Antwerp • Prices for 1- to 10-pointers in SI+ rose by 5 to 10 percent.
• Prices increased by 4 to 5 percent for 20- to
50-pointers, SI+.
• Supplies are short for 50-pointers to 1 carat in VVS-VS.
• Buyers are becoming picky in the aftermath of Christmas.
China
• Demand is good for 0.30 to 0.70 carats in G+/VS+.
• Triple EX stones certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) are gaining in popularity.
The goods most in demand in the market:
• 10-per-carat, good make, VS+/H-I, are selling at approximately $620 to $650.
• 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 $1,050.
• 3-per-carat, good make, VS+/H-I, are selling at approximately $1,250 to $1,350.
The market also accepts:
• 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 $770 to $800.
• 4-per-carat, good make, VS+/I-J, are selling at
approximately $920 to $1,000.
• 3-per-carat, good make, VS+/I-J, are selling at
approximately $1,150 to $1,250.
• 3 to 7 points, SI/G-I, are selling at approximately
$350 to $400.
• 10 points, SI/G-I, are selling at approximately
$400 to $480.
• 15 points, SI/G-I, are selling at approximately $500 to $550.
Hong Kong
• 10-carat sizes in all colors and clarities are in very high demand, but in very short supply.
• 3 carats and larger are selling extremely well. Demand is strong for pairs in these large sizes, mostly for rounds, but for other fancies as well.
• Emerald cuts in large sizes are very popular in better colors and clarities.
• Demand is very high for H-M colors in VVS goods in sizes up to 2 carats.
• High colors of D-F in SIs in all sizes are becoming a regular item for local retailers. H-J are also moving well.
India • The local market has been extremely cautious since the beginning of 2008 because of financial failures. In addition, the loss of sightholdership for some Indian companies has led to uncertainty.
• Overall trading of polished goods is stable, mainly due to demand for small goods under 0.18 carats from Indian buyers based in Antwerp.
• Severe shortages persist for rough and polished
goods, some of which are occurring because Surat manufacturing units are still not fully operational.
• Prices are steadily increasing for polished goods and sellers are holding on to their inventory to gain
maximum price benefit.
• -2 and melee category is doing very well because of good demand with severe shortages.
• Stars and 0.08 to 0.18 carats are comparatively slow.
• Demand is good for 1/5, 1/4 and 1/3 category in I1 and I2, with SI1+ picking up movement.
• Halves are in good demand, with discounts narrowed by 1 to 3 percent for VS2+ goods. Demand is also improved for SI goods.
• 0.70 to 0.99 carats are stable overall, with shortages persisting for 0.80 carats and discounts narrowed by
2 to 3 percent for VS+ goods.
• Demand is excellent for 1-carat, very
high-quality goods.
• Demand is improved for 2-carat collection goods.
• Severe shortages persist for 3 carats and demand remains excellent across the board.
Israel • Beginning-of-year sales were slow in Europe and the U.S.
• Demand increased in the Far East for clean goods,
collection goods and low colors.
• D-F colors are in high demand despite a recent price hike.
• J-M are seen as bargains due to price increases in
better colors.
• 1 to 1.5 carats are moving well.
• Demand is strong for larger stones above 3 carats.
JapanWith the market still not returned to business after
the holiday, there is no major movement of stones.
RussiaResults for rough diamond exports and imports for
the first nine months of 2007:
• Russia exported more than 14 million carats worth $1.09 billion to European Union (EU) countries.
• Russia exported more than 20 million carats of rough diamonds worth $1.43 billion to other counties.
• Most exports went to Belgium — slightly more than 10 million carats worth $708 million.
• Russia’s imports totaled more than 250,000 carats worth over $7 million.
U.S. Retail
• Big-ticket items sold stronger than lower-priced pieces.
• Supplies were tight only for very large stones.
• Asscher, cushion and round brilliant cuts were very strong.
• Princess cuts sold weakly.
• Traditional styles did not sell as strongly as unusual pieces.
• Average price for holiday purchase was $3,600.
• Average size was 2 carats or more, average clarity was VS or SI and average color was G/H.
• Rose gold was a surprise holiday hit, though white metals remained on top.
U.S. Wholesale
• The greatest demand: diamonds in 3 to 5 carats,
especially when they are high quality.
• Very small pointers of 1 and 2 up to 10 are also in strong demand.
• Market between 1 and 2 carats is dead.
• 4-grainer rounds are selling very well.
• Demand is steady for I1 to I3 in 20 pointers to 1 carat.
• K to L colors in 1/5 to 1/2 carat are gaining strength.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - February 2008. To subscribe click here.