News: Diamond market split. Suppliers to large US jewelers doing well but dealer trading cautious following recent price declines. 1 ct. RAPI -3.2% in April. Cutters and dealers with US clients separating Russian supply to meet American obligations. China slow. Rough demand weaker despite removal of Russian goods from market. Alrosa postpones sales and will sell to Russia’s Gokhran to raise liquidity. De Beers prices stable at May sight. Petra Diamonds reports rough prices -24% at $86M April tender. Jewelers upbeat ahead of Mother’s Day weekend. Sotheby’s HK sells $38M, with cushion, 3.27 ct., fancy-vivid-blue diamond ring going for $5.3M ($1.6M/ct.). AGS elects Lisa Bridge as president.

The latest episode of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast looks at the implications of ethical sourcing for the industry in light of sanctions on Russia. The editorial team also discusses the relatively positive retail outlook and the growing excitement about the upcoming auctions.

Swiss technology company Synova believes its automated manufacturing system could reduce the need for human polishers and open up the market to new participants. But will it end up destroying the trade? Founder and CEO Bernold Richerzhagen answers this and other pressing questions.