Market Comment

News: US seasonally slow. Steady demand for round, 0.30 to 0.69 ct., D-F, IF-VVS2. De Beers maintains prices at Jan. sight, allows 20% buybacks. Petra Jul.-Dec. rough prices -10% YOY. Worker at Namibia’s Namdia trading company killed in armed robbery. India allows duty-free import of some polished under 0.25 ct. Steady trading at Vicenzaoro show. Bain reports strong 2024 for high jewelry. Belgium 2024 polished exports -16% to $8B, rough imports -37% to $4.2B. Chow Tai Fook Oct.-Dec. retail sales -14% YOY; Luk Fook -6%. RapNet to launch Gemstone Trading Network. Martin Rapaport webinar Jan. 29 at 10 a.m. EST. Register here. Wishing everyone a happy Chinese New Year.

Fancies: Fancy-shape prices stable. Prices firm for 3 ct. and larger, as nice items are hard to find. Good US demand and price increases for elongated Ovals in D-I, VS-SI categories with good shape and quality. Oval and Pear, 0.30 to 0.49, F-I, VS diamonds in demand. Ovals 5% to 10% more expensive than Pears in US market. Elongated Emeralds, Radiants and Pears in demand, with stable prices. 2.50 to 2.99 ct. trading at significant premiums in those shapes. 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.