Vegas Sees Business Activity

While the mixed impressions about the JCK Las Vegas Show continue, traders are reporting that deals and orders do take place, and some are actually expressing surprise at the level of business they are seeing.

While the first day of the show was quiet, the following days have seen a pickup in activity and foot traffic. The consensus is that while the show is not as busy as previous shows, it did not turn out to be the slow show that many feared it maybe, taking place on the heels of the economic crisis.

And while day three, according to a few accounts, was slightly slower than the second day of the show, most exhibitors would agree that the market is opening up a little.

Diamantaires said to me that they sold mostly 'bread and butter' goods, 3/4 carat, 1 carat, 1.5 carats and up to 2 carats. One trader specifically mentioned that princess cuts did surprisingly well.

Most diamond wholesalers said that bigger stones were by call only but that buyers are showing very little interest. One wholesaler that there is an interest in bigger goods, but that "the price has to right."