US market optimistic as holiday season approaches. Sales not expected to match 2021, but jewelers seeing steady interest as consumer confidence improves. Memo houses selling well. Luxury jewelry doing better than commercial qualities. International dealers and manufacturers cautious. China weak amid new Covid-19 restrictions. Ongoing quarantine for travelers is limiting Far East trade. Polished prices declining as inventory climbs due to drop in sales. Rough market slow; expectations of lower prices at Sep. 19 sight. Natural Diamond Council unveils “To Treasure, Now and Forever” campaign, names actress Lily James new ambassador. IGI adds cut grade to fancy-shape grading reports.

Matt Stuller, founder and chairman of jewelry manufacturer Stuller, is upbeat about the market ahead of the holiday season despite the cautious economic environment.

Demand for fancy-cut diamonds has grown in recent years, as has the range of shapes available. In this panel discussion, experts will investigate the forces driving the sector and the challenges it faces.

As diamond prices return to pre-pandemic levels, couples’ budgets are holding steady.