The world’s diamond centers saw a varying degree of trading this week. While New York reported a notable increase in activity, Antwerp, Ramat Gan and Mumbai saw business slow down slightly as traders prepared for Friday’s Hong Kong show.
U.S.
The New York Market reported another week of healthy trading, with limited inventories fueling price increases across the board in all shapes and sizes. Strong demand was noted for rounds 0.25-2.00 cts, with an emphasis on J+ / SI+ clarities. Price increases were noted for rounds, 3.00-4.00 cts, D-K / SI+, which also saw an increase in demand. The week also saw an increasing demand for lower quality I1’s and I2’s in all sizes and colors. Fancy shapes saw steady movement in SI1+ qualities across all sizes and smaller fancy shapes of 1/5-3/4, VVS-SI1 saw increased trading as well.
Rounds
0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / VS+, good demand
0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / pique, good demand
1/5-3/4 cts, D-J / SI1-2, demand up
0.25-0.90 cts, white / VS+, strong demand
1.00-1.50 cts, D-J / SI+, strong demand, prices up
2.00-3.00 cts, D-K / SI2+, good demand
2.00-3.00 cts, D-M / VS+, strong demand
3.00-4.50 cts, D-K / SI+, moving
Fancy Cuts
Fancy cuts, 1/5-3/4, VVS / SI+, good demand
Fancy cuts, with an emphasis on Marquises, Ovals and Pears, 1.00-3.00cts, D-J / I1, moving
Fancy cuts, with an emphasis on Marquises, Ovals and Pears, 1.00-3.00 cts, SI1+, good demand
Antwerp
The Antwerp diamond exchange witnessed a slight downturn in activity this week. While the market continues to report healthy demand levels overall, both the number of overseas buyers visiting Antwerp and trading activity declined. The declines could be due to the fact that many are busy preparing for the Hong Kong Show, which opens tomorrow. Interest in this year’s show has increased among traders, who are looking to take advantage of every opportunity to sell more goods and achieve higher profit margins.
Rounds
0.005-0.15 cts, F-J / pique, moving
0.005-0.15 cts, F-J / SI+, good demand
1/5, D-J / VS+, moving
1/4-3/4, white / pique, mediocre demand
0.25-0.90 cts, F-K / SI+, good makes, demand up
1.00-2.00 cts, white / pique, including goods for treatment, good demand
1.00-3.00 cts, F-J / SI1+, good makes, strong demand, strong pressure on prices
1.00+ cts, fancy colors, mediocre demand
4.00+ cts, F-L / VS+, picking up
Fancy Cuts
Princesses, Pears and Emeralds, 1.00-5.00 cts, F-K / SI+, good demand
Marquises, Radiants, Ovals and Hearts, 1.00-4.00 cts, G-K / SI+, good demand
Tapers and Baguettes, 1/10-1/6, D-I / SI+, picking up
Ramat Gan
The Ramat Gan diamond exchange saw a comparatively slower week, with fewer visiting overseas buyers and lower demand levels. Local buyers held on purchases, preferring to wait and see what happens at the Hong Kong show. Trading levels in Ramat Gan are expected to remain relatively slower in the weeks to come, both because of major upcoming shows and the Passover holiday at the end of March.
Rounds
0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / pique, slow
0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / VS+, mediocre demand
1/5, G-K / SI+, slowing
1/4-3/8, white / pique, mediocre demand
0.25-0.90 cts, G-K / SI+, good makes, selling
0.50-0.90 cts, white / pique, including goods for treatment, selling
1.00-3.00 cts, white / pique, including goods for treatment, good demand
1.00-3.00 cts, G-K / SI+, good makes, strong demand against a shortage of supply
4.00-8.00 cts, G-L / VS+, selling, prices on the rise
Fancy Cuts
Princesses, Pears and Emeralds, 1.00-4.00 cts, G-L / SI+, good demand against a shortage of supply
Radiants, Asschers and Cushions, 1.00-4.00 cts, G-J / SI+, slow
Marquises, Hearts and Ovals, 1.00-4.00 cts, G-J / SI+, mediocre demand
All fancy cuts, 5.00+ cts, mediocre demand
Mumbai
While demand from overseas buyers in the market remained constant this week, the Mumbai diamond market showed a slight drop in trading levels. The drop was because of both a local holiday early in the week as well as preparation by traders for the Hong Kong Show. Many traders in Mumbai have chosen to arrive at the show before it opens in order to conduct business before the show’s inventory is put on display.
Rounds
0.005-0.15 cts, F-J / SI+, selling
1/5, H-J / VS, mediocre demand
1/4-3/8, white / pique, selling
1/4-3/4, D-J / SI+, good makes, selling
1/2-3/4, white / pique, including goods for treatment, good demand
0.80-0.90 cts, F-J / VVS, good demand
1.00-3.00 cts, D-K / SI to pique, good demand, mainly by overseas buyers
1.00-3.00 cts, H-J / SI1+, good makes, strong demand against a shortage of supply
4.00+ cts, H-M / VS+, picking up
Fancy Cuts
Emeralds and Stabbes (wide baguettes), 0.25-1.00 cts, D-J / VS+, selling
Marquises and Hearts, 0.25-5.00 cts, F-J / VS+, selling
Princesses, Pears and Emeralds, 2.00-5.00 cts, H-K / VS, selling
Far East
Hong Kong reported a quick recovery this week following the return from the New Year holiday period. Overseas buyers, mainly from India, are already being seen doing business prior to the show. Traders worldwide will be watching the results of the upcoming show, which will set a benchmark for increased diamond prices and clarify whether the market will accept the high asking prices for polished goods on a wide scale basis.
Rounds
0.005-0.15 cts, white / SI2 to pique, picking up
0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / SI1+, good makes, picking up
1/5, G-J / VS+, mediocre demand
1/4-3/4, white / pique, mediocre demand
1/4-3/4, H-J / SI+, selling
1.00-5.00 cts, D-J / pique, selling
1.00 cts, H-J / VS+, strong demand
2.00-3.00 cts, H-L / SI+, strong demand
4.00+ cts, D-M / VS+, picking up
Fancy Cuts
Princesses and Emeralds, 1/10-1/3, H-K / SI+, picking up
Princesses, Pears and Emeralds, 1.00-3.00 cts, H-K / SI+, picking up
Marquises, Ovals and Hearts, 1.00-3.00 cts, H-K / SI+, mediocre demand
Tapers and Baguettes, 1/10-1/2, H-J / VS+, slow
All fancy cuts, 4.00+ cts, mediocre demand
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