Market Comment

United States

Consumer market uncertain. Suppliers at JCK reporting mixed results; synthetics continuing to impact sales. Steady interest in round, 1 to 2 ct., G-J, SI goods. 3 ct. and above also performing well in SI clarities, as are melee and stones around 0.25 ct. Many JCK customers who bought synthetics last year have returned to natural diamonds. Growing number of attendees view fair more as networking opportunity, since cost of attending is often higher than sales.

Belgium

Market slow but more positive than last month. Companies buying to fill demand, not for inventory. Melee doing well; 0.30, 0.40 and 0.50 moving nicely in D-H, SI categories. Many exhibitors found JCK disappointing.

Israel

Dealers that attended Las Vegas event report little activity. Overall show lived up to lower expectations. Sales to big brands decent, but mom-and-pop retailers made few purchases. Prices and demand outside show continue to be weak.

India

Sales at JCK mixed. Large companies bought goods, but small ones did not. Domestic market steady; overseas demand weak. Pears, marquises and ovals strong below 0.30 ct. Industry concerned about election impact on domestic demand and trader sentiment.

Hong Kong

Some sales of 0.30 to 1 ct. diamonds, but slower than usual; melee and 2 ct.-plus barely moving. Dealers worried weakness in certain sizes may continue until September. Some traders canceling overseas orders to control costs. Retail and wholesale markets functioning at low levels. Mainland jewelry-manufacturing orders shrinking.