Market Comment

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

Weekly since 1980

June 19, 2025

News:

Market stable following Las Vegas shows. US market solid, with good demand for 2 ct. and larger fancies. Major retailers holding off purchases. Indians receive goods they had shipped to US for shows. Trade watching for news on US-India trade deal as tariff deadline approaches. Industry groups and African nations sign landmark agreement in Luanda to fund Natural Diamond Council. Israel trade frozen amid Iran conflict, with lack of flights restricting imports and exports. India May polished exports -35% YOY to $950M, rough imports -11% to $1.1B. Kimberley Process reports 2024 global rough production +6% to 118M cts., value -10% to $11.5B.

Fancies:

Long fancy shapes such as Oval, Marquise and Emerald doing better than rounds in 2 ct. and larger. High-quality Marquises, long Radiants and long Cushions in short supply. Long Cushions easy to sell and trading at 20% to 25% premium over square ones. Solid US interest in elongated Ovals of good shape and quality in D-I, VS-SI categories. Oval and Pear, 0.30 to 0.49 ct., F-I, VS diamonds in demand. Ovals 5% to 10% more expensive than Pears in US market. Very well-cut fancy shapes difficult to find and commanding premiums. Fancies with bad proportions are illiquid.

Country Comments

United States
United States

Market steady. Large wholesalers satisfied with both memo and outright sales. Fancies strong, especially marquises. Tariffs creating concerns for jewelry imports, with some companies shifting to US manufacturing. Large retailers have not made orders yet due to uncertainty.

Belgium
Belgium

Sentiment positive. Shortages supporting market. Steady demand and prices for 2 ct. and larger fancy shapes. Diamonds in 6 and 7 ct. range selling, but supply is limited. Buyers lacking confidence to purchase for inventory.

Israel
Israel

Bourse operating in emergency mode as Iranian missiles fire at Israel. Trading floor shut; only essential services available. Dealers cannot import or export, as skies are closed to commercial flights. Shippers working on temporary solutions. Some bourse members stuck in US after JCK Las Vegas show.

India
India

Market quiet as overseas and domestic demand remain slow. US tariffs, high price of gold, and geopolitical tensions have impacted business. Mixed reports from JCK show, with dealers in large, long fancy shapes doing well. Industry awaiting news on US-India trade negotiations.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Trading slow amid weak demand from China and Japan. Low expectations for Jewellery & Gem Asia Hong Kong show (June 19 to 22).

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