Market Comment

United States:

Market healthy, with steady business overall. Rounds and elongated fancies in 2 ct., F-I, VS-SI2 categories hot at both wholesale and retail. Rounds outselling fancies, with solid sales of 5 ct. and larger. Good demand for step-cut oval and antique shapes, modern Euros and old miners. Competition rising as suppliers undercut.

Belgium:

Market active ahead of holiday season but slightly slower than in previous weeks. High-quality 0.30 to 0.70 ct. diamonds moving well. Best demand is for top-quality, 3X goods; cheaper goods slower. Some concerns about impact of synthetics.

Israel:

Trading quiet but steady. Diamond exchange welcomes agreement with tax authorities, claiming it will help country compete with Antwerp and Dubai.

India:

Market split remains: Round, 3 ct. and larger, G-H, VS diamonds performing relatively well, while lower sizes are mixed. Domestic jewelry demand supporting business, with continued interest in solitaires and larger-stone designs. Mild slowdown after Ganpati festival.

Hong Kong:

Pricing steadier and showing moderate uptrend, particularly in 0.50 to 1 ct. items. Smaller commercial goods under pressure from synthetics. Solid demand for round, 1 to 3 ct. diamonds, especially in 1.50 to 2.50 ct., VS1-SI1 range. High-end buyers seeking bespoke fancy shapes, especially oval and pear, and rare colored stones. Upmarket Chinese demand focusing on 3 ct. and larger, D-F, IF-VVS diamonds for investment.