Editor’s Note
This article explores the robust growth of China’s natural gemstone industry, fueled by rising domestic consumer demand and increasing international market presence. It highlights key market drivers and the sector’s evolving dynamics.
In recent years, with sustained economic growth and consumers’ pursuit of high-quality lifestyles, China’s natural gemstone industry has shown vigorous development momentum, with demand continuously rising. Natural gemstones refer to mineral crystals formed in nature that possess high aesthetic value, rarity, and durability, such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, widely used in jewelry making. According to statistics from the China Gems & Jewelry Trade Association, the market size of natural gemstones in China reached 660 billion RMB in 2023, a year-on-year increase of approximately 15%. Natural gemstones have not only demonstrated strong growth in the Chinese market but have also achieved significant success in the international market. Data from China’s General Administration of Customs shows that China’s natural gemstone export situation developed positively overall in 2023: the total export value of Chinese gemstones reached $12 billion, an 18% year-on-year increase, with Chinese natural gemstones attracting an increasing number of overseas buyers with their unique charm. In terms of export regions, all major and emerging markets experienced varying degrees of growth. Among them, the main export markets for Chinese natural gemstones include the United States and the European Union. In 2023, China’s exports of natural gemstones to the US and the EU reached $3.04 billion and $2.04 billion respectively, representing growth of 20% and 15%. Furthermore, China is actively entering emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and Oceania, where import demand is growing rapidly: in 2023, China’s exports of natural gemstones to ASEAN and Oceania were $1.81 billion and $350 million, with year-on-year growth of 30% and 13% respectively. In the future, with continuous industry innovation and development, China’s natural gemstone industry will maintain its strong growth momentum, injecting new vitality into the global economy.
According to a report released by the China Gems & Jewelry Trade Association, sales in China’s natural gemstone market reached approximately 380 billion RMB in 2024, an 8.2% increase from the previous year. As a scarce resource with unique aesthetic value and investment potential, natural gemstones are attracting increasing attention from consumers. Especially during important holidays and commemorative days such as Valentine’s Day and wedding anniversaries, natural gemstone jewelry has become an important choice for consumers to express emotions and signify status. According to statistics from an online website, during the 2024 Valentine’s Day period, sales of gemstone jewelry increased by 12% year-on-year, with natural gemstones growing by 5%; natural gemstone jewelry sales in the wedding market accounted for nearly 10% of the annual sales. Additionally, the widespread adoption of the internet has brought new opportunities to China’s natural gemstone market, breaking traditional geographical limitations of jewelry sales and enabling global consumers to more conveniently purchase various types of jewelry, including natural gemstones. Through high-definition images, video displays, and online customer service, consumers can more intuitively understand the quality and craftsmanship of natural gemstones, which in turn provides a broader platform for their display. According to iResearch data, online sales of natural gemstones in China reached about 80 billion RMB in 2024, a 15% year-on-year increase, indicating that online channels are becoming a significant force driving the growth of the natural gemstone market.
In today’s globalized world, China’s natural gemstone industry is actively adapting to changes in market demand and enhancing its own capabilities. As international market requirements for product quality become increasingly stringent, as a major global natural gemstone resource country and processing center, China’s natural gemstone industry recognizes that only by strengthening standard development, promoting brand internationalization, and achieving cultural export can it remain invincible in global competition.
China’s natural gemstone industry recognizes that quality is the key factor for gaining international market recognition. To ensure this high standard, the China Gems & Jewelry Trade Association actively works on the formulation and improvement of industry standards. From gemstone mining and processing to sales, strict quality control measures are implemented at every stage to ensure product excellence. Simultaneously, Chinese natural gemstone enterprises continuously increase investment in equipment and technology, introducing advanced gemstone processing equipment and testing instruments to improve product processing precision and quality stability. Taking a Shenzhen-based company whose business covers natural gemstone and diamond processing and sales as an example, it introduced a high-precision laser cutting system made in Germany, capable of achieving micron-level precision. This reduces potential human errors from traditional cutting methods and allows for optimized design based on the internal structure of each diamond, fully showcasing its aesthetic value.
Brand building is an important pathway for China’s natural gemstone industry to enter the international market. The “Guiding Opinions on Strengthening Brand Building in the Commercial Sector” issued by the Ministry of Commerce encourages emerging jewelry brands to make their mark in the international market through innovative design and differentiated positioning. For instance, brands featuring uniquely designed colored gemstone jewelry have attracted significant attention from international consumers. Following the release of the aforementioned document, Chinese jewelry brands began focusing on enhancing their international visibility and influence. Some well-known Chinese gemstone brands have earned a good reputation in the international market with their exquisite craftsmanship, superior quality, and unique designs. These brands have not only established comprehensive sales networks in the Chinese market but have also set up multiple exclusive stores and display windows overseas. By participating in international jewelry exhibitions and organizing brand promotion events, they actively showcase the charm of Chinese jewelry culture and the strength of their brands. According to a report by “International Jewelry News,” a Chinese gemstone brand opened a flagship store in Paris, which quickly became a new cultural landmark in the area, attracting a large number of tourists and jewelry enthusiasts. Regarding this, the French newspaper “Le Figaro” commented that its lofty aesthetic realm inspired by Song Dynasty aesthetics and its unparalleled artistic achievements bring a new challenge to the world’s luxury jewelry industry.
To better cater to the demands of the international market, China’s natural gemstone industry actively seeks the intersection of culture and commerce during the export process, skillfully integrating traditional Chinese culture with gemstone products to enhance product added value and international appeal through cultural export. Many brands incorporate traditional Chinese auspicious patterns, mythological stories, and philosophical ideas when designing gemstone jewelry. For example, a ruby necklace designed with inspiration from the auspicious寓意 of “Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity” cleverly integrates traditional Chinese dragon and phoenix totem elements, symbolizing auspicious harmony, prosperity, and wealth. It employs exquisite hand-carving craftsmanship to vividly depict the images of the dragon and phoenix, adorned with carefully selected rubies. This not only highlights the unique charm of Eastern culture but also reflects the sophistication and innovation of modern jewelry design. In this context, the “State Council’s Several Opinions on Promoting Foreign Cultural Exchange and Cooperation” further points the direction for industry development. The government encourages enterprises to use traditional cultural elements to enhance product competitiveness and promote the global dissemination of Chinese culture. This not only improves the market competitiveness of Chinese natural gemstone products but also conveys the charm of traditional Chinese culture to all corners of the world, contributing to the diversity of global culture. Policy support gives enterprises more confidence and motivation to explore how to better integrate culture and commerce to tell compelling Chinese stories.
