According to CNBC, natural diamond prices have fallen sharply in recent years, losing more than half their value over the past five years. Data from the Rapaport Group shows that the average price of a 1-carat diamond is now $3,898, down 51% from $8,007 in 2021. The Diamond Standard index, which tracks investment-grade diamonds, hit an all-time low of 2,490 points in early August and has been hovering above 2,500 points this week.

The main reasons for the price decline include an oversupply of mined diamonds in the market over the past few years, as well as the rise of lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds but are significantly cheaper, in some cases up to 90% less. This has led consumers to shift towards more affordable man-made diamonds, further pressuring natural diamond prices.

In response to the market downturn, De Beers Group, a subsidiary of Anglo American, announced in July that it would suspend production at its flagship Venetia mine in South Africa for over two years to limit supply. Additionally, at least two diamond mines have announced permanent closures in 2026. Raymond James analyst Rick Patel has given Signet Jewelers an "outperform" rating, believing the company benefits from the growth of lab-grown diamonds. Signet's stock price has risen 21% in 2026.