News: Prices stabilizing in many categories, as inventories have fallen. Ongoing price increases in round, 0.30 to 0.89 ct., D, IF diamonds. Melee doing well in -2 and -11. Prices for small rough firm. Unclear if rebound will last. India production low, with Feb. net rough imports -43% YTD to $1.4B, net polished exports -16% YTD to $1.7B. US retail steady. Signet share price jumps 17% in one day following positive fiscal 1Q outlook; company to close stores, centralize diamond sourcing. EU considers retaliatory tariffs on diamonds, gemstones and metals from US. Alrosa puts small mines on pause.
Fancies: Large fancy shapes doing better than rounds. Prices stable or increasing for 2 ct. and larger diamonds. Better stones hard to find. Solid US interest in elongated Ovals with good shape and quality in D-I, VS-SI categories. Elongated Emeralds, Radiants and Pears in 2.50 to 2.99 ct. sizes trading at significant premiums. Oval and Pear, 0.30 to 0.49 ct., F-I, VS diamonds in demand. Ovals 5% to 10% more expensive than Pears in US market. 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.
United States:
Retail market positive but not record-breaking. Steady demand for 1.50 ct. and larger, F-I, VS-SI diamonds in round, cushion, and elongated oval shapes. Wholesalers struggling to restock at the prices they want, with sellers holding firm on discounts amid low inventories. Melee moving.
Belgium:
Sentiment and demand improving, especially in 0.30 to 2 ct. sizes. Melee market good. Large diamonds moving. Select goods hard to find, but weaker items hanging around in inventories and selling at deep discounts. Buyers present in Antwerp for rough tenders.
Israel:
Mood better than before. Dealers monitoring market trends while struggling to source the right goods. Indian suppliers have raised prices, but Israeli companies’ customers are resisting price increases.
India:
Low inventories driving firm prices. Discounts still deep. Trade cautiously optimistic as trends start to improve. Domestic and overseas demand steady. Many hoping that China is on track to recovery. Polishing factories maintaining reduced production.
Hong Kong:
Market more positive following shows. Steady movement in melee and 1 to 5 ct. goods. Ovals and fancies doing well. China picking up gradually, supporting orders for 0.30 and 0.50 ct. diamonds.
