Diamond trading very slow. Dealers cautious as prices continue to decline. Jewelers have curbed buying and lowered their short-term expectations due to economic uncertainty and synthetic-diamond competition. Manufacturers trying to diminish inventory by scaling back production, since demand is hard to stimulate in current market. Mixed sentiment at Las Vegas shows. Positive Luxury and Couture fairs reflect strong high end, but middle America under pressure from rising cost of living. Signet 1Q sales -9% to $1.7B. Christie’s NY sells $62M (97% by value); pear, 126.76 ct., D, IF diamond goes for $13.6M ($108K/ct.). Rough market weak; De Beers has reduced prices of 1 ct.+ rough by 5% to 10% at June sight. Rapaport partners with GIA and Okavango Diamond Company to list “Green Star” responsibly sourced stones on RapNet.

US restrictions on Russian goods will likely tighten to reflect the actual behavior of jewelers and the public, says Tiffany Stevens, head of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC).

The CEO of retailer Ben Bridge and president of the American Gem Society reveals her insights on bridal, synthetics, and selling to the Gen Z consumer.

This record-breaking tsavorite of nearly 117 carats recently joined the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection.