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Which words repeatedly made it into Rapaport headlines and kept the industry talking throughout the year? Beyond tariffs, De Beers and the conversation surrounding synthetic stones, the following were 2025’s most discussed words — and those that made the most appearances at the top of this publication’s stories.
Tariffs
The hottest and most controversial word of the year — mentioned over 60 times in headlines — was “tariffs.” US President Donald Trump imposed high taxes on imports into the US from most countries, shocking the world. The move impacted the diamond industry, as diamonds, gemstones and other materials used in jewelry making were subject to the new levies.
Highlighted stories included:
EU Considers Retaliatory Tariffs on Imports of US Diamonds and Gemstones
Trump Announces 90-Day Pause on Most Tariffs, Ups China Tax
US Court Nixes Most of Trump’s Tariffs – Again
Tariffs Disrupt Diamond Markets
India Diamond Trade Stays Calm as Mexico Approves Tariffs
De Beers
Corporate moves and market changes kept diamond-mining giant De Beers firmly in the spotlight throughout 2025, with its challenges and strategies fueling ongoing discussion.
Key stories included:
De Beers Kept Prices Steady. Now What?
Anglo American Slashes De Beers Value by $2.9B
De Beers and Botswana Make 10-Year Sales Agreement Official
De Beers to Shell Out Decade-High Funding on Natural-Diamond Marketing
Botswana, Angola Seek Stakes in De Beers
Lab-Grown Diamonds/Synthetics
Heated debates about what to call lab-grown continued this year, as well as talk of how the product was disrupting the natural-diamond industry. Rapaport also gave readers the opportunity to share their views on the marketing side of lab-grown versus natural diamonds and how ads influenced them.
Major headlines included:
The AWDC Is Putting Lab-Grown Diamonds in a Gumball Machine
Has the Natural-Diamond Industry Jumped the Shark with Its Marketing?
Natural-Diamond Marketing: We Asked, and Boy, Did You Weigh In
France Denies Appeal to Nix ‘Synthetics’ Label
IGI Reiterates Intention to Treat Lab-Grown the Same as Natural
Hong Kong
After dealing with slow diamond demand and sky-high gold prices, the Hong Kong market reported signs of recovery. Retailers such as Luk Fook and Chow Tai Fook saw a spur in sales, as consumers renewed interest in diamond-set jewelry and adapted to higher gold prices. However, retailers are starting to look beyond the Hong Kong and China market, and expanding internationally. Meanwhile, trading at the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show in March exceeded expectations, diamond dealers reported.
Prominent Hong Kong headlines included:
Hong Kong Show Surprisingly Good, Diamond Dealers Say
High Gold Prices Weigh on China’s Jewelry Market
Cash Rules Threaten Hong Kong’s Diamond Trade
Luk Fook to Expand Internationally, Even as China Begins Recovery
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
The GIA remained an influential force, safeguarding trust in the diamond industry. This year, it introduced new board members, scholarships, and enhancements to its jewelry reports.
Notable GIA headlines included:
GIA Declines Items from Abroad That Require Shipping to US
Angola Expands Diamond Reach to GIA and Tiffany & Co.
GIA Clarifies New Guidelines for Lab-Grown Certificates
Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds Sent to GIA with Counterfeit Inscriptions
Images: Rough natural diamonds, lab-grown in a gumball machine, the GIA’s New York office and tariffs. (De Beers/Antwerp World Diamond Centre/Shutterstock)
