The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
May 7, 2026
News:
US retail solid, especially in 2 ct. and larger, F-I, VS-SI diamonds in rounds and long fancies. 7 ct.+, D-IF in hot demand ahead of GemGenève show. Elongated fancies hard to find in larger sizes. Collection goods (D-F, VVS-VS) improving in round dossiers. RAPI for 0.30 ct. +2.6% in Apr., 0.50 ct. +1.3%, 1 ct. -1.4%. Industry preparing for Las Vegas shows. Pear prices soft under 1 ct. Rough slow amid manufacturing cuts and India summer vacation. US Customs launches system for tariff refunds. Brilliant Earth 1Q sales +6% YOY to $100M. Canada mines under pressure; Ekati owner Burgundy files for insolvency protection. Rapaport launches Heard on the Street video series in partnership with Shop LC.
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. Marquise most expensive fancy shape. 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. Princess cuts weak. Very well-cut fancy shapes difficult to find and commanding premiums. Fancies with bad proportions illiquid.
Country Comments
United States
Market focused on Las Vegas shows. Large wholesalers seeing steady demand for 2 ct. and larger, F-I, VS-SI diamonds. Hard to replace sold inventory at the right price. Elongated ovals and cushions hot. Low-color goods sought-after, as consumers want to show their diamonds are natural. Melee slow.
Belgium
Market stable. Long weekend due to Labor Day. Strong Belgian attendance at start of GemGenève show on May 7. Economy ministry (FPS Economy) carrying out random spot checks on inbound polished shipments.
Israel
Local trading slow. Not much improvement during Mother’s Day period. Companies with overseas operations are active. Some demand for commercial goods (VS-SI) in 2 ct. and larger. Premium merchandise in short supply, with prices firm.
India
Industry entering summer slowdown. Sentiment and trading activity have decreased. Few signs of extra purchasing ahead of Las Vegas shows. Buyers cautious and price-sensitive. Market dependent on supply discipline to maintain recovery, with manufacturers buying rough carefully.
Hong Kong
Solid investment demand for 5 to 20 ct., D-F, IF-VVS diamonds in round, pear and oval shapes. Diamonds under 0.50 ct. slow. Younger consumers leaning toward synthetics. Older customers prefer natural. China suffering from 2025 diamond tax reform.
Market Comment
The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
May 7, 2026
News:
US retail solid, especially in 2 ct. and larger, F-I, VS-SI diamonds in rounds and long fancies. 7 ct.+, D-IF in hot demand ahead of GemGenève show. Elongated fancies hard to find in larger sizes. Collection goods (D-F, VVS-VS) improving in round dossiers. RAPI for 0.30 ct. +2.6% in Apr., 0.50 ct. +1.3%, 1 ct. -1.4%. Industry preparing for Las Vegas shows. Pear prices soft under 1 ct. Rough slow amid manufacturing cuts and India summer vacation. US Customs launches system for tariff refunds. Brilliant Earth 1Q sales +6% YOY to $100M. Canada mines under pressure; Ekati owner Burgundy files for insolvency protection. Rapaport launches Heard on the Street video series in partnership with Shop LC.
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. Marquise most expensive fancy shape. 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. Princess cuts weak. Very well-cut fancy shapes difficult to find and commanding premiums. Fancies with bad proportions illiquid.
Country Comments
Market focused on Las Vegas shows. Large wholesalers seeing steady demand for 2 ct. and larger, F-I, VS-SI diamonds. Hard to replace sold inventory at the right price. Elongated ovals and cushions hot. Low-color goods sought-after, as consumers want to show their diamonds are natural. Melee slow.
Market stable. Long weekend due to Labor Day. Strong Belgian attendance at start of GemGenève show on May 7. Economy ministry (FPS Economy) carrying out random spot checks on inbound polished shipments.
Local trading slow. Not much improvement during Mother’s Day period. Companies with overseas operations are active. Some demand for commercial goods (VS-SI) in 2 ct. and larger. Premium merchandise in short supply, with prices firm.
Industry entering summer slowdown. Sentiment and trading activity have decreased. Few signs of extra purchasing ahead of Las Vegas shows. Buyers cautious and price-sensitive. Market dependent on supply discipline to maintain recovery, with manufacturers buying rough carefully.
Solid investment demand for 5 to 20 ct., D-F, IF-VVS diamonds in round, pear and oval shapes. Diamonds under 0.50 ct. slow. Younger consumers leaning toward synthetics. Older customers prefer natural. China suffering from 2025 diamond tax reform.
Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: May 20, 2026
Market Comment: May 14, 2026
Market Comment: May 7, 2026
Market Comment: April 30, 2026
Market Comment: April 23, 2026
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Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: May 20, 2026
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