De Beers have reported that diamond sales for 2020 were down by a third compared with 2019. (Full story on line with todays Guardian.)
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/dec/17/de-beers-diamond-sales-tumble-covid-hits-global-demandWhile we are understandably preoccupied with Covid statistics and the roll out of vaccines the worldwide economic dislocation has and will continue to be enormous. Personally I have grave doubts that the health issues will settle down even by the end of 2021 but the impact on every other fabric of our lives will have an unsettling influence for many years to come. Retail demand for gems and jewellery and the spin off with gem and jewellery production is only just beginning to be considered.
A bit like coming up for a breath after the tsunami and getting a glimpse of the wreckage and devastation in its wake. Good luck to all of you with whatever your occupation and income source. Uncertain times ahead but to be alive and healthy is perhaps the most important reality.
