International News
US jewellery, watches sales up by 4.4 per cent year-on-year
Sales of watches and jewelry in the US showed further signs of growth in December 2024, up 4.4 per cent year-on-year, according the latest figures from the US Department of Commerce. But there’s been a marked slowdown since the 10 per cent increases of last September and October.
November saw sales up by just 3.0 per cent, revised down from 5.8 per cent based on actual through-the-till transactions rather than estimates. October has been revised up from 9.7 per cent to 10.0 per cent.
The average monthly year-on-year growth for the full year is 5.4 per cent, so December was little below par. Having said that, it was the 15th consecutive month of growth after a long period (the end of 2022 and much of 2023) of falling sales.
Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) and the London Diamond Bourse (LDB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two diamond trading centres, expanding business opportunities for members, and promoting responsible growth across the global diamond and gemstone trade. The agreement was announced on 8 July 2026.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in responsible trading, commercial development, knowledge sharing, and closer engagement between members of the two bourses. It also seeks to encourage dialogue on issues affecting the international diamond industry as trading centres adapt to an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.
The agreement was signed by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange, and Charlotte Rose, President of the London Diamond Bourse. It marks the first formal international partnership under Rose’s presidency, which began in June.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, Dubai Diamond Exchange, said:
“The Dubai Diamond Exchange was built on the belief that connecting markets creates opportunity. This partnership with the London Diamond Bourse reflects that philosophy, bringing together two major diamond trading centres to strengthen collaboration and expand opportunities for our respective members. The future of our industry will not be built by individual markets acting alone. By working more closely together, we can establish a stronger network of trusted trading centres, sharing expertise, upholding recognised standards, and reinforcing confidence and growth across the global diamond trade.”
Charlotte Rose, President, London Diamond Bourse, noted:
“There is no better partner for the London Diamond Bourse to begin this new chapter with than the Dubai Diamond Exchange. As a fellow member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, the DDE shares our commitment to trusted, well-governed trading, and this agreement opens up real opportunities for members on both sides. I’m looking forward to seeing where this partnership takes us.”
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