Hong Kong shows open to busy traffic as Chinese buyers attend first major trade events since Covid-19 restrictions. Steady demand for small polished; 0.30 ct. RAPI +3.5% in Feb., 1 ct. -0.1%. Some manufacturers offering higher discounts to offload old inventory, planning to ramp up production in anticipation of 2H market improvement. Rough prices rising at tenders. Sarine 2022 sales -5% to $59M, profit -47% to $9M. Rio Tinto approves $40M Diavik mine extension to 2026. Russian diamonds facing further scrutiny as G7 explores sanctions. US considering traceability regulations to prevent imports of “substantially transformed” Russian diamonds polished in other centers.

The bridal sector hopes the momentum will last following the busiest year for nuptials in almost four decades.

Manufacturers are split on whether small diamonds deserved such a sharp increase.