The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
January 2, 2025
News: Diamond market seasonally slow, with many US and European dealers still on vacation. Trade waiting for retailers’ holiday results. Mastercard SpendingPulse reports US holiday jewelry spending +4% YOY. Industry hoping for better 2025 after 1 ct. RAPI -23% in 2024. Dec. RAPI mixed, with 0.30 ct. +1%, 0.50 ct. +0.8%, 1 ct. -0.5%, 3 ct. +0.2%. Alrosa predicts rebalancing of supply and demand for rough and polished in coming months. Angola 2024 rough production approximately +20% at 12M cts. Two fatally shot in attempt to invade Gemfields worker village in Mozambique. Please see special notice on Price List for additional market information.
Fancies: Fancy-shape prices stable. Prices firm for 3 ct. and larger, as nice items are hard to find. Good US demand and price increases for elongated Ovals in D-I, VS-SI categories with good shape and quality. Ovals 5% to 10% more expensive than Pears in US market. Elongated Emeralds, Radiants and Pears in demand, with stable prices. 2.50 to 2.99 ct. trading at significant premiums in those shapes. Supply shortages supporting prices for Marquises. Square Cushions slow. Very well-cut fancy shapes difficult to find and commanding premiums. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid.
Country Comments
United States
Diamond district quiet, as most dealers are on vacation this week. Cautious optimism for consumer spending after Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 13% in 2024.
Belgium
Market quiet during New Year break.
Israel
Activity seasonally slow. Local trading minimal due to Hanukkah festival. Many overseas customers are on vacation. Israel January-November 2024 polished exports down 46% year on year at $1.83 billion after returns, with rough imports down 11% at $751.9 million.
India
Low trading levels, as American customers are on break and China remains slow. Wedding season in lull due to traditionally inauspicious period for marriages (kamurta). Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) asks India government for funding to promote natural diamonds. Industry preparing for IIJS Signature show in Mumbai (January 4 to 8).
Hong Kong
Business limited due to January 1 holiday. Low expectations for Chinese New Year (January 29).
Market Comment
The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
January 2, 2025
News: Diamond market seasonally slow, with many US and European dealers still on vacation. Trade waiting for retailers’ holiday results. Mastercard SpendingPulse reports US holiday jewelry spending +4% YOY. Industry hoping for better 2025 after 1 ct. RAPI -23% in 2024. Dec. RAPI mixed, with 0.30 ct. +1%, 0.50 ct. +0.8%, 1 ct. -0.5%, 3 ct. +0.2%. Alrosa predicts rebalancing of supply and demand for rough and polished in coming months. Angola 2024 rough production approximately +20% at 12M cts. Two fatally shot in attempt to invade Gemfields worker village in Mozambique. Please see special notice on Price List for additional market information.
Fancies: Fancy-shape prices stable. Prices firm for 3 ct. and larger, as nice items are hard to find. Good US demand and price increases for elongated Ovals in D-I, VS-SI categories with good shape and quality. Ovals 5% to 10% more expensive than Pears in US market. Elongated Emeralds, Radiants and Pears in demand, with stable prices. 2.50 to 2.99 ct. trading at significant premiums in those shapes. Supply shortages supporting prices for Marquises. Square Cushions slow. Very well-cut fancy shapes difficult to find and commanding premiums. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid.
Country Comments
Diamond district quiet, as most dealers are on vacation this week. Cautious optimism for consumer spending after Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 13% in 2024.
Market quiet during New Year break.
Activity seasonally slow. Local trading minimal due to Hanukkah festival. Many overseas customers are on vacation. Israel January-November 2024 polished exports down 46% year on year at $1.83 billion after returns, with rough imports down 11% at $751.9 million.
Low trading levels, as American customers are on break and China remains slow. Wedding season in lull due to traditionally inauspicious period for marriages (kamurta). Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) asks India government for funding to promote natural diamonds. Industry preparing for IIJS Signature show in Mumbai (January 4 to 8).
Business limited due to January 1 holiday. Low expectations for Chinese New Year (January 29).
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