RAPAPORT...
Antwerp
• Demand is very strong across the board for cleanish goods from 1 point to 30, 40 and even 50 points.
• Dealers are happy to be able to rely on the China and India markets to offset the mediocre performance of the U.S. market.
• Demand is very strong across the board for high-quality rough goods.
• In general, the trend existing before the holidays continues as demand remains strong.
• Diamond Trading Company (DTC) prices were reportedly increased by 2 to 3 percent.
China• Prices are up by 1 to 2 percent in the 40 points to 1 carat size range, H+, VS-VVS, very good or excellent make.
• Prices are generally stable in the majority of goods sold in China.
• 10-per-carat, good make, VS+/H-I, are selling at approximately $620 to $660.
• 6-per-carat, good make, VS+/H-I, are selling at approximately $830 to $870.
• 4-per-carat, good make, VS+/H-I, are selling at approximately $1,040 to $1,080.
• 3-per-carat, good make, VS+/H-I, are selling at approximately $1,400 to $1,500.
• 10-per-carat, good make, VS+/I-J, are selling at approximately $550 to $580.
• 6-per-carat, good make, VS+/I-J, are selling at approximately $780 to $830.
• 4-per-carat, good make, VS+/I-J, are selling at approximately $900 to $950.
• 3-per-carat, good make, VS+/I-J, are selling at approximately $1,250 to $1,350.
• -1 point, SI/G-I, are selling at approximately $160 to $230.
• -2 points, SI/G-I, are selling at approximately $230 to $290.
• 3 to 7 points, SI/G-I, are selling at approximately $300 to $380.
• 10 points, SI/G-I, are selling at approximately $360 to $450.
• 15 points, SI/G-I, are selling at approximately $490 to $590.
Hong Kong• Large sizes dominate demand — stones over 3 carats — but buyers are critical of prices and qualities.
• Demand for 1.5 to 2 carats is weaker, but still moving.
• 1 caraters are moving well.
• Dossiers 0.50 and larger are moving well.
• Demand is very strong for 0.80 pointers, which are in very short supply. Demand is more sluggish for smaller sizes.
• In fancies, demand is mostly for large stones but quality must be very good or else buyers aren’t interested.
India• Overall, the polished market is improving. Good
trading activity observed for small goods, due to Indian buyers from Antwerp. • -0.01 carats continues to be the pick of the season, as compared to other categories.
• Demand is good for brown goods, particularly in stars and melee.
• Activity is strong for -2 carats, with shortages across the board, especially for -0 sieve and 1/200.
• Movement is average for stars for I1+ goods.
• Activity is good in melee sizes, especially for I2+ whites and SI1+ browns.
• 0.08 to 0.18 carats are slow overall, except for collection goods and low-quality I1 – I2 goods.
• Activity is good for 1/5 in SI1+.
• 1/4 and 1/3 are slow.
• 1/2 is seeing good activity in VS+/I+ and I1-I2.
• 0.70 to 0.99 carats are stable, with good demand only for collection goods, mainly 0.75 carats+. Shortages exist in 0.80 carats+.
• Demand is very good for 1-carat in VS+/I+, with shortages for premium sizes.
• Demand is slightly improved for 2 carats in collection goods but other areas are weak.
• Demand for 3 carats is strong, with shortages in supply.
Israel• Overall trading activity was slow during the summer vacation.
• Demand is good for clean 0.5-carat+ princess in lower colors.
• The slowdown in the U.S. financial markets is hurting Israelis trying to move goods into U.S. markets.
• Demand is strong for 1.25 to 1.49 carats and 1.70 to 1.99 carats in VS+.
• 2- carat L+ goods with better clarity are starting to pick up.
Japan• The market is still in summer holiday mode with very little activity in the wholesale markets.
• A number of trunk sales are being held for consumers but unit prices are reportedly low.
• The U.S. subprime problems are being felt in the Japanese financial market.
• The yen suddenly got stronger, making domestic prices higher for foreign buyers.
• Large stones are becoming more and more scarce.
RussiaAt ALROSA and the Diamond Chamber’s 23rd auction:
• 120 lots worth more than $36 million were sold.
• 632 stones weighing more than 11,400 carats were for sale, including 24 stones weighing more than 50 carats.
U.S. Retail• Consumers are willing to pay more for better, bigger diamonds.
• Diamond sizes up to 2 carats are becoming typical.
• White gold reigns in bridal.
• Yellow continues to be popular in other jewelry.
• Color sells, mainly champagne, and black and yellow do well.
U.S. Wholesale• Marquise cuts of 0.50 to 2.50 carats are selling decently.
• Cushions of all sizes are selling steadily, and radiants are beginning to pick up.
• Large stones, D-F, are selling well for some vendors, but not for all.
• Fancy shapes, especially pears and hearts, are selling modestly.
• Very large stones, 8 to 10 carats, D-F and H-J are top sellers.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - September 2007. To subscribe click here.