Market quiet. Reduced trading activity in US, Belgium and Israel during Passover festival. US and Indian retail in seasonal slowdown. China diamond demand weak. De Beers 1Q production -23% YOY to 6.9M cts., sales -49% to 4.9M cts.; miner moves auction headquarters from Singapore to Botswana. Rio Tinto 1Q diamond production -22% YOY to 740K cts. due to Diavik plane crash that led to pause in operations. Gold price continues to rise. AWDC names Karen Rentmeesters interim CEO following Ari Epstein resignation. Country comments will return next week after Passover.

Diamonds in China are underperforming other jewelry categories amid economic and cultural changes affecting Chinese consumer habits.

Traceability in the luxury sector was the topic of the latest Rapaport Diamond Podcast episode, which featured two experts from the field. 

Forward looks: From craftcore to self-expression, the renowned style forecaster shares the latest insights from her annual report.