Market Comment

News: Trading slow. Weak demand for 0.25 ct. and larger polished is leading to price declines. Focus on memo. Jewelers limiting inventory and buying for specific orders. US seasonally quiet ahead of summer vacation. Mixed outlook as American job market improves, but Federal Reserve warns it could raise interest rates at July and September meetings. Muted activity at small Hong Kong show; few overseas buyers present. US sanctions four gold and diamond companies and one individual that have supported Russia’s Wagner military group. Rough market under pressure as deadline approaches for De Beers-Botswana deal. Birks FY sales -10% to $124M; loss of $5.7M vs. profit of $1M a year earlier. 

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.