The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
November 21, 2024
News: Sentiment positive ahead of Thanksgiving. Prices steady, with goods moving at deep discounts. Select diamonds in short supply. Less-desirable goods slow. Polished production resuming after Diwali. Feud over Kimberley Process plenary: EU slams lack of Russia debate as chair Ahmed Bin Sulayem criticizes Europe’s “single node” plan. KP reinstates Central African Republic. Hong Kong’s TSL focusing on cost control after fiscal H1 sales -36% to $111M, net loss narrows 25% to $5.6M. Indian govt. proposes clearer labeling rules for natural and synthetic diamonds.
Fancies: Fancy-shape prices stabilizing, but decline is more moderate than for rounds. US buyers more selective about quality of SIs, rejecting black centers and short ratios. Elongated shapes in demand. Fancies with medium and short ratios harder to sell. Supply shortages supporting prices for Marquises. Square 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
Dealers optimistic for Thanksgiving (November 28) and other upcoming holidays. Consumers and retailers shifting back to natural. Sales positive but not booming. Round, 1.50 and 2 ct. goods and their oversizes are in demand in F-I, VS-SI, 3X qualities. Elongated cushion and oval, 2 ct. F-I, VS-SI diamonds moving.
Belgium
Market steady ahead of holiday season. Trade preparing for next week’s Facets 2024 conference and Jewelry Days.
Israel
Momentum slowing. Sluggish sales of regular goods. Sought-after items hard to find.
India
Trading slow amid mixed overseas demand. Manufacturers gradually reopening factories, but confidence low as buyers show little demand for new inventory. US okay ahead of holidays. China still weak. Domestic jewelry sector robust. Mumbai’s Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) quieter than usual due to regional elections.
Hong Kong
Market stable but slower than in previous festive seasons. Consumers focusing on lower-budget items that generate less profit for the trade. Steady demand for round, 0.30 to 0.80 ct., D-J, VS diamonds with VG cut or better. Larger goods in fancy shapes and colors moving ahead of holidays
Market Comment
The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
November 21, 2024
News: Sentiment positive ahead of Thanksgiving. Prices steady, with goods moving at deep discounts. Select diamonds in short supply. Less-desirable goods slow. Polished production resuming after Diwali. Feud over Kimberley Process plenary: EU slams lack of Russia debate as chair Ahmed Bin Sulayem criticizes Europe’s “single node” plan. KP reinstates Central African Republic. Hong Kong’s TSL focusing on cost control after fiscal H1 sales -36% to $111M, net loss narrows 25% to $5.6M. Indian govt. proposes clearer labeling rules for natural and synthetic diamonds.
Fancies: Fancy-shape prices stabilizing, but decline is more moderate than for rounds. US buyers more selective about quality of SIs, rejecting black centers and short ratios. Elongated shapes in demand. Fancies with medium and short ratios harder to sell. Supply shortages supporting prices for Marquises. Square 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
Dealers optimistic for Thanksgiving (November 28) and other upcoming holidays. Consumers and retailers shifting back to natural. Sales positive but not booming. Round, 1.50 and 2 ct. goods and their oversizes are in demand in F-I, VS-SI, 3X qualities. Elongated cushion and oval, 2 ct. F-I, VS-SI diamonds moving.
Market steady ahead of holiday season. Trade preparing for next week’s Facets 2024 conference and Jewelry Days.
Momentum slowing. Sluggish sales of regular goods. Sought-after items hard to find.
Trading slow amid mixed overseas demand. Manufacturers gradually reopening factories, but confidence low as buyers show little demand for new inventory. US okay ahead of holidays. China still weak. Domestic jewelry sector robust. Mumbai’s Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) quieter than usual due to regional elections.
Market stable but slower than in previous festive seasons. Consumers focusing on lower-budget items that generate less profit for the trade. Steady demand for round, 0.30 to 0.80 ct., D-J, VS diamonds with VG cut or better. Larger goods in fancy shapes and colors moving ahead of holidays
Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: June 12, 2025
Market Comment: June 5, 2025
Market Comment: May 29, 2025
Market Comment: May 22, 2025
Market Comment: May 15, 2025
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Previous Market Comments
Market Comment: June 12, 2025
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