiled by Tenoris from more than 4 million jewellery transactions across 2,500 US specialty retailers, highlighted evolving consumer preferences in cut, carat weight and design. Celebrity engagement trends also influenced demand, with styles such as marquise and elongated cushion cuts gaining visibility.
Beyond engagement rings, tennis bracelets, wedding bands and pendants recorded the strongest growth in units sold. Bracelets led in pricing, rising 15% year-on-year to an average of $3,600. The average price of rings increased 11% to $2,537, while necklaces climbed 40% to $2,366. Earrings rose 17% to $2,068, and pendants advanced 17% to $1,126.
In terms of stone size, sales of 1.50–1.59 carat diamonds grew 15%, and 2–2.24 carat stones increased 10%. Although the 1–1.04 carat category maintained the largest market share, it experienced a 7% decline in sales volume.
Looking ahead, the NDC projects that Gen Z consumers will remain the fastest-growing segment of diamond buyers in 2026, with younger shoppers increasingly driving self-purchase trends. The council also noted growing momentum in men’s diamond jewellery, supported by rising visibility and shifting cultural attitudes toward diamond ownership.
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