Market Comment

News: US and Chinese demand for polished above 0.30 ct. weak and causing slowdown in 0.75 ct. and larger rough. Indian manufacturers focusing on small, low-value and synthetic goods to keep factories running. Inexpensive natural melee diamonds doing better than expected as Rapaport June melee auction sells $6.2M (93% of lots). India Prime Minister Modi gives 7.5 ct. synthetic diamond to Jill Biden. De Beers offers 1 to 2 ct. synthetic diamond engagement rings at $800-$1,500/ct., raising concerns in industry. De Beers June sales -32% to $450M following price drop in larger sizes. US Census Bureau reports May retail sales +0.3%. Low expectations for HK show. India May polished exports -18% to $1.7B, rough imports -19% to $1.2B.

Fancies: Fancy-shape market slower than before but better than rounds. Longer Ovals, Pears, Radiants and Cushions fetching higher prices than shorter stones. 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.