Market Comment

The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news

Weekly since 1980

July 2, 2026

News:

Prices of 0.30 to 0.49 ct. rounds recovering following inventory drops. 0.50 to 1.20 ct. mixed. Larger goods steady amid tight supply, especially in long fancy shapes. Slight demand improvements causing severe shortages in specific areas. Jun. RAPI: 0.30 ct. +4.2%, 0.50 ct. +1.3%, 1 ct. -0.7%, 3 ct. +0.4%. De Beers expected to reduce rough prices or expand discount deals at next week’s sight. Global 2025 rough production -8% to 99M cts., value -3% to $9.2B, average price +6% to $93/ct.; Russia remains largest producer. Alrosa pauses Severalmaz mines. Luk Fook FY sales +29% to $2.2B, profit +89% to $257M, boosted by gold demand and prices. Sean Gilbertson resigns as Gemfields CEO.

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
United States

Market steady. Many businesses closed for July 4 holiday period. Large wholesalers remaining operational. Solid demand for round, 1 to 1.70 ct., F-I, VS2-SI1 diamonds, with memos converting into actual sales. Shortages supporting prices. 1 ct. rounds seeing tight supply; 3 ct. very hard to find, especially in long fancies. Hot market for branded antique jewelry in $5,000 to $25,000 price range.

Belgium
Belgium

Rare categories and collection goods doing well amid supply shortages; commercial goods weaker. Ovals and pears performing nicely, but proportions have to be perfect. European retail clients showing appetite for colored gemstones.

Israel
Israel

Market quiet. Companies selling to brands report mixed trading following Las Vegas shows. June was difficult month, with shortages of specific goods in India pushing prices up. Low production and supply driving upturn; demand less of a factor.

India
India

Trading slow, with buyers purchasing cautiously. Sentiment somewhat improved. Higher rough prices continue to pressure manufacturers, especially smaller businesses. Lower-quality commercial goods increasingly selling in parcels. Domestic retail activity expected to pick up ahead of IIJS in August and wedding season later in the year.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Shorter week because of public holiday. Hong Kong-based jewelers report sales gains due to higher gold price.

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