The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
August 15, 2024
News: IIJS Mumbai signals positive Indian demand for gold and jewelry ahead of Diwali. Retail expansion and India’s reduced customs duty on gold help boost trading at show. Polished below 0.20 ct. moving better than 0.30 ct. and larger. Alrosa 2Q sales -34% YOY to $677M, profit -73% to $82M. Botswana seeks larger stake in HB Antwerp at no extra cost. Large-stone miners stand out: Lucara 2Q sales +7% YOY to $41M, profit +127% to $11M; Gem Diamonds 1H sales +9% YOY to $78M. US inflation falls to 2.9% in Jul. Brilliant Earth cuts 2024 outlook; 2Q sales -4% YOY to $105M, profit +11% to $1.4M. Pandora predicts “vast majority” of diamond sales will be synthetic in 10 years.
Fancies: Fancy-shape prices weaker following strong demand last year and overproduction by manufacturers. US buyers more selective about quality of SIs, rejecting black centers and short ratios. Elongated shapes still preferred. Fancies with medium and short ratios harder to sell. Supply shortages supporting prices for Marquises. Cushions slow. Very well-cut fancy shapes hard to find and commanding premiums. Oversizes trading at higher prices than usual. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid.
Country Comments
United States
Market quiet over summer. Retailers starting to prepare for holiday season. Melee stable in medium and lower qualities. Dow Jones index sees partial rebound after last week’s slump.
Belgium
Trading slow during summer vacation. Bourses closed until August 19.
Israel
Market sluggish amid summer break and weak overseas demand. Shorter week due to Tisha B’Av fast.
India
Trade focused on IIJS fair. Show reflected upbeat expectations for jewelry, with reduction in gold customs duty to 6% driving boom. Lots of interest in synthetic-diamond jewelry. Overseas diamond demand weak. Polishers maintaining lower production, especially in 0.30 to 3 ct. goods.
Hong Kong
Business slow due to ongoing summer lull and weak economy. Dealers expect quiet September show. Companies negotiating office rental costs. Indian manufacturers scaling back Hong Kong offices. China retailers struggling to sell diamonds even at discounted prices. Mainland jewelry manufacturers operating at reduced capacity.
Market Comment
The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
August 15, 2024
News: IIJS Mumbai signals positive Indian demand for gold and jewelry ahead of Diwali. Retail expansion and India’s reduced customs duty on gold help boost trading at show. Polished below 0.20 ct. moving better than 0.30 ct. and larger. Alrosa 2Q sales -34% YOY to $677M, profit -73% to $82M. Botswana seeks larger stake in HB Antwerp at no extra cost. Large-stone miners stand out: Lucara 2Q sales +7% YOY to $41M, profit +127% to $11M; Gem Diamonds 1H sales +9% YOY to $78M. US inflation falls to 2.9% in Jul. Brilliant Earth cuts 2024 outlook; 2Q sales -4% YOY to $105M, profit +11% to $1.4M. Pandora predicts “vast majority” of diamond sales will be synthetic in 10 years.
Fancies: Fancy-shape prices weaker following strong demand last year and overproduction by manufacturers. US buyers more selective about quality of SIs, rejecting black centers and short ratios. Elongated shapes still preferred. Fancies with medium and short ratios harder to sell. Supply shortages supporting prices for Marquises. Cushions slow. Very well-cut fancy shapes hard to find and commanding premiums. Oversizes trading at higher prices than usual. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid.
Country Comments
Market quiet over summer. Retailers starting to prepare for holiday season. Melee stable in medium and lower qualities. Dow Jones index sees partial rebound after last week’s slump.
Trading slow during summer vacation. Bourses closed until August 19.
Market sluggish amid summer break and weak overseas demand. Shorter week due to Tisha B’Av fast.
Trade focused on IIJS fair. Show reflected upbeat expectations for jewelry, with reduction in gold customs duty to 6% driving boom. Lots of interest in synthetic-diamond jewelry. Overseas diamond demand weak. Polishers maintaining lower production, especially in 0.30 to 3 ct. goods.
Business slow due to ongoing summer lull and weak economy. Dealers expect quiet September show. Companies negotiating office rental costs. Indian manufacturers scaling back Hong Kong offices. China retailers struggling to sell diamonds even at discounted prices. Mainland jewelry manufacturers operating at reduced capacity.
Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: June 5, 2025
Market Comment: May 29, 2025
Market Comment: May 22, 2025
Market Comment: May 15, 2025
Market Comment: May 8, 2025
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Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: June 5, 2025
Market Comment: May 29, 2025
Market Comment: May 22, 2025
Market Comment: May 15, 2025
Market Comment: May 8, 2025
Market Comment: May 1, 2025