Market Comment

The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news

Weekly since 1980

May 14, 2026

News:

Steady US demand for 2 ct. and larger diamonds, especially in long fancies. Antique cuts hot. US mood positive ahead of Vegas shows. GemGenève reflects strong demand for fancy-color diamonds and gemstones. India on alert as Prime Minister Modi tells public to avoid gold purchases, raises gold import duty. NDC rejects Pandora environmental claims about synthetics. Triangular-cut, 5.50 ct., fancy-vivid-blue-green, SI1 diamond fetches $17.4M ($3.2M/ct.) at Christie’s Geneva. Rapaport CEO Dan Mano to unveil new products at JCK breakfast with speech by Martin Rapaport; register here. THE RAPAPORT PRICE LIST WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED ON MAY 22 DUE TO THE JEWISH HOLIDAY OF SHAVUOT.

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
United States

Market stable ahead of Las Vegas shows. Solid activity in 2 ct. and larger rounds and long fancies. Antique shapes (old mine, European) moving well in those sizes. Demand picking up for round, 1.20 and 1.70 ct. oversizes in G-I, VS1-SI1, 3X qualities. Layouts performing well for necklaces, tennis bracelets and rings.

Belgium
Belgium

Large turnout of Antwerp exhibitors at GemGenève show. Mixed reports from fair, with buyer traffic muted but some European customers in attendance. Fewer Middle East visitors. Market stabilizing, with focus on large diamonds.

Israel
Israel

Fewer Israeli companies planning to attend Las Vegas shows due to market slowdown and concerns about return flights. Dealers disappointed by GemGenève show. Israel April polished exports down 47% year on year at $208.6 million after returns.

India
India

Sentiment stable. US buyers seeking goods, supporting overall market. Smaller sizes recovering following inventory drops. Large diamonds moving well, especially in fancy shapes. Indian domestic market strong. Titan Company jewelry sales up 89% year on year at $2.62 billion for quarter that ended March 31. Prime Minister Narendra Modi rattles market with call to avoid buying gold this year and a hike to the metal’s import duty. Polished manufacturing remains muted during May vacation period.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Consumers buying 0.50 to 1.50 ct., D-F diamonds for gifting. Steady investment demand for 3 to 10 ct., D-F, IF-VVS goods. Positive sales of natural diamonds over Mother’s Day. Diamonds under 0.50 ct. slow. Mainland Chinese market shifting to synthetics, with natural diamonds under 1 ct. hard to sell. Fancy colors still moving.

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