JCK show sees fewer but more serious buyers with reduced
budgets that reflect their lower inventory needs. Retail environment undergoing
unprecedented change requiring jewelers and diamantaires to demonstrate their
added-value service in price-sensitive market. US outlook positive if the
diamond trade can meet the demands of a millennial consumer base. De Beers
estimates 2016 global diamond jewelry demand +0.3% to $80B with US demand +4.4%
to $41B. Forevermark targets female self-purchasers as growth area for 4Q. DPA
secures $57M budget for 2017 generic marketing, allocates $50M to the US.
Cushion, 26.27 ct., I, VVS2 diamond bought in 1980s for $13 sells at Sotheby’s
for $848K.
Fancies: Steady
demand for Pears in the Far East, with Ovals overtaking Pears as the strongest
shape in the US. Shortages of fine-quality large Pears and Ovals. Cushions
stable. Emeralds selling better than Princesses. Some demand for big fancy
shapes, but buyers extremely picky. Improving demand for Radiant, 3.01 to 9.99
ct., D-I, SI1-SI2 elongated stones. Large price differentials between
excellent- and average-cut fancies. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid and
very hard to sell, even at very deep discounts.
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