Articles from Rapaport USA Inc.

The diamond market showed further signs of recovery in March. The price stabilization trend that began in mid-February expanded to a wider range of categories, with price increases in round, 0.30- to 1.99-carat, D to G, IF to VS2 goods. Low, stable inventories were key to the improvements. The remaining categories saw mixed trends.

The diamond market was seasonally slow in February, with prices strengthening for round, D to G, IF to VS1 goods in most sizes. Other categories showed mixed trends. Prices were stable for elongated fancy shapes, and increased for those weighing 2 carats or more. These trends were due to an ongoing reduction of polished inventory.

The diamond market was stable in December, with holiday sales matching the industry’s modest expectations. Rapaport reduced prices on the Rapaport Price List on January 3, 2025, in response to steady but deep trading discounts.

Diamond prices declined in October but stabilized in the month’s second half. US buyers purchased for the holiday season ahead of India’s Diwali shutdown. However, manufacturers were under pressure to sell at deep discounts.

Diamond prices fell in September as the market continued to suffer from an oversupply.

Diamond trading was sluggish in August due to seasonal effects and general uncertainty about consumer demand. Polished prices continued their downward trend.

Diamond prices dropped sharply in July amid slow retail sales and an oversupply in India. The seasonal summer slowdown also had a negative effect on sales.

Diamond prices declined in June as sales dropped and inventories grew. Indian manufacturers reduced production, but sales fell at a sharper rate due to weak demand. This led to an oversupply and pressure to sell.

The diamond market was slow in May, as US demand was mixed and China remained weak. Anglo American’s plan to separate from De Beers created extra uncertainty.

The diamond market slowed in April due to seasonal factors as well as weak US and Chinese demand. Prices of VS-plus goods fell, while SIs improved, continuing a trend that has been present since the start of the year.

Prices of SI-clarity diamonds increased in March as the previous month’s trends continued. Prices of VVS-plus goods declined.

Diamond prices declined for higher clarities in February following a positive trend in the previous month. Demand for SI qualities improved.

Diamond prices fell further in September as retail sales weakened amid competition from synthetics. Polished inventories were still high relative to sales expectations, despite lower production.

The diamond market weakened in August as economic challenges persisted and synthetics expanded their market share. The likelihood that G7 governments would soon impose stricter source-disclosure rules to sideline Russian goods also created uncertainty.

Diamond prices fell heavily in July as weak retail demand persisted. De Beers’ 5% to 15% reduction in many rough prices contributed to the decline, as did very strong competition from synthetics.

De Beers’ 10-year sales deal with the Botswana government was a boost for the industry. Repeated delays, reported disagreements and threats of a breakup had created uncertainty. It remains to be seen how the new contract will affect sightholders, since the new terms grant state-owned trader Okavango Diamond Company a greater share of the country’s rough.

The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for 1-carat polished diamonds fell 1.2% in May. It stood at 7,072 on June 1, versus 7,537 at the beginning of the year. The RAPI also declined in other sizes.

The Rapaport Group is pleased to launch the Green Star Source Program which tracks the source of polished diamonds from the rough diamond producer.

In a historic move, Rapaport will launch the first-ever Natural Pearl Auction in Bahrain on June 20th. Most of the pearls will be supplied directly from Bahraini divers who operate under strict government supervision to ensure protection of the natural habitat and environmental sustainability. DANAT the Bahrain Institute of Pearls and Gemstones has been instrumental in collecting, grading and certifying the pearls. Only natural pearls will be offered for sale, and all will be certified as natural by DANAT.

The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for 1-carat polished diamonds fell 2.4% in April. The index declined to 7,159 on May 1, versus 7,543 at the beginning of the year. Other sizes were also weak. RAPI for 0.30-carat diamonds saw some stability, while prices of smaller goods dropped, reversing their upward trend.

Diamond trading was slow in March due to US economic uncertainty and a stalled recovery in China. Rising interest rates, high inflation and a banking crisis contributed to the lull in business.

Diamond trading was quiet in February as the trade prepared for the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, which ran from March 1 to 5.

Polished-diamond prices stabilized for much of January but declined in the final week as the industry assessed its prospects after the holiday season. Trading was slow amid lingering economic uncertainty, which was evident in weaker consumer sentiment and US jewelers’ mixed results for November-December.

Diamond trading was cautious in October as demand softened. Dealers lacked the urgency to buy, anticipating further price drops. The Jewish holidays and India’s Diwali festival also slowed business. US jewelers remain optimistic for the upcoming holiday season despite high inflation and economic declines.

Polished trading was slower than usual in September as US economic uncertainty and the slowdown in China affected sentiment. Dealers were cautious as polished prices continued to slide.

Diamond prices declined in August, reflecting caution in the trading centers and weakness in China. The US is supporting the market with solid demand from retail programs and steady memo calls from independent jewelers.

The diamond market slowed in April due to geopolitical tensions and the seasonal effects of the Passover and Easter holidays. Steady US retail demand supported the trade, but dealer activity was sluggish amid price uncertainty, Chinese lockdowns and Russian sanctions.

Diamond market sentiment weakened in March as concerns rose about the impact of Russian sanctions, US inflation and China’s Covid-19 restrictions. Prices softened, particularly for goods below 0.30 carats.

Diamond prices were stable in August, which is traditionally a slower period for the trade. Upbeat activity at the Las Vegas shows reflected the robust US market that has been driving demand. Retail jewelers are having a strong year, spurring optimism across the supply chain.