The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
November 7, 2024
News: Trump landslide victory will create unprecedented restructuring of the world order. The US economic, social and political landscape will turn 180 degrees. Everything is going to change, mostly for the better, with improved confidence and increased luxury consumer spending. Stock market rallying, dollar rising and gold price dropping. Duma Boko wins Botswana presidential election and signals warmer relations with De Beers as sales deal remains unsigned. US and India retail steady. China slow. US dealers buying less during India’s Diwali shutdown. Oct. 1 ct. RAPI -1.5% in Oct. but stabilized in second half of month. Rough demand weak at De Beers’ Nov. sight, with prices unchanged.
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
Trade optimistic over tax cuts, stock-market rise and strong consumer demand after Trump landslide victory. Consumer sentiment improving ahead of holidays. Wholesalers have slowed their purchases during India’s Diwali season and are waiting for calls from retailers. Steady prices for oversizes and 3 ct. and larger diamonds. Inventories hard to replace, as few fresh goods flowing from India due to production cuts and Diwali holiday.
Belgium
Mood low in uncertain market. Sightholders hopeful that new Botswana president will improve relationship with De Beers. Impact on HB Antwerp remains unclear. Rough sector slow during sight week. Shortages of 2 to 3 ct. polished.
Israel
Dealers focusing on selling to US ahead of holiday while India is on Diwali break. Concerns that market will weaken when India resumes production and seasonal demand tapers off. Israel’s October polished exports down 60% year on year to $168 million after returns, January-to-October polished exports down 48% year on year at $1.7 billion. GIA to close Israel lab.
India
Sales offices slowly reopening after Diwali vacation. Factories remain closed for next few weeks. Diamond manufacturer Asian Star reports 28% year-on-year drop in fiscal second quarter’s sales to $79 million, profit up 10% year on year at $2.3 million.
Hong Kong
Market slower than usual for this time of year. Dealers unsure if peak season will arrive. Jewelry, gold and pearls moving, but diamonds weak. Sector nervous about impact of new Trump US-China trade relations.
Market Comment
The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
November 7, 2024
News: Trump landslide victory will create unprecedented restructuring of the world order. The US economic, social and political landscape will turn 180 degrees. Everything is going to change, mostly for the better, with improved confidence and increased luxury consumer spending. Stock market rallying, dollar rising and gold price dropping. Duma Boko wins Botswana presidential election and signals warmer relations with De Beers as sales deal remains unsigned. US and India retail steady. China slow. US dealers buying less during India’s Diwali shutdown. Oct. 1 ct. RAPI -1.5% in Oct. but stabilized in second half of month. Rough demand weak at De Beers’ Nov. sight, with prices unchanged.
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
Trade optimistic over tax cuts, stock-market rise and strong consumer demand after Trump landslide victory. Consumer sentiment improving ahead of holidays. Wholesalers have slowed their purchases during India’s Diwali season and are waiting for calls from retailers. Steady prices for oversizes and 3 ct. and larger diamonds. Inventories hard to replace, as few fresh goods flowing from India due to production cuts and Diwali holiday.
Mood low in uncertain market. Sightholders hopeful that new Botswana president will improve relationship with De Beers. Impact on HB Antwerp remains unclear. Rough sector slow during sight week. Shortages of 2 to 3 ct. polished.
Dealers focusing on selling to US ahead of holiday while India is on Diwali break. Concerns that market will weaken when India resumes production and seasonal demand tapers off. Israel’s October polished exports down 60% year on year to $168 million after returns, January-to-October polished exports down 48% year on year at $1.7 billion. GIA to close Israel lab.
Sales offices slowly reopening after Diwali vacation. Factories remain closed for next few weeks. Diamond manufacturer Asian Star reports 28% year-on-year drop in fiscal second quarter’s sales to $79 million, profit up 10% year on year at $2.3 million.
Market slower than usual for this time of year. Dealers unsure if peak season will arrive. Jewelry, gold and pearls moving, but diamonds weak. Sector nervous about impact of new Trump US-China trade relations.
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