The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
July 16, 2026
News:
1 ct. demand picking up and supply falling, but prices not recovering. Indian sentiment improving. US wholesale active despite summer vacation. India’s Mehul Shah elected WFDB president at eventful World Diamond Congress in Singapore. Israel Diamond Exchange rejoins WFDB. De Beers to pause production at Venetia mine, reflecting weak market for small, low-value diamonds. Canada’s Ekati mine to close. Lucara finds 1,305 ct. diamond, its 10th over 1,000 ct. Belgium 1H polished exports +18% YOY to $3.7B. Dubai 2025 polished trading up c.25% to $18.7B. Richemont fiscal 1Q sales at jewelry maisons (Cartier, Van Cleef) +21% to $5.4B. Rapaport Auctions holds first diamond viewing in India.
Fancies:
Long fancy shapes such as Ovals, Marquises and Emeralds doing better than rounds in 2 ct. and larger. High-quality Marquises, long Radiants and long Cushions in short supply. Marquise most expensive fancy shape. Long Cushions easy to sell and trading at 20% to 25% premium over square ones. Antique cuts and styles hot. Solid US market for elongated Ovals of good shape and quality in D-I, VS-SI categories. Very well-cut fancy shapes difficult to find and commanding premiums. Fancies with bad proportions illiquid.
Country Comments
United States
Wholesale market steady through summer vacation. Contractors manufacturing for brands busy. Prices mostly stable. Growing interest in low-color goods. 1 ct. and larger diamonds seeing renewed demand. Large wholesalers satisfied with market conditions.
Belgium
Market quiet as summer period sets in. Last-minute orders still coming through, but overall activity has slowed significantly.
Israel
Trading steady. WFDB members vote to readmit Israel Diamond Exchange at World Diamond Congress.
India
Market and sentiment improving. Buyers more confident, and sellers firmer on prices of sought-after goods amid shortages. Good demand for round, 0.30 to 0.50 ct. diamonds. 1 ct. stabilizing. US inquiries improving. 2 ct. and larger still doing well. Domestic jewelry market picking up, with positive expectations for Diwali season.
Hong Kong
Investment buying of round, 3 to 10 ct., D-F, IF-VVS diamonds active. Marquise, oval and emerald cuts commanding premiums. Goods under 1 ct. slow; princess cuts unpopular. Chinese consumers increasingly buying diamonds for personal milestones and daily wear rather than marriage, preferring loose diamonds with custom settings.
Market Comment
The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
July 16, 2026
News:
1 ct. demand picking up and supply falling, but prices not recovering. Indian sentiment improving. US wholesale active despite summer vacation. India’s Mehul Shah elected WFDB president at eventful World Diamond Congress in Singapore. Israel Diamond Exchange rejoins WFDB. De Beers to pause production at Venetia mine, reflecting weak market for small, low-value diamonds. Canada’s Ekati mine to close. Lucara finds 1,305 ct. diamond, its 10th over 1,000 ct. Belgium 1H polished exports +18% YOY to $3.7B. Dubai 2025 polished trading up c.25% to $18.7B. Richemont fiscal 1Q sales at jewelry maisons (Cartier, Van Cleef) +21% to $5.4B. Rapaport Auctions holds first diamond viewing in India.
Fancies:
Long fancy shapes such as Ovals, Marquises and Emeralds doing better than rounds in 2 ct. and larger. High-quality Marquises, long Radiants and long Cushions in short supply. Marquise most expensive fancy shape. Long Cushions easy to sell and trading at 20% to 25% premium over square ones. Antique cuts and styles hot. Solid US market for elongated Ovals of good shape and quality in D-I, VS-SI categories. Very well-cut fancy shapes difficult to find and commanding premiums. Fancies with bad proportions illiquid.
Country Comments
Wholesale market steady through summer vacation. Contractors manufacturing for brands busy. Prices mostly stable. Growing interest in low-color goods. 1 ct. and larger diamonds seeing renewed demand. Large wholesalers satisfied with market conditions.
Market quiet as summer period sets in. Last-minute orders still coming through, but overall activity has slowed significantly.
Trading steady. WFDB members vote to readmit Israel Diamond Exchange at World Diamond Congress.
Market and sentiment improving. Buyers more confident, and sellers firmer on prices of sought-after goods amid shortages. Good demand for round, 0.30 to 0.50 ct. diamonds. 1 ct. stabilizing. US inquiries improving. 2 ct. and larger still doing well. Domestic jewelry market picking up, with positive expectations for Diwali season.
Investment buying of round, 3 to 10 ct., D-F, IF-VVS diamonds active. Marquise, oval and emerald cuts commanding premiums. Goods under 1 ct. slow; princess cuts unpopular. Chinese consumers increasingly buying diamonds for personal milestones and daily wear rather than marriage, preferring loose diamonds with custom settings.
Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: July 9, 2026
Market Comment: July 2, 2026
Market Comment: June 25, 2026
Market Comment: June 18, 2026
Market Comment: June 11, 2026
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Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: July 9, 2026
Market Comment: July 2, 2026
Market Comment: June 25, 2026
Market Comment: June 18, 2026
Market Comment: June 11, 2026
Market Comment: June 4, 2026