Market Comment

News:

Hong Kong show ends to mixed demand for loose diamonds, with 2 ct. and larger the best items. Customers cautious about pricing and purchases. Few Chinese buyers present. Jewelry, gemstones and pearls attracted strong traffic. Consumer market stable. Rounds performing better, as manufacturers have increased output of fancy shapes. Prices steady amid balance of supply and demand. De Beers CEO Al Cook tells Chinese TV he’s “very confident” in diamond prices long-term. Wholesale trading in New York, Antwerp and Israel quiet over Jewish holiday season. Cautious sentiment at De Beers’ Sep. sight; some goods in short supply. Natural Diamond Council rebrands as The Diamond Collective.

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 most expensive fancy shape. Long Cushions easy to sell and trading at 20% to 25% premium 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.