The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
August 20, 2026
News:
Market improving, with round prices firming amid tighter supply and stronger demand. 0.30 to 0.69 ct. rounds leading recovery; 1 to 1.49 ct. stabilizing. 1.50, 2 and 3 ct. solid in US commercial qualities. Fancy price trends weaker than rounds following overproduction. Indian suppliers sending goods to US ahead of holiday season. India retail strong, driven by affluent south. Prices steady at De Beers Aug. sight. Hong Kong’s Chow Sang Sang estimates 1H profit jump. Asian Star fiscal 1Q sales -11% YOY to $68M. India tax exemption for foreign rough sellers to go into effect Oct. 1. Industry mourns passing of former GJEPC chairman Vasant Mehta. Okavango names Yoram Dvash board chairman.
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. Reports of demand for Princesses after long period of weakness; prices remain low. 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 upbeat as initial holiday buying begins following summer lull. Round, 1 to 3 ct., F-I, VS-SI most active, with supply tightening. Old euros and old miners moving. Fancies slowing relative to rounds; oval and long cushion cuts best performers among fancies. Continued reports of consumers returning to natural diamonds.
Belgium
Trade coming back from summer holiday. Positive mood as industry looks forward to upcoming season.
Israel
Market quiet as summer vacation nears end.
India
Market reflecting global trends, with round, 0.30 to 0.50 ct. diamonds rebounding. Sellers firm on prices of better-quality goods amid tight supply. Large manufacturers increasingly selling small SI goods in parcels rather than individually certified stones. Reduced production of fancies as demand cools. Domestic retail healthy, with southern India (Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru) the key market.
Hong Kong
Buyers showing preference for 2 ct. and larger, G-I, VS-SI diamonds, especially elongated fancy shapes such as ovals, marquises and emeralds. High-quality marquises, long radiants and long cushions in short supply, supporting prices. Consumers seeking unique pieces. Commercial goods and small stones under 0.50 ct. weak. Tariffs impacting outlook for US demand.
Market Comment
The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
August 20, 2026
News:
Market improving, with round prices firming amid tighter supply and stronger demand. 0.30 to 0.69 ct. rounds leading recovery; 1 to 1.49 ct. stabilizing. 1.50, 2 and 3 ct. solid in US commercial qualities. Fancy price trends weaker than rounds following overproduction. Indian suppliers sending goods to US ahead of holiday season. India retail strong, driven by affluent south. Prices steady at De Beers Aug. sight. Hong Kong’s Chow Sang Sang estimates 1H profit jump. Asian Star fiscal 1Q sales -11% YOY to $68M. India tax exemption for foreign rough sellers to go into effect Oct. 1. Industry mourns passing of former GJEPC chairman Vasant Mehta. Okavango names Yoram Dvash board chairman.
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. Reports of demand for Princesses after long period of weakness; prices remain low. 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 upbeat as initial holiday buying begins following summer lull. Round, 1 to 3 ct., F-I, VS-SI most active, with supply tightening. Old euros and old miners moving. Fancies slowing relative to rounds; oval and long cushion cuts best performers among fancies. Continued reports of consumers returning to natural diamonds.
Trade coming back from summer holiday. Positive mood as industry looks forward to upcoming season.
Market quiet as summer vacation nears end.
Market reflecting global trends, with round, 0.30 to 0.50 ct. diamonds rebounding. Sellers firm on prices of better-quality goods amid tight supply. Large manufacturers increasingly selling small SI goods in parcels rather than individually certified stones. Reduced production of fancies as demand cools. Domestic retail healthy, with southern India (Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru) the key market.
Buyers showing preference for 2 ct. and larger, G-I, VS-SI diamonds, especially elongated fancy shapes such as ovals, marquises and emeralds. High-quality marquises, long radiants and long cushions in short supply, supporting prices. Consumers seeking unique pieces. Commercial goods and small stones under 0.50 ct. weak. Tariffs impacting outlook for US demand.
Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: August 13, 2026
Market Comment: August 6, 2026
Market Comment: July 30, 2026
Market Comment: July 23, 2026
Market Comment: July 16, 2026
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Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: August 13, 2026
Market Comment: August 6, 2026
Market Comment: July 30, 2026
Market Comment: July 23, 2026
Market Comment: July 16, 2026
Market Comment: July 9, 2026