Market Comment

News: Diamond markets under pressure. US luxury jewelers doing well, but middle markets over-inventoried and seeing slow sales. Signet share price down 17% over past week after advisory reflecting market slowdown. US inflation drops to 4% in May and Federal Reserve freezes interest rates, easing economic concerns. Major HK brands recovering, but overall Chinese demand slow. Chow Tai Fook sales +38% in April and May as tourists return. Okavango sells $101M of rough in June at lower prices after withdrawing goods in May. Cushion, 10.57 ct., fancy-vivid-purplish-pink, IF diamond fetches $34.8M ($3.3M/ct.) at Sotheby’s NY.

Fancies: Fancy-shape market slower than before but better than rounds. Elongated Ovals, Emeralds and Radiants are strongest items. Goods with medium and short ratios weak. Demand for Cushions declining. 0.30 ct. doing well. Orders low for 0.70 to 1.20 ct. diamonds. VS-SI losing strength, except in 1.20 to 1.49 ct. Well-cut stones seeing supply shortages. Excellent shapes commanding premiums. Retailers offering broader product ranges as consumers seek alternative cuts. Oversizes trading at higher prices than usual. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid and difficult to sell.