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.

Gold broke through the key $3,000 barrier on Friday for the first time as investors piled on to a historic rally in the safe-haven asset to seek cover from economic uncertainty sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff war.

The moment gold investors had long anticipated and many experts had long predicted finally arrived on March 14, when the price of gold broke a landmark price record of $3,000 per ounce. Officially at $3,001.08 as of Friday morning, according to American Hartford Gold, the record price is the latest in a series of highs the precious metal has seen over the past 14 months. And there are strong indications that the price will rise even higher. Priced at just $2,063.73 in January 2024, the metal has gained around $1,000 in price and risen 45% in value, making it one of the hottest assets to invest in right now.

Meanwhile, gold stocks in COMEX-approved warehouses hit a record 40.56 million ounces, as traders rushed to cover positions amid tariff uncertainty. But inflows have slowed in recent weeks.

Investor demand for gold is surging, with physically-backed gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recording their largest weekly inflow since March 2022, according to the World Gold Council’s February data.

The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), the world’s largest gold-backed ETF, saw holdings rise to 907.82 metric tons on February 25, the highest since August 2023. [GOL/ETF]

Aulerth, India’s premier multi-designer house of couture-inspired jewelry, has unveiled its latest collection, ‘Mehr,’ in collaboration with renowned designer Suneet Varma. This stunning new collection embodies the essence of self-love, radiating inner beauty like a sunbeam that touches and transforms everyone around it. ‘Mehr,’ a Persian word meaning “love” and symbolizing the sun, offers a poignant reminder that true beauty begins within and flourishes outward, offering a deeper connection to oneself and to others.

Vivek Ramabhadran, Founder and CEO of Aulerth, expressed his excitement about the launch, stating, “It is wonderful to launch a new collection with Suneet Varma. In ‘Mehr,’ you will see designs intricately cut in Mughal-inspired shapes, yet light and comfortable. The collection embodies the message of ‘Self-love, Selflessly’—celebrating the inner radiance we all carry, reminding us that we are enough, and that this love for ourselves is the same energy we recognize in others.”

For Suneet Varma, this collection holds a personal significance. “I am truly overwhelmed by the love and appreciation our previous collaboration received, and I am thrilled to join hands with Aulerth again for ‘Mehr,’” he shared. “This collection is an ode to self-love, timeless elegance, and the enduring beauty of Indian craftsmanship. ‘Mehr’ is not just jewelry—it is a celebration of the inner radiance that exists within all of us, and I hope it resonates deeply with everyone who wears it.”

The ‘Mehr’ collection features a wide range of exquisite jewelry, including delicate chains, bold statement rings, graceful bangles, elegant maangtikas, and chic bracelets. Prices range from INR 4,000 to INR 55,000, making each piece a valuable investment in both beauty and empowerment. Crafted from consciously reclaimed metals and adorned with semi-precious gemstones such as dawn-like pearls and lush aquamarines, the designs feature reimagined Kundan work that transforms each piece into a miniature masterpiece.

As a celebration of individuality and love, ‘Mehr’ is a reminder of the timeless power of self-love, creating jewelry that not only enhances the wearer’s beauty but also enriches the world around them.