DiamondBuzz

Diamond market roundup: Domestic and overseas demand increasing, Chinese buyers slowly returning

Published

2 years ago

March 15, 2025

United States:Trading steady amid shortages in select categories. Market still memo-centric, with little inventory-buying. Retailers seeking 2.50 to 2.99 ct., F-H, VS-SI, rounds and fancies with no center black, paying premiums due to goods’ scarcity. Melee in demand. US February inflation better than expected at 2.8%.

Belgium:Mood improving following Hong Kong show. Dealers cautiously optimistic, as goods are starting to move. Large stones in short supply. Belgium polished exports for February down 24% year on year at $783.7 million, with volume declining 20% to 297,700 cts.

Israel:Market sentiment more positive after dealers report sales of 3 ct. and larger diamonds at Hong Kong show. Low inventories supporting prices, with some price increases in fancy shapes.

India:Manufacturers reporting better Hong Kong show than anticipated, boosting market mood. Domestic and overseas demand increasing. Chinese buyers slowly returning, especially for small goods, but quantity of purchases still limited. Polished production remains low, supporting prices and sales.

Hong Kong:

Industry reflecting on show, which beat expectations but was slow relative to pre-pandemic times. Many Indian trade buyers. Dealers following up on sale leads. Fair attracted purchasers from around the world, but few Chinese clients present. Demand was very specific, with exhibitors holding prices firm amid high replacement costs.

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DiamondBuzz

Rising Inventory Putting Fresh Pressure On Polished Diamond Prices

Indian Manufacturers Are Shuttering Factories For Up To A Month For Diwali, Dampening Rough Demand and Dragging Down De Beers’ October Sight Sales.

Published

12 hours ago

November 5, 2026

JewelBuzz Spread The Buzz

Rising inventory is putting fresh pressure on polished diamond prices following a strong mid-year recovery. The Rapaport Spec Diamond Index (RAPI™) dropped across major smaller sizes in October—led by a 5.5% plunge in 0.30-carat stones and a 2.3% slide in 0.50-carat goods after late-September peaks.

Mid-sized 1-carat diamonds edged down 0.9%, while larger 3-carat stones bucked the trend with a modest 0.9% gain. Despite the retreat, 0.30-carat diamonds remain up 8.8% year-to-date.

Inventory Floods Small Sizes: Supply of 0.30-carat rounds surged 165% between June 1 and November 1, driven by ramped-up factory production and cutters sending smaller stones back for grading as prices recovered.

Rough Sales Slow Ahead of Diwali: Indian manufacturers are shuttering factories for up to a month for Diwali, dampening rough demand and dragging down De Beers’ October sight sales. Industry observers expect the holiday pause to help balance bloated inventories.

Luxury Brands Outshine the Trade: While upstream pricing softens, major luxury conglomerates continue to thrive. LVMH and Kering posted robust Q3 jewelry revenue, setting high expectations heading into the critical holiday shopping window.