US jewelers optimistic as holiday sales gain momentum. Signet raises FY forecast after 3Q revenue +3% to $1.6B, profit -60% to $38M. Dealer trading cautious. Manufacturers under pressure to raise liquidity and reduce inventory. Small stones doing better than 1 ct.+. China slow, but some speculating that select categories have bottomed. De Beers extends sightholder contracts for a year due to market uncertainty, keeps prices stable at Dec. sight. Christie’s NY sells $59M (93% by lot), including pear, 32.62 ct., fancy-blue, potentially IF diamond for $11.8M ($373K/ct.). Sotheby’s NY sells $50M (81% by lot), with pear, 303.10 ct., fancy-brownish-yellow, IF going for $12.4M ($41K/ct.).
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