DiamondBuzz
De Beers Sightholders report shortages of large diamonds
Rough diamonds above 5 carats were in tight supply at this week’s sight, customers reported, with explanations ranging from production cuts to ’ strategy of withholding supply. The February trading session saw stable prices in the vast majority of categories, as the miner maintained its policy of not flooding the market, insiders said this week.
The lack of large stones has puzzled some, since De Beers is reportedly sitting on $2 billion of inventories, its largest since the 2008 financial crisis. Many market insiders viewed it as a positive that these sizes were hard to find, reflecting that the categories had sold better in the past few sights. The resultant polished — mostly 2 carats and larger — has performed better in the recent downturn than 0.30- to 2 carat goods.
Some point to a tactical effort by De Beers to limit supply — either to protect the market or to reward sightholders that purchase less sought-after items.
SOURCE: RAPAPORT
DiamondBuzz
Global Diamond Markets and Overall Prices Remain Steady
Steady Prices Mask A Polarizing Market Where Specific Large Shapes Win and Poorly Cut Diamonds Stagnate.
The natural diamond and high-end jewelry sectors are experiencing a period of selective resilience. While macro-market prices remain steady, structural shifts in consumer preference, inventory drawdowns, and geographic demand variations are creating distinct “winners and losers” across diamond cuts, sizes, and geographies.
- Macro Overview: Global markets and overall prices remain steady. Dossier prices continue to recover—particularly in the 0.30 ct. round collection goods—following a significant inventory drop.
- B2B Buyer Behavior: Demand remains patchy. Wholesale buyers are strictly purchasing to fulfill specific, pre-existing orders rather than buying for inventory.
- Category Winners: Sales are heavily concentrated in 2-carat and larger diamonds. While rounds are stable, long fancy shapes (Ovals, Marquises, Emeralds) are outperforming rounds in the 2 ct.+ category. High-quality Marquises, long Radiants, and long Cushions are in short supply.
- Shape Premiums & Trends: > * Marquise is currently the most expensive fancy shape.
- Long Cushions are highly liquid, trading at a 20% to 25% premium over square cushions.
- Antique cuts/styles and well-proportioned, elongated Ovals (D–I color, VS–SI clarity) see robust demand, especially in the US.
- Illiquidity Risk: Poorly proportioned fancy shapes remain entirely illiquid.
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