Diamantaires in New York are finalizing purchases as they prepare for the summer holidays. The mismatch between rough and polished continues to occupy the minds of buyers; prices of polished are holding firm and appear to be solidifying. However, the buying public remains the final judge on higher prices for polished. Small inventory levels and high prices are reported in Mumbai.

To our American readers we wish you a happy 4th of July holiday weekend.

U.S.

Steady movement and prices stabilizing were maintained over the past few weeks. This week has been relatively quiet with lower trading levels as many people are already away on vacation for the upcoming 4th of July holiday weekend. Prior to the long weekend kicking off, many last minute orders were placed for 0.90-1.50 cts, as well as 2.00-5.00 cts, mostly in VS+ goods. 1/5 continued picking up. Piqu� goods remain soft.

Rounds

0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / piqu�, slow

0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / VS+, moving

1/5, D-J / VS+, picking up

0.25-0.90 cts, D-J / VS+, moving

0.90-1.50 cts, D-J / VS+, strong demand

1.00-5.00 cts, white / piqu�, slow

2.00-2.50 cts, D-M / SI+, slow

2.50+ cts, all clarities / VS+, certified, good demand

Fancy Cuts

Princesses, Radiants, Asschers and Cushions, 1.00-2.00 cts, D-K / SI+, good demand

Pears, Ovals and Emeralds, 0.25-2.00 (mainly 0.50+) cts, D-K / SI+, good demand

Antwerp

Pressure on polished prices continues because of the imbalance between prices for rough and polished. However, the Belgian diamond exchange shows movement. A healthy presence of overseas buyers was seen as well as good demand levels.

Rounds

0.005-0.15 cts, F-J / piqu�, moving

0.005-0.15 cts, F-J / SI+, good demand

1/5, D-J / VS+, mediocre demand

1/4-3/4, white / piqu�, mediocre demand

0.25-0.90 cts, G-K / SI+, good makes, good demand

1.00-2.00 cts, white / piqu�, including goods for treatment, moving

1.00-3.00 cts, G-L / SI1+, good makes, good demand

1.00+ cts, fancy colors, mediocre demand

4.00+ cts, across the board, slow

Fancy Cuts

Princesses, Pears and Emeralds, 1.00-3.00 cts, D-K / SI+, good demand

Marquises, Radiants, Ovals and Hearts, 1.00-3.00 cts, G-K / SI+, picking up

Tapers and Baguettes, 1/10-1/6, D-I / SI+, mediocre demand

Ramat Gan

Local traders and overseas buyers were felt at the bourse in Ramat Gan as decent movement for goods is observed. Slowly, new increased prices are being accepted as buyers realize that other traders have accepted price hikes and are buying at new prices. Nonetheless, higher prices for goods have yet to reach consumers leaving many to ponder what the end result will be.

Rounds

0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / piqu�, slow

0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / VS+, good demand

1/5, across the board, slow

1/4-3/8, white / piqu�, slightly picking up

0.25-0.90 cts, G-K / SI+, good makes, good demand

0.70-0.90 cts, white / piqu�, including goods for treatment, selling

1.00-3.00 cts, white / piqu�, including goods for treatment, moving

1.00-3.00 cts, G-K / SI+, good makes, good demand

4.00+ cts, across the board, slow

Fancy Cuts

Princesses and Pears, 1.00-3.00 cts, G-J / SI+, good demand

Radiants, Asschers, Cushions, Marquises, Emeralds, Hearts and Ovals, 1.00-2.00 cts, G-J / SI+, slow

4.00+ cts, all fancy shapes, across the board, slow

Mumbai

Dealers in Mumbai were kept busy with overseas buyers and good demand levels, keeping traders busy. Foreign buyers maintained their dissatisfaction with the low inventory levels and high asking prices. Local Indian traders are optimistic, forecasting a pick up as the IIJS show in Mumbai, set for next month is expected to bring a new spree of orders.

Rounds

0.005-0.15 cts, F-J / SI+, good demand

1/5, H-J / VS, mediocre demand

1/4-3/8, white / piqu�, slow

1/4-3/4, D-J / SI+, good makes, good demand

1/2-3/4, white / piqu�, including goods for treatment, moving

0.80-0.90 cts, F-J / VVS, selling

1.00-3.00 cts, D-K / SI to piqu�, good demand, mainly from overseas buyers

1.00-3.00 cts, H-J / SI1+, good makes, good demand, slight shortage of supply

4.00+ cts, D-M / VS+, slow

Fancy Cuts

Emeralds and Stabbes (wide baguettes), 1/4-3/4, D-J / VS+, selling

Marquises, Pears and Hearts, 1/4-3/4, F-J / VS+, slow

Pears, Marquises and Hearts, 1.00-3.00 cts, H-J / VS+, slightly picking up

Princesses, 2.00-3.99 cts, H-J / VS, good demand

All fancy cuts, 5.00+ cts, across the board, slow

Far East

Neighboring countries raising their demands for polished and decent movement were seen in Hong Kong this past week. Dealers suggest that the market will trend positively, yet as with other markets, the final verdict remains in the hands of the buying retails public, not deals brokered between various traders in the upstream market.

Rounds

0.005-0.15 cts, white / SI2 to piqu�, mediocre demand

0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / SI1+, good makes, selling

1/5, G-J / VS+, mediocre demand

1/4-3/4, white / piqu�, mediocre demand

1/4-3/4, H-J / SI+, good demand

1.00-3.00 cts, H-L / SI+, good demand, pressure on prices

1.00-5.00 cts, D-J / piqu�, mediocre demand

4.00+ cts, D-M / VS+, slightly picking up

Fancy Cuts

Princesses, Radiants, Emeralds, Marquises, Pears, Ovals and Hearts, 1.00-3.00 cts, H-K / SI+, mediocre demand

Princesses and Emeralds, 1/10-1/3, H-K / SI+, mediocre demand

Tapers and Baguettes, 1/10-1/2, H-J / VS+, slow

All fancy cuts, 4.00+ cts, slightly picking up