The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
August 22, 2024
News: US retail mixed. China weak. Antwerp bourses open again, but many traders still on vacation. India manufacturing slow due to weak overseas demand. Factories extending holidays to reduce output. India Jul. polished exports -23% YOY to $908M, Jan.-Jul. polished exports -23% to $8.6B, Jul. rough imports -17% to $913M, Jan.-Jul. rough imports -9% to $8.5B. Lucara finds 2,492 ct. diamond. Asian Star 2Q sales -18% YOY to $91M, profit -26% YOY to $2M. GJEPC working with De Beers and Chow Tai Fook to promote diamonds in China. Steady demand for melee and gold following India IIJS show. Synthetics maker Lusix seeks protection from creditors, with reported debts of $28M.
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
Retailers cautious about buying due to uncertain consumer demand. Melee is best category. Decent diamond-jewelry sales at Centurion Sea Island show, with interest in round, 1 to 3 ct., G-I, VS2-SI1 diamonds and 4 ct.-plus bluff stones. Some movement in 1 to 2 ct. fancies. Dow Jones index continues to rally, up 5.7% since August 5.
Belgium
Bourses have officially reopened, but few dealers present. Activity limited. Large companies operating, with many small businesses still on vacation. Slowdown likely to continue through end of August. Industry uncertain about diamond demand over holiday season.
Israel
Market quiet, as dealers are on summer vacation until end of August.
India
Trading slow as companies close for August national and religious holidays. Manufacturers reducing production to improve balance between supply and demand. Overseas orders sluggish as competition from synthetics reduces natural-diamond demand. Buyers cautious about taking on inventory. IIJS show kickstarted market for stars and melee, reflecting domestic Indian jewelry demand.
Hong Kong
Business seasonally quiet. Companies gradually returning from summer vacation. Suppliers preparing for Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong show (September 16 to 22), expecting jewelers to attend without buying much. Chinese jewelry factories keeping busy with lower-budget items featuring pearls and synthetic diamonds. Market hopeful that fourth quarter will bring improvement.
Market Comment
The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
August 22, 2024
News: US retail mixed. China weak. Antwerp bourses open again, but many traders still on vacation. India manufacturing slow due to weak overseas demand. Factories extending holidays to reduce output. India Jul. polished exports -23% YOY to $908M, Jan.-Jul. polished exports -23% to $8.6B, Jul. rough imports -17% to $913M, Jan.-Jul. rough imports -9% to $8.5B. Lucara finds 2,492 ct. diamond. Asian Star 2Q sales -18% YOY to $91M, profit -26% YOY to $2M. GJEPC working with De Beers and Chow Tai Fook to promote diamonds in China. Steady demand for melee and gold following India IIJS show. Synthetics maker Lusix seeks protection from creditors, with reported debts of $28M.
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
Retailers cautious about buying due to uncertain consumer demand. Melee is best category. Decent diamond-jewelry sales at Centurion Sea Island show, with interest in round, 1 to 3 ct., G-I, VS2-SI1 diamonds and 4 ct.-plus bluff stones. Some movement in 1 to 2 ct. fancies. Dow Jones index continues to rally, up 5.7% since August 5.
Bourses have officially reopened, but few dealers present. Activity limited. Large companies operating, with many small businesses still on vacation. Slowdown likely to continue through end of August. Industry uncertain about diamond demand over holiday season.
Market quiet, as dealers are on summer vacation until end of August.
Trading slow as companies close for August national and religious holidays. Manufacturers reducing production to improve balance between supply and demand. Overseas orders sluggish as competition from synthetics reduces natural-diamond demand. Buyers cautious about taking on inventory. IIJS show kickstarted market for stars and melee, reflecting domestic Indian jewelry demand.
Business seasonally quiet. Companies gradually returning from summer vacation. Suppliers preparing for Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong show (September 16 to 22), expecting jewelers to attend without buying much. Chinese jewelry factories keeping busy with lower-budget items featuring pearls and synthetic diamonds. Market hopeful that fourth quarter will bring improvement.
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