The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
June 26, 2025
News:
Market awaiting US tariff decision as July 9 deadline approaches. Retailers and dealers delaying purchases amid uncertainty. US consumer demand steady. New York wholesalers preparing for seasonal slowdown in July. Indian trade quiet. Prices for round, 0.50 ct. diamonds declining. 1 ct. stable, though some categories softening. Fancies steady, with 2 ct. and larger stones hot in long shapes. Rough market positive. Prices up at Okavango June auction. Israel resumes shipments following Iran ceasefire. Heated battle occurring over marketing strategies as natural industry goes negative on synthetics. HRD stops grading loose synthetic diamonds. GIA names Pritesh Patel president and CEO.
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
Sought-after diamonds in short supply as nice goods that Indians shipped ahead of tariffs begin running out. Medium and large wholesalers reporting steady memo calls from retailers but limited outright purchases. Major retailers still waiting to confirm holiday orders. Good demand for 2 ct. and larger rounds. Strong market for long fancy shapes in 2 ct.-plus, F-H, VS-SI categories. Trade gearing up for two- to three-week lull in July.
Belgium
Business quiet. Dealers reluctant to acquire inventory as they await news on tariffs.
Israel
Traders return to bourse as army removes civilian restrictions following 12-day war with Iran. Diamond exchange building unharmed by missile that fell nearby. Imports and exports resuming as skies reopen. Market awaiting updates on US tariffs.
India
Market slow amid sluggish overseas and domestic demand. Most diamond categories struggling except for specific sought-after items, such as 3 ct. and larger fancy shapes. All eyes on US tariff decision.
Hong Kong
Local demand for diamonds under 1 ct. in lower qualities. Buyers seeking discounts. Steady market for 2 to 3 ct. ovals, marquises and emeralds. Mainland consumer demand sluggish, with interest primarily in 0.30 and 0.50 ct., E-I, VS-SI diamonds. Japanese market quiet. Jewellery & Gem Asia Hong Kong show exceeds low expectations, but few Chinese buyers present.
Market Comment
The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
June 26, 2025
News:
Market awaiting US tariff decision as July 9 deadline approaches. Retailers and dealers delaying purchases amid uncertainty. US consumer demand steady. New York wholesalers preparing for seasonal slowdown in July. Indian trade quiet. Prices for round, 0.50 ct. diamonds declining. 1 ct. stable, though some categories softening. Fancies steady, with 2 ct. and larger stones hot in long shapes. Rough market positive. Prices up at Okavango June auction. Israel resumes shipments following Iran ceasefire. Heated battle occurring over marketing strategies as natural industry goes negative on synthetics. HRD stops grading loose synthetic diamonds. GIA names Pritesh Patel president and CEO.
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
Sought-after diamonds in short supply as nice goods that Indians shipped ahead of tariffs begin running out. Medium and large wholesalers reporting steady memo calls from retailers but limited outright purchases. Major retailers still waiting to confirm holiday orders. Good demand for 2 ct. and larger rounds. Strong market for long fancy shapes in 2 ct.-plus, F-H, VS-SI categories. Trade gearing up for two- to three-week lull in July.
Business quiet. Dealers reluctant to acquire inventory as they await news on tariffs.
Traders return to bourse as army removes civilian restrictions following 12-day war with Iran. Diamond exchange building unharmed by missile that fell nearby. Imports and exports resuming as skies reopen. Market awaiting updates on US tariffs.
Market slow amid sluggish overseas and domestic demand. Most diamond categories struggling except for specific sought-after items, such as 3 ct. and larger fancy shapes. All eyes on US tariff decision.
Local demand for diamonds under 1 ct. in lower qualities. Buyers seeking discounts. Steady market for 2 to 3 ct. ovals, marquises and emeralds. Mainland consumer demand sluggish, with interest primarily in 0.30 and 0.50 ct., E-I, VS-SI diamonds. Japanese market quiet. Jewellery & Gem Asia Hong Kong show exceeds low expectations, but few Chinese buyers present.
Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: July 3, 2025
Market Comment: June 26, 2025
Market Comment: June 19, 2025
Market Comment: June 12, 2025
Market Comment: June 5, 2025
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Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: July 3, 2025
Market Comment: June 26, 2025
Market Comment: June 19, 2025
Market Comment: June 12, 2025
Market Comment: June 5, 2025
Market Comment: May 29, 2025