News: Market opening gradually after vacation. Many retailers still on vacation. Wholesalers expected to continue selective buying in 1Q. India trade slow amid sluggish overseas orders. D-F, IF-VVS diamonds improving. Melee weakening. IIJS Signature show in Mumbai positive for gold and jewelry, mixed for loose diamonds. Titan fiscal 3Q jewelry sales +26% YOY amid strong Diwali demand, with studded jewelry +21%. De Beers and India’s GJEPC partner to promote natural diamonds. Chinese retailers focusing on selling inventory over Lunar New Year festive season. Both women and men flaunt natural diamonds at Golden Globes.
Fancies: Fancy-shape prices stable. Prices firm for 3 ct. and larger, as nice items are hard to find. Good US demand and price increases for elongated Ovals in D-I, VS-SI categories with good shape and quality. Ovals 5% to 10% more expensive than Pears in US market. Elongated Emeralds, Radiants and Pears in demand, with stable prices. 2.50 to 2.99 ct. trading at significant premiums in those shapes. Supply shortages supporting prices for Marquises. Square Cushions slow. Very well-cut fancy shapes difficult to find and commanding premiums. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid.
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