Rio Tinto Research Confirms Strong Potential For New Diamond Jewellery Category in China

HONK KONG - Rio Tinto released key insights from recent market research confirming the growing trend towards diamond fashion jewellery in China.

Global market research company Ipsos was commissioned by Rio Tinto to help them further understand consumer perceptions in China around jewellery comprising small, affordable diamonds, referred to as fashion jewellery. Of particular note were the following findings:

• Chinese consumers no longer see diamonds as purely a store of wealth or bridal purchase
• Diamond fashion jewellery is desirable and part of a broader trend in China towards “affordable luxury”
• Diamond fashion jewellery is attractive as a versatile accessory for everyday wear
• Design is critical to the Chinese consumer when purchasing fashion jewellery

These insights challenge the conventional wisdom that Chinese consumers only appreciate large, high quality, white diamonds or gold jewellery. According to PLDG Creative Intelligence, an independent global jewellery trend and forecasting company, this trend in China is consistent with other key jewellery markets where,

“Diamond jewellery consumers increasingly want affordability, beautiful designs and to feel unique.  As a result international brands and designers are using small diamonds for innovative designs, not tied to the bridal market.”

According to Jean-Marc Lieberherr, General Manager for the sales and marketing of Rio Tinto Diamonds,

“These are important findings for Rio Tinto as we are accelerating our marketing investment in the Chinese diamond jewellery market. It is also good news for diamond manufacturers, jewellery designers, retailers and consumers”.

Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia is the world’s primary source of smaller, affordable diamonds. With growth in China expected to change the face of the diamond jewellery market, Rio Tinto has partnered with leading diamond jewellery manufacturer and retailer Chow Tai Fook, promoting diamonds as fashion accessories in imaginatively designed jewellery.

For further information, please contact:

Robyn Ellison
Communications Manager
Rio Tinto Diamonds
+61 417 968 359
robyn.ellison@riotinto.com
About Rio Tinto Diamonds

Rio Tinto operates a fully integrated diamonds business from exploration through to sales and marketing. It is one of the world’s major diamond producers through its 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent of the Diavik mine in Canada, 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe and 100 per cent interest in the Bunder project in India.

Rio Tinto’s share of the production from its three operating diamond mines is sold through its sales and marketing headquarters in Antwerp, with representative offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York.  It also operates a niche cutting and polishing factory in Perth for the rare pink diamonds from its Argyle mine.  Rio Tinto is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process, as well as a founding member of Responsible Jewellery Council. Website:www.riotintodiamonds.com

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and New York Stock Exchange listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.  Rio Tinto’s business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, thermal and metallurgical coal, uranium, gold, industrial minerals (borates, titanium dioxide and salt) and iron ore. Activities span the world and are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.

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Posted by WoodlawnPost on May 26 2012. Filed under Diamonds, Investments. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.