Dealers optimistic ahead
of Vegas shows, despite sluggish May trading. 2018 looking better than 2017. GemGenève demonstrates robust high end. Sotheby’s Geneva
sells $86M (82% by lot) as pear-shape, 6.16 ct., fancy dark grey-blue, SI1
diamond fetches $6.7M ($1.1M/ct.). Christie’s Geneva garners $82M (88% by lot),
with cushion, 50.47 ct., D, VVS1 Harry Winston diamond going for $6.5M ($129K/ct.).
India’s Titan FY sales +21% to $2.4B, profit +58% to $164M. Rough prices
firm at De Beers and Alrosa sights. Alrosa 1Q sales
+14% to $1.5B, profit +40% to $533M. India April polished exports +14% to $2B,
rough imports -13% to $1.5B. World Diamond Congress postponed due to low
registration.
Fancies: Fancy shapes mixed, with curves
better than squares. Ovals hot, followed by Pears and Cushions. Marquises and
Princesses weak. Oversizes selling well. Steady demand for fine-quality 6-10
ct. Ovals, Pears and Emeralds, with limited supply. US supporting market for
commercial-quality, medium-priced fancies under 1 ct. Far East demand improving
as consumers seek fancy shapes at better prices. Off-make, poorly cut fancies
illiquid and hard to sell, even at very deep discounts.
United States: Market stable, with consistent demand
for 1 ct., G-J, VS-SIs. Melee slower. Dealers expect improvement during Las
Vegas shows. Sentiment better than last year. Jewelry sales focused on bridal
ahead of summer wedding season.
Belgium: Trading relatively quiet. Suppliers
maintaining firm prices, but buyers showing resistance. No urgency on either
side. High-end dealers and manufacturers encouraged by GemGenève show. Rough
market steady during sight week and Antwerp Rough Diamond Days.
Israel: Low turnover, but prices stable.
Positive outlook for the US, even with preparations for Las Vegas shows quieter
than usual. Exhibitors focused on marketing and networking opportunities. Good
demand for 0.30-0.50 ct. and 1 ct., G-J, VS1-SI1 diamonds, with emphasis on 3X,
no fluorescence. Rough market strong in 4- to 8-grainers that yield those
polished categories.
India: Polished sector subdued during
ongoing summer vacation. Fewer foreign buyers in Mumbai. Prices under pressure
due to lull in trading. 0.50-1 ct., G-J, SI diamonds selling well. Stars and
melee slow. Manufacturing consistent in robust rough market.
Hong Kong: Dealer activity seasonally low. Some
improvement expected at June 21-24 Hong Kong show. Steady demand for 0.30 ct.
and 1 ct., D-H, VS-SI diamonds. 0.40-0.99 ct. slower, with buyers pushing for
higher discounts. Stones above 3 ct. sluggish.
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