The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
September 5, 2024
News: Martin Rapaport to present webinar “What Will Happen to Natural Diamond Prices” on Sep. 18. at 10 a.m. EDT. Register here. Manufacturers reducing production and inventories, which will help stabilize market prices as US holiday season develops. India must maintain reduced supply to prevent price deterioration as synthetics replace US natural-diamond demand. US retail mixed, with stores and dealers buying selectively. Indian domestic market stable, with Diwali and wedding season looking positive. Low expectations for Sep. HK show amid weak China demand. Chow Sang Sang reports 1H sales -13% YOY to $1.5B, profit -37% to $67M, and launches HK pop-up store for synthetics brand.
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
Short week due to Labor Day. Retail sales mixed ahead of holiday season. Trade cautious about taking on inventory, leading to selective buying by retailers and dealers. Uncertainty about impact of synthetics during upcoming season. Financial markets watching out for Fed’s decision on interest rates at September 18 meeting.
Belgium
Dealers returning from summer break. Industry hopes holiday season will kickstart demand. Rough market quiet as India reduces production. High-end sector preparing for Italy’s Vicenzaoro show (September 6 to 10).
Israel
Dealers coming back from vacation. Low market confidence. Industry preparing for Jewish festivals in October.
India
Overseas sales mixed, with stable orders from US but weak Chinese market. Domestic business steady, with good expectations for festive and wedding seasons. Manufacturers continuing to reduce polished production. Factories and offices closing early during Jain festival of Paryushana. India’s GJEPC and BDB trade bodies urge industry to “recognize the clear signs of recovery and price stability moving forward.” Rapaport urges caution, with concern that Indian oversupply will further reduce prices.
Hong Kong
Demand and supply low. Muted confidence in natural diamonds. September Jewellery & Gem World show expected to be slow, as Chinese retailers have limited desire to buy. Hong Kong January-July sales of jewelry, watches, clocks and valuable gifts down 15% year on year at $3.9B.
Market Comment
The diamond trade’s trusted bulletin for pricing, trends and news
Weekly since 1980
September 5, 2024
News: Martin Rapaport to present webinar “What Will Happen to Natural Diamond Prices” on Sep. 18. at 10 a.m. EDT. Register here. Manufacturers reducing production and inventories, which will help stabilize market prices as US holiday season develops. India must maintain reduced supply to prevent price deterioration as synthetics replace US natural-diamond demand. US retail mixed, with stores and dealers buying selectively. Indian domestic market stable, with Diwali and wedding season looking positive. Low expectations for Sep. HK show amid weak China demand. Chow Sang Sang reports 1H sales -13% YOY to $1.5B, profit -37% to $67M, and launches HK pop-up store for synthetics brand.
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
Short week due to Labor Day. Retail sales mixed ahead of holiday season. Trade cautious about taking on inventory, leading to selective buying by retailers and dealers. Uncertainty about impact of synthetics during upcoming season. Financial markets watching out for Fed’s decision on interest rates at September 18 meeting.
Dealers returning from summer break. Industry hopes holiday season will kickstart demand. Rough market quiet as India reduces production. High-end sector preparing for Italy’s Vicenzaoro show (September 6 to 10).
Dealers coming back from vacation. Low market confidence. Industry preparing for Jewish festivals in October.
Overseas sales mixed, with stable orders from US but weak Chinese market. Domestic business steady, with good expectations for festive and wedding seasons. Manufacturers continuing to reduce polished production. Factories and offices closing early during Jain festival of Paryushana. India’s GJEPC and BDB trade bodies urge industry to “recognize the clear signs of recovery and price stability moving forward.” Rapaport urges caution, with concern that Indian oversupply will further reduce prices.
Demand and supply low. Muted confidence in natural diamonds. September Jewellery & Gem World show expected to be slow, as Chinese retailers have limited desire to buy. Hong Kong January-July sales of jewelry, watches, clocks and valuable gifts down 15% year on year at $3.9B.
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