近年來鑽石市場正處於一個時代的巨輪之中，雖然我們保持樂觀的心態很重要，但無可否認大家即將要面對未來的各種挑戰與機會。對能與時並進的人來說，可謂機遇處處。
The diamond market is going through tough times and big changes. It’s important to stay positive, but we also need to be honest about the challenges and opportunities ahead. A bright future is possible for those who adapt to change and take action.
2024年，培植鑽石顛覆了整個鑽石產業，在訂婚戒指市場佔據超過50%，主要吸引那些低至中等收入的客群。這次消費的轉變明顯影響人們對天然鑽石的需求，意味著培植鑽石很有可能使50%的消費者對天然鑽石的失去興趣。
In 2024, synthetic diamonds are poised to disrupt the natural diamond industry by capturing over 50% of the diamond engagement ring market, particularly appealing to price-conscious consumers in the low- to middle-income brackets. This shift is expected to significantly impact the demand for natural diamonds, with synthetics potentially replacing 50% of consumer interest in naturals.
從Rapaport的報導中得知，零售商從售賣培植鑽石中獲得了可觀的淨利潤，比售賣天然鑽石擁有更高的利潤率。例如售價4800美元的3克拉培植鑽石可以創造出4,445美元的毛利，遠遠超過售出相同品質價值為5萬美元的3克拉天然鑽石。正正是這些利潤之間的差異，讓零售商更願意推廣種植鑽石而非天然鑽石。不過可以預見的是透過銷售培植鑽石產生的暴利將隨著同業競爭的加劇而逐漸減少，最終導致利潤率下降。
According to reports from Rapaport, retailers are currently experiencing substantial profits from selling synthetic diamonds, often yielding higher margins compared to natural diamonds. For instance, a 3-carat synthetic diamond priced at $4,800 can generate a gross profit of $4,445, significantly outperforming the profit from a 3-carat natural diamond of the same quality selling at $50,000. Given these profit differentials, retailers have a strong incentive to promote synthetic diamonds over naturals.However, the windfall profits seen in synthetic diamond sales are anticipated to diminish as competition increases, leading to a decline in profit margins.
隨著越來越多專注於培植鑽石的珠寶品牌進入市場，例如潘多拉（Pandora）和施華洛世奇（Swarovski）等平價珠寶品牌，它們通過推出設計時尚並價格親民的培植鑽石首飾來增加競爭力，導致市場競爭加劇。再者，技術進步使培植鑽石的成本進一步降低，使得市場價格愈發透明，零售商為保持市場競爭力開始面臨定價壓力，促使售價逐步下降。此外，培植鑽石作為可持續性和環保的象徵，吸引了千禧一代和Z世代的巨大需求，但正因為培植鑽石越來越普及化，消費者開始認為這是「潮流產品」而非稀缺的奢侈品，從而要求品牌提供更具性價比的價格，削弱了品牌的溢價能力。同時，隨著市場飽和及產品同質化程度提高，培植鑽石的稀有性和新奇感逐漸減弱，從而進一步壓縮利潤空間。當供應過剩而需求增長乏力時，整個市場的價格和利潤率都會受到影響，最終使培植鑽石的行業的獲利能力逐步下降。
As more jewellery brands focusing on lab-grown diamonds, such as Pandora and Swarovski, enter the market, they increase their competitiveness by launching stylish and affordable lab-grown diamond jewellery, intensifying market competition. Furthermore, advancements in technology have further reduced the costs of lab-grown diamonds, making market prices more transparent. Retailers face pricing pressure to remain competitive, leading to a gradual decline in retail prices. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds are seen as symbols of sustainability and environmental friendliness, attracting significant demand from millennials and Generation Z. However, as lab-grown diamonds become more mainstream, consumers increasingly view them as “trendy products” rather than scarce luxury items, pushing brands to offer better value for money and undermining their pricing power. Meanwhile, with market saturation and increased product homogeneity, the rarity and novelty of lab-grown diamonds are diminishing, further compressing profit margins. When supply exceeds demand, the entire market’s prices and profit rates will be affected, ultimately leading to a gradual decline in the profitability of the lab-grown diamond industry.
天然鑽石和培植鑽石在鑽石訂婚戒指的市場佔比之爭只會越來越激烈，培植鑽石將主導中低收入的大眾，而天然鑽石則會被定義為富裕階層的奢華和獨特象徵。隨著人們財富的增長，天然鑽石的需求可能會增加，因為追求稀有且昂貴寶石能為富人帶來無法言喻的情感和價值。
The battle for market share in the diamond engagement ring sector will intensify, with synthetics dominating the low- to middle-income segments while natural diamonds position themselves as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity for the wealthy elite. As wealth grows among consumer, there will likely be a resurgence in demand for natural diamonds, driven by the emotional and aspirational value associated with these rare and expensive gems.
總括而言，培植鑽石因迎合廣泛的消費群體，而被視為改革了整個鑽石行業，天然鑽石則保持其作為富裕階層奢華的象徵和獨一無二的吸引力。市場動態將繼續越演越烈，培植鑽石和天然鑽石將根據價格、地位和情感意義在消費者中找到各自獨特的位置。
In conclusion, synthetic diamonds are set to revolutionize the diamond industry by catering to a wide consumer base, while natural diamonds will maintain their allure as exclusive symbols of wealth and sophistication. The market dynamics will continue to evolve, with both synthetic and natural diamonds finding their distinct places among consumers based on affordability, status, and emotional significance.
