Las Vegas shows see decent jewelry sales, but loose-diamond dealing mixed. Steady traffic and trading at Luxury, Antique and Couture events. JCK started busy but lost steam by end; many retailers left before final day. Good orders for melee and 1 to 2 ct., G-J, SI rounds. Synthetics selling at very cheap prices. Strong showing at Rapaport Breakfast. De Beers to stop producing synthetics for jewelry, announces plans to manufacture and sell natural polished. Stable prices expected at next week’s sight. Natural Diamond Council still short of funding for marketing. Hong Kong hard-luxury sales -29% YOY to HKD 3.8B ($480M) in April.

SI-clarity goods performed well, but overall trading was mixed.

The invite-only Beyond Rare Tender redefined the marketing tactics for showcasing mined stones. 

Rapaport chairman emphasizes ethical sourcing and calls for better marketing, while guest speakers discuss industry’s positive impact and social media.