The average price of natural-diamond jewelry across all product categories rose 2.7% to $2,360, according to a report from the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) and trend analysis company Tenoris.
The organization also researched other leading trends, including shape, size and clarity, which are all important factors in indicating consumer preferences, the NDC said last week. The companies collected data from over 2,000 independent jewelers across the US.
Round diamonds remained the most popular, comprising 82% of center stones in natural-diamond jewelry sold in 2024. However, fancy shapes, particularly ovals and marquises, have gained share over the year. Last year, consumers began moving away from purchasing 1-carat diamonds, opting for larger ones as their center stone, the NDC found. Diamonds between 2 and 2.24 carats have seen increased popularity, up 18% during the year and accounting for 10% of the market.
Although SI clarity is still consumers’ leading choice, making up more than half of all purchases, many are shifting toward higher clarities. Demand for natural-diamond jewelry with VS1-clarity center stones grew 15% year on year, while VS2 clarity was up 8%.
Bridal comprised 33% of all diamond-jewelry sales in 2024. Meanwhile, the average price of wedding sets rose 31% as consumers bought larger stones and more expensive metals. Overall, jewelry sales across all product segments gained 5% last year, the NDC said.
“Consumers still prize natural diamonds for their unique and timeless status as an emotional gift to celebrate life’s milestones,” the organization added.
Image: A diamond ring. (Shutterstock)
