Polished market quiet, with dealers doing
better than manufacturers. Steady US demand for 1.00 to 1.50 ct. goods
supporting the trade, but prices continue to soften. 1 ct. RAPI -0.5% in April.
Suppliers preparing for Vegas shows, hoping new JCK venue will help boost
sentiment and sales. Far East buyers selective. High expectations for Mother’s
Day as NRF predicts jewelry sales will be strongest growth category at +13% to
$5.2B. Rough is tough, with prices too high. De Beers 1Q sales volume -15% to
7.5M cts., production -8% to 7.8M cts. Belgium 1Q polished exports -4% to
$3.1B, rough imports -33% to $2.1B. DDI launches Maendeleo Diamond Standards
for artisanal miners.
Fancies: Fancy shapes stable, driven by US and European demand. Ovals for
fashion jewelry moving well. Supply shortage supporting prices for Pears, with
1.50 ct. the strongest category. Radiants improving. Marquises and Princesses
weak, despite reduced manufacturing. Excellent-cut Ovals, Cushions, Pears and
Emeralds doing nicely, with steady orders for fine-quality goods in 6 to 10 ct.
Chinese consumers seeking fancy shapes at better prices. US sustaining market
for commercial-quality, medium-priced fancies under 1 ct. Off-make, poorly cut
fancies illiquid and hard to sell, even at very deep discounts.
United States: New York dealer market steady, with better
activity than manufacturing centers. Stable demand for 0.70 to 1.50 ct., G-J,
VS-SI, RapSpec A3+ diamonds. Ovals the strongest fancy shape. Fashion jewelry
strong, but focus shifting to bridal for summer wedding season. Jewelers hope
Mother’s Day promotions will maintain positive sales momentum from 1Q.
Belgium: Activity muted, with trading cut short
due to Labor Day public holiday. Focus on 1 ct., G-H, VS-SI, RapSpec A3+
diamonds. Selective buyers insisting on 3X, no-fluor, and paying premium for
them. High-end large diamonds weak, although European luxury jewelers doing
well. Rough market stable, with growing concerns about high prices.
Israel: Polished trading quiet as businesses
return from Passover break. Dealers focused on Las Vegas shows, though some
attending as buyers rather than exhibitors.Steady demand for 1 ct.,
G-J, VS-SI goods. Large stones slow. Rough activity sluggish.
India: Reduced trading due to shorter Labor Day
week and ongoing general elections. Volatile rupee making traders cautious. Fewer
overseas buyers in Mumbai due to recent Passover and Easter holidays.
Manufacturers cutting production instead of diamonds. Liquidity tight, inventory
inflated. Jewelers preparing for May 7 Akshaya Tritiya Hindu festival, a
popular time to buy gold.
Hong Kong: Sentiment mixed, with market seasonally subdued. Continued shift to
lower colors and SI clarities as jewelers cater to tight consumer budgets.
Steady demand for 0.30 to 0.50 ct., but lower prices as buyers see oversupply
and push for deeper discounts. Hopes for improved retail sales, with attention on
bridal since May is a busy wedding season. China-focused higher-end retailers
doing well.
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