The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
February 5, 2026
News:
President Donald Trump’s announcement of US-India trade deal lifts sentiment. Agreement could reduce tariffs on jewelry to 18%, with speculation that diamonds and gems might become exempt. Market expects pause in India exports to US as dealers await final terms. Jan. sees more moderate price declines, with 0.30 and 1 ct. RAPI -1.3%, 0.50 ct. -1.2%. Round prices stable in early Feb. US retail and wholesale steady. Positive reports from Centurion show and Tucson gem fairs. De Beers reviews company value again, slashes 2026 production plan to 21M-26M cts. from 26M-29M cts.; miner’s 2025 rough prices -25%, including special deals. Busy rough-trading events lifting mood in Antwerp.
Fancies:
Long fancy shapes such as Ovals, Marquises and Emeralds doing better than rounds in 2 ct. and larger. High-quality Marquises, long Radiants and long Cushions in short supply. Marquises most expensive fancy shapes. Long Cushions easy to sell and trading at 20% to 25% premium over square ones. Solid US market for elongated Ovals of good shape and quality in D-I, VS-SI categories. Indian prices for 0.30 to 0.79 ct. Ovals and Pears softening, except for ideal long models. Princess cuts weak. Very well-cut fancy shapes difficult to find and commanding premiums. Fancies with bad proportions illiquid.
Country Comments
United States
Dealers hopeful for improvement in imports once US-India tariff agreement goes into effect. Arizona shows reflect good market for colored gemstones and higher-end diamond jewelry, with brisk trading at Tucson exhibitions (AGTA GemFair, GJX) and Centurion show in Phoenix.
Belgium
Sentiment improving amid good market for 5 ct. and larger stones, US-India trade deal, and increase in local rough trading. Polished sector seasonally quiet but hopeful for 2026 recovery. Long fancies stronger than rounds.
Israel
Market slow but stable. Tariffs impacting trading, with dealers hoping for exemption.
India
Trade agreement with America boosting sentiment, but nothing is final yet; tariff exemption still has hurdles to overcome. Exporters cautious about shipping to US, since duty rate might fall soon from current 50%. Overseas market still facing challenges of synthetics and weak Chinese sales. International buyers only purchasing for confirmed orders. Industry will need to downsize to balance supply and demand.
Hong Kong
Trading low ahead of gem and jewelry shows (March 2-8). Market expecting decent traffic but unsure if this will translate into sales. Steady local demand for 1 to 2.50 ct. rounds and ovals for engagement rings and 3 to 5 ct. diamonds for investments. Diamonds under 1 ct. slow. Mainland market preparing for Valentine’s Day (February 14) and Chinese New Year (February 17).
Market Comment
The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
February 5, 2026
News:
President Donald Trump’s announcement of US-India trade deal lifts sentiment. Agreement could reduce tariffs on jewelry to 18%, with speculation that diamonds and gems might become exempt. Market expects pause in India exports to US as dealers await final terms. Jan. sees more moderate price declines, with 0.30 and 1 ct. RAPI -1.3%, 0.50 ct. -1.2%. Round prices stable in early Feb. US retail and wholesale steady. Positive reports from Centurion show and Tucson gem fairs. De Beers reviews company value again, slashes 2026 production plan to 21M-26M cts. from 26M-29M cts.; miner’s 2025 rough prices -25%, including special deals. Busy rough-trading events lifting mood in Antwerp.
Fancies:
Long fancy shapes such as Ovals, Marquises and Emeralds doing better than rounds in 2 ct. and larger. High-quality Marquises, long Radiants and long Cushions in short supply. Marquises most expensive fancy shapes. Long Cushions easy to sell and trading at 20% to 25% premium over square ones. Solid US market for elongated Ovals of good shape and quality in D-I, VS-SI categories. Indian prices for 0.30 to 0.79 ct. Ovals and Pears softening, except for ideal long models. Princess cuts weak. Very well-cut fancy shapes difficult to find and commanding premiums. Fancies with bad proportions illiquid.
Country Comments
Dealers hopeful for improvement in imports once US-India tariff agreement goes into effect. Arizona shows reflect good market for colored gemstones and higher-end diamond jewelry, with brisk trading at Tucson exhibitions (AGTA GemFair, GJX) and Centurion show in Phoenix.
Sentiment improving amid good market for 5 ct. and larger stones, US-India trade deal, and increase in local rough trading. Polished sector seasonally quiet but hopeful for 2026 recovery. Long fancies stronger than rounds.
Market slow but stable. Tariffs impacting trading, with dealers hoping for exemption.
Trade agreement with America boosting sentiment, but nothing is final yet; tariff exemption still has hurdles to overcome. Exporters cautious about shipping to US, since duty rate might fall soon from current 50%. Overseas market still facing challenges of synthetics and weak Chinese sales. International buyers only purchasing for confirmed orders. Industry will need to downsize to balance supply and demand.
Trading low ahead of gem and jewelry shows (March 2-8). Market expecting decent traffic but unsure if this will translate into sales. Steady local demand for 1 to 2.50 ct. rounds and ovals for engagement rings and 3 to 5 ct. diamonds for investments. Diamonds under 1 ct. slow. Mainland market preparing for Valentine’s Day (February 14) and Chinese New Year (February 17).
Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: May 14, 2026
Market Comment: May 7, 2026
Market Comment: April 30, 2026
Market Comment: April 23, 2026
Market Comment: April 16, 2026
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Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: May 14, 2026
Market Comment: May 7, 2026
Market Comment: April 30, 2026
Market Comment: April 23, 2026
Market Comment: April 16, 2026
Market Comment: April 9, 2026