Market Comment

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

Weekly since 1980

October 8, 2026

News:

Market stable. Rounds outperforming fancies. US upbeat; good demand for 1 ct. and larger, F-I, VS1-SI2 diamonds. Large NY dealers doing brisk business with jewelers. Recovery in smalls appearing to cool. Sep. 0.30 ct. RAPI +3.2% but down in second half of month; 0.50 ct. +2.5%, 1 ct. +0.3%, 3 ct. +1.5%. Indian manufacturers cautious on production. Desirable goods hard to replenish, with sellers firm on prices.Signet’s Blue Nile collabs with Royal Asscher in high-end push. Mining in crisis: Petra says asset sale possible as it addresses liquidity needs; Mountain Province to give De Beers 49% Gahcho Kué stake to clear debts. US Sep. luxury credit card purchases ​-6% YOY, Citi reports.

Fancies:

Long fancy shapes such as Ovals, Marquises and Emeralds moving well in 2 ct. and larger. High-quality Marquises, long Radiants and long Cushions in short supply. Marquise is most expensive fancy shape. Long Cushions easy to sell and trading at 20% to 25% premiums over square ones. Reports of demand for Princesses after long period of weakness; prices remain low. 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:

Market positive. Retailers buying outright or taking memo; ratio better than usual. Round, 1 to 3 ct., F-I, VS1-SI2 diamonds seeing more activity than before, with oversizes and even light 1 ct. diamonds also active. Rounds outperforming fancies, even elongated ones. Desirable goods moving and hard to replenish.


Belgium:

Mood positive, improving almost every week. Autumn season busy, with market reportedly better than last year. Availability limited for 1 to 3 ct., especially 2 ct., as there are fewer suppliers around. 2 and 3 ct. in demand, particularly in D-J.


Israel:

Market reopening after holidays. US demand supporting business.


India:

Manufacturers being careful not to overproduce and making conservative rough purchases. Factories starting to plan for November Diwali shutdown. Sellers reluctant to budge on discounts, as market has picked up.


Hong Kong:

Buyers ordering round, 3 ct. and larger diamonds, and fancy shapes in 2 to 4 ct., especially pear and oval. Fancy pinks, blues and yellows in good demand. Smaller, lower-quality goods hard to sell, as synthetics are readily available; finished jewelry moving better than loose diamonds. Chinese demand is key missing ingredient for stronger recovery. Shenzhen Shuibei market traffic strong over National Day holiday, driven by wedding jewelry.


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