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.).

After a slew of headline-grabbing prices, top colored diamonds have started tapering off. Experts say market fatigue may be denting the wow factor.

When the storm touched down in Florida in late September, it upended thousands of lives and businesses. Rapaport Magazine checks in with local store owners to see how they’re faring in the wake of the disaster.

Confidence is the “fifth C” of the diamond sector and its role has rapidly gained increased importance at every touchpoint of a diamond’s journey.