At a glance: Facts and figures on the diamond market 2025

A lot is happening in the natural and synthetic diamond market. We can therefore leave it to the professionals and insiders from the industry to summarise the most important trends. One insight comes from Dubai, from Muhammad Umar, the founder and company president of Gemmis Diamonds.

Facts and figures straight from the source

A look behind the scenes: Where do I actually find all my business news when it comes to the jewellery industry - especially diamonds and in an international context? Actually, over time I have curated a very informative feed on LinkedIn, I follow other editors, CEOs, business analysts, marketing and sales specialists from the US, France, Italy, India, Dubai ...

Due to their often high positions in large corporations, these people have good and quicker access to figures than I do - producing large-scale studies costs money, which is why the statistics are not free. But a large corporation not only buys the studies, it also publishes its own market analyses. 

For example, I get some figures or developments from discussions in my feed before they end up on big news sites like JCK online or Rapaport. Or: one of the industry experts takes the trouble to summarise their collected data and insights for a LinkedIn post

Summary of figures and trends for diamonds

This was the case for Muhammad Umar, the founder and Executive President of Gemmis Diamonds, a leading global trader of natural diamonds from Dubai. The group works with the highly regulated Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and Rapnet, the largest platform for online diamond trading. These and many other links with renowned companies provide valuable insights and data, which Muhammad Umar kindly shares with us and which I have now summarised because I found them so valuable. 

Customs situation between India and the USA:

In April 2025, the US imposed tariffs of 26 or 27 per cent on diamond imports from India. However, the tariffs were initially suspended, ending on 1 August 2025. If the US and India cannot agree on a new deal by then, it would be a massive blow to the Indian diamond industry, which exports more than USD 10 billion worth of diamonds every year.

Global market overview:

The diamond industry was estimated to be worth almost 98 billion US dollars in 2025, with a projected growth of 4.5 per cent in 2025. After the end of the peak diamond trading season, this forecast was slightly revised, but premium classes of diamonds remain stable. 

Nevertheless, laboratory diamonds are also continuing to gain market share due to their affordability and higher production volumes.

Influence of synthetic diamonds:

Synthetic diamonds now account for 10 to 10 per cent of global sales, while prices for laboratory diamonds have fallen by 74 per cent since 2020. The drop in prices is putting pressure on the natural diamond sector, especially in the low-price segment. Manufacturers are under pressure to market themselves more strongly with the traceability, rarity and quality of natural diamonds.

Consumer preferences:

Among the diamond cuts that are currently particularly popular with consumers is still the absolute classic round brilliant cut, which accounts for 82 per cent of the market. Oval shapes and drop shapes are gaining in popularity, while emerald cuts and cushion cuts are becoming less popular. 

When it comes to the colours and qualities of diamonds, the qualities D/IF, D/FL and clarity VS are in great demand in the colourless stones, while clarity SI dominates the market in the medium range. 

Fancy colour diamonds are particularly popular in pink and blue - and recently the so-called "salt & pepper" diamonds have also become a trend. They are distinguished by their characteristic greyish colour, which is characterised by numerous inclusions. These diamonds satisfy the need for unconventional stones that emphasise the individuality of their wearers. This makes "Salt & Pepper" diamonds particularly popular with young buyers.

Strategic conclusion from Muhammad Umar

Muhammad Umar summarises in his LinkedIn post summarises how participants in the diamond industry can deal strategically with the current situation. 

He warns of the upheaval that lies ahead for the industry if the US and India fail to reach an agreement in the customs dispute. He also recommends focussing on diamonds with round, oval and teardrop shapes in sizes larger than 1 carat and with high clarity.

Fancy colour diamonds are suitable for strengthening niche markets that value uniqueness and ethical production. 

The clear distinction between natural and synthetic diamonds remains a key element in the handling of diamonds. Umar anticipates that natural diamonds will continue to be in high demand, especially in the luxury segment and to celebrate personal life milestones. The market volume of lab-grown diamonds will continue to grow, says Umar, but synthetic diamonds are no substitute for the emotional significance of natural stones. The market favours players who can combine excellent products with impressive storytelling. 

Sources: LinkedIn, Gemmis Diamonds