Natural diamonds were on focus at the recent Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair in Hong Kong as a forum shed light on the changes in the gemstones’ supply and consumer demand as well as long-term growth pathways for their industry chain.

Titled “Value Reshaping and Prospects of the Natural Diamond Industry Chain”, the forum on Sept 17 looked at how the industry chain can deepen consumer trust, and enhance long-term market confidence. It was jointly organized by the Natural Diamond Council and the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Lin Qiang, president of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, said in his keynote speech that the industry is at an important stage of development, with natural diamonds having unique scarcity and irreproducible properties, while consumers increasingly value the authenticity, origin, emotional significance, and long-term value behind a product.

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“Therefore, future development of the industry must not only respond to market changes but also continuously strengthen communication with consumers,” he said.

“Only by strengthening cooperation among all parties in the industry chain and jointly building consumer confidence can we drive the natural diamond industry towards more robust and long-term development.”

Amber Pepper, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council, said the diamond market is undergoing significant change.

“Natural diamond supply is declining, while a new generation of consumers are redefining who buys diamonds, what diamonds mean and the occasions on which they are worn,” Pepper said.

“As purchasing decisions become more considered and information-driven, there is a growing need for clear, credible consumer education around the natural origin, rarity and enduring value of natural diamonds.”

Pepper said the council will continue to bring the industry together to strengthen consumer trust, build culturally relevant content and create long-term value for natural diamonds.

Discussing the Chinese market, Sissi Xu, managing director for Greater China at the Natural Diamond Council, said that as Chinese consumers pay more attention to the meaning and value of the product itself, more purchases will come from gifting, self-purchase, and a broader range of important life moments.

“For us, the opportunity in the Chinese market is not about returning to the past, but about changing along with consumers and finding a new place for natural diamonds within new consumption scenarios and lifestyles,” Xu said, adding that the council will continue to deepen cooperation with retail partners and further strengthen strategic collaboration with the Shanghai Diamond Exchange.

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Building on promotional practices and data insights from the Chinese market, the forum extended its perspective to the global natural diamond industry ecosystem.

Mehul Shah, president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, shared views on the global diamond trading landscape and industry collaboration.

“Looking ahead, we need clearer understanding, closer collaboration and a longer-term vision. Mines, manufacturers and markets must strengthen their connections; the chain from extraction to the consumer must be transparent and traceable,” he said.

“At the same time, it is essential to clearly distinguish natural diamonds from synthetic, defining each category’s positioning, value proposition and consumer perception. Transparency is not a burden for the industry—it is the cornerstone of enduring trust.

“Only by first safeguarding the value and well-being of all participants across the natural diamond value chain can we convey the emotion and beauty that natural diamonds represent to consumers and together build a more resilient global diamond industry ecosystem.”

The forum brought together representatives from across the global natural diamond industry chain, including the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, De Beers Group, the Natural Diamond Council, and the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong.