Polished prices increasing for round, 0.89 ct. and smaller, D-K, IF-SI1 goods, but discounts deep. 1 ct. stabilizing. US retailers paying high premiums for round and fancy, 2.50 to 2.99 ct., F-H, VS-SI diamonds with no center black. Melee improving. Inventories low. Manufacturers must keep production under control. Hong Kong loose-diamond show better than expected, with exhibitors closing sales on final two days. Some inquiries from Chinese buyers for small goods, though few of them attended. Jewelry show reflects shift to lighter-weight pieces as gold price keeps rising (+13% since Jan. 1 to $2,952/oz.). US tariffs likely to reduce China’s jewelry manufacturing.

Hong Kong show reflects complex effects of mainland’s economic crisis.

The founders of UK-based initiative Single Mine Origin (SMO) are working to expand their reach in the US.

Ari Jain, chief financial officer for House of Diamonds, talks about polished-market trends and his New York-based firm’s proprietary program.