The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
June 18, 2026
News:
Market steady. Strong US demand for 2 ct. and larger, G-I, VS-SI diamonds in rounds and long fancies. 1.50 to 1.99 ct. improving. Marquises and antique cuts selling at high prices. Prices continue to recover in round, 0.30 to 0.89 ct. collection goods. Rough prices firm in 5 ct. and above. GIA to launch cut grade for marquises, ovals and pears, add fluorescence comments to reports. Signet estimates natural diamonds accounting for 70% of overall engagement-market revenue, 90%+ of $5,000+ range. Rectangular modified brilliant, 10.02-carat, fancy-intense-blue, VS2 diamond sells for $9M ($864,271/ct.) at Sotheby’s NY. Watch Rapaport JCK Breakfast recording here.
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. Antique cuts and styles hot. Solid US market for elongated Ovals of good shape and quality in D-I, VS-SI categories. Very well-cut fancy shapes difficult to find and commanding premiums. Fancies with bad proportions illiquid.
Country Comments
United States
Market steady, with positive sentiment continuing after Las Vegas shows. Round, 2 ct. and larger, G-J, VS-SI diamonds moving well both on memo and in outright sales. Long fancy shapes in 2 to 4 ct., G-I, VS-SI categories in short supply; increasing interest in radiants. Trade beginning to slow ahead of summer. Fancy yellows and intense yellows in demand, particularly in long cushions, radiants and ovals, driven by big-brand advertising.
Belgium
Trading quiet overall, though activity is picking up and sentiment has improved slightly. Inquiries increasing compared to recent weeks; curiosity building around outcome of Hong Kong show. Fancy shapes standing out, particularly pear and oval in 2 to 3 ct. range.
Israel
Activity remains low. Security situation continues to affect market.
India
Business muted, exacerbated by currency volatility as rupee recovers 1.7% in past month to INR 95 per $1. Manufacturers facing pressure from rising rough prices and limited availability; polished inventories tightening in select categories, especially 2 ct. and larger.
Hong Kong
Dealers preparing for Jewellery & Gem Asia Hong Kong show (June 18-21). Exhibitors expect fair will attract serious buyers focused on large diamonds and gemstones. Long fancy shapes in 2 ct. and larger are best categories, particularly D-F, IF-VVS, as wealthy mainland clients seek luxury and bespoke jewelry. Buyers highly selective and willing to pay for the right goods. Diamonds without certification hard to sell in mainland market.
Market Comment
The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
June 18, 2026
News:
Market steady. Strong US demand for 2 ct. and larger, G-I, VS-SI diamonds in rounds and long fancies. 1.50 to 1.99 ct. improving. Marquises and antique cuts selling at high prices. Prices continue to recover in round, 0.30 to 0.89 ct. collection goods. Rough prices firm in 5 ct. and above. GIA to launch cut grade for marquises, ovals and pears, add fluorescence comments to reports. Signet estimates natural diamonds accounting for 70% of overall engagement-market revenue, 90%+ of $5,000+ range. Rectangular modified brilliant, 10.02-carat, fancy-intense-blue, VS2 diamond sells for $9M ($864,271/ct.) at Sotheby’s NY. Watch Rapaport JCK Breakfast recording here.
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. Antique cuts and styles hot. Solid US market for elongated Ovals of good shape and quality in D-I, VS-SI categories. Very well-cut fancy shapes difficult to find and commanding premiums. Fancies with bad proportions illiquid.
Country Comments
Market steady, with positive sentiment continuing after Las Vegas shows. Round, 2 ct. and larger, G-J, VS-SI diamonds moving well both on memo and in outright sales. Long fancy shapes in 2 to 4 ct., G-I, VS-SI categories in short supply; increasing interest in radiants. Trade beginning to slow ahead of summer. Fancy yellows and intense yellows in demand, particularly in long cushions, radiants and ovals, driven by big-brand advertising.
Trading quiet overall, though activity is picking up and sentiment has improved slightly. Inquiries increasing compared to recent weeks; curiosity building around outcome of Hong Kong show. Fancy shapes standing out, particularly pear and oval in 2 to 3 ct. range.
Activity remains low. Security situation continues to affect market.
Business muted, exacerbated by currency volatility as rupee recovers 1.7% in past month to INR 95 per $1. Manufacturers facing pressure from rising rough prices and limited availability; polished inventories tightening in select categories, especially 2 ct. and larger.
Dealers preparing for Jewellery & Gem Asia Hong Kong show (June 18-21). Exhibitors expect fair will attract serious buyers focused on large diamonds and gemstones. Long fancy shapes in 2 ct. and larger are best categories, particularly D-F, IF-VVS, as wealthy mainland clients seek luxury and bespoke jewelry. Buyers highly selective and willing to pay for the right goods. Diamonds without certification hard to sell in mainland market.
Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: June 11, 2026
Market Comment: June 4, 2026
Market Comment: May 28, 2026
Market Comment: May 20, 2026
Market Comment: May 14, 2026
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Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: June 11, 2026
Market Comment: June 4, 2026
Market Comment: May 28, 2026
Market Comment: May 20, 2026
Market Comment: May 14, 2026
Market Comment: May 7, 2026