Market Comment

News: De Beers 2024 revenue -23% to $3.3B, underlying loss of $288M. Anglo American wipes $2.9B off diamond miner’s value. Market anticipating steady prices at next week’s sight, with De Beers and Botswana set to sign deal at Feb. 25 ceremony. Alrosa leaves prices unchanged at Feb. sale. Polished inventories gradually increasing, but select diamonds selling and hard to replace. RAPI for 0.30 ct. +1.5% in past week. Indian manufacturers struggling. US trade steady and waiting for clarification on import rules. Low expectations for loose diamonds at Hong Kong shows (Mar. 2-8) amid ongoing crisis in Chinese demand. Hong Kong 2024 polished imports -26% to $10.8B, polished exports -21% to $10.7B.

Fancies: Large fancy shapes doing better than rounds. Prices stable overall, and firm for 3 ct. and larger diamonds. Better stones are hard to find. Solid US interest in elongated Ovals with good shape and quality in D-I, VS-SI categories. Elongated Emeralds, Radiants and Pears in 2.50 to 2.99 ct. sizes trading at significant premiums. Oval and Pear, 0.30 to 0.49 ct., F-I, VS diamonds in demand. Ovals 5% to 10% more expensive than Pears in US market. Supply shortages supporting prices for Marquises. Square Cushions slow. Very well-cut fancy shapes difficult to find and commanding premiums. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid.