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RAPAPORT... PRESS RELEASE, April 8, 2013, New York: The Rapaport Melee Index (RMI) for small diamonds increased 7% to 135.00 in the first quarter of 2013. While there has been a noticeable recovery since the third and fourth quarters of 2012, prices remain below last year’s when the RMI was 141.00. In the first quarter of 2013, prices showed consistent improvement and followed market confidence, however, there is concern that polished prices are being fueled by rough speculation rather than actual demand.
Rapaport’s first quarter Diamond Auctions sold over 130,000 carats for $25.1 million. More diamonds are being traded through the Rapaport auction platform even though there is a significant decline in second-hand recycled diamonds, with a 35 percent decline in gold sales due to lower gold prices. 
“Rapaport Auctions have achieved strong results for melee size diamonds in the first quarter of 2013 as market prices continue their upward trend. While market demand has been relatively stable, the primary forces driving prices up are shortages in supply combined with higher rough prices demanded by mining companies. Polished dealers are cautiously optimistic as prices increase but are concerned that demand may not support higher price levels in the long run. Rapaport Auctions continue to attract more clients in the second-hand market who are utilizing our competitive fair market value auction platform. We are proud to be able to provide them with premiums achieved through our auction system,” said Ezi Rapaport, the director of Global Trading for Rapaport Auctions.
Upcoming Rapaport Auctions:
• April 9 to 17, New York & Dubai
• April 16 to 24, New York & Israel
• April 30 to May 8, New York & Dubai
• May 19 to 22, Israel
• May 30 to June 6, Las Vegas & New York
To participate in Rapaport Auctions, companies are invited to visit: www.rapaportauctions.com, contact Auction Support via email: auctions@rapaport.com or call their local Rapaport office.
The Rapaport Group operates in compliance with the U.S. Patriot Act and OFAC regulations and does not trade in diamonds from Marange, Zimbabwe.
Rapaport Media Contacts: media@diamonds.net
International: Shira Topiol +1-702-425-9088 <>
U.S.: Sherri Hendricks +1-702-893-9400 <>
Mumbai: Manisha Mehta +91-97699-30065 <>
About Rapaport Auctions: Rapaport Auctions provide an excellent opportunity for the diamond trade to buy and sell diamonds at cash prices. The large quantities and wide variety of merchandise offered attract competitive bids from a broad range of local and international buyers. Rapaport Auctions is committed to addressing the needs of the international diamond community for enhanced liquidity while presenting unprecedented buying opportunities.
About the Rapaport Group: The Rapaport Group is an international network of companies providing added value services that support the development of free, fair, transparent, ethical, efficient and competitive global diamond markets. Established in 1978, the Rapaport Diamond Report is the primary source of diamond prices and market information. Group activities include publishing, research and marketing services, internet information and diamond trading networks, global rough and polished diamond tenders, diamond certification, quality-control, compliance, shipping, and financial services. Major activities of the group include the development of markets for Fair Trade Diamonds and Jewelry as well as the creation of diamond futures markets. Additional information is available at www.Rapaport.com.
Martin Rapaport (Publisher) grants limited permission to use copyrighted data appearing in this press release in and in conjunction with journalistic copy, reporting or articles concerning diamond pricing and information in graph or data presentation format only. The following credit notice must appear alongside, underneath, or in close proximity to any use of the copyrighted data: “Used with permission of Rapaport USA, Inc. Copyright © Martin Rapaport. All rights reserved.”
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