The slow start seen in February has improved dramatically in March. All trading centers report rising business activity and firming prices. The large boost comes from retailer demands in the U.S. and solid business at the two imported trade shows that take place in March - Hong Kong and Basel. Each caters to a different geographic market, Asia and Europe, and each proved that despite the economic uncertainties, demand is still there.

 

U.S.

The New York City diamond market continues to report positive activity. Prices keep firming for all goods in the SI clarity against an active market.

 

Wholesalers who remain cautious are reporting that the market is relatively quiet, however retailers and small traders are active and are reporting that demands are picking up and well under way, especially from the Far East.

 

Shortages continue to be reported in rounds 0.90 cts-1.50 cts in G-H colors in SI1s, and the smaller 0.30-0.70 cts in SI+ are in good demand. There has also been an emphasis on fancy cuts, with increasing demands for cushion and princess cuts.

 

Rounds

 0.05-0.15 cts, D-J / I, slow

 

 0.05-0.15 cts, D-J / SI+, selling

 

   0.10-0.75 cts, D-J / SI, mediocre demand

 

   1/5-3/4, D-J / pique, mediocre demand

 

   1/5-3/4, D-J / VS+, mediocre demand

 

 0.30-0.70 cts, D-J / SI+, top sellers, shortages reported

 

 0.90-1.50 cts, G-H / VS2-SI2, selling

 

 1.00-2.00 cts, D-M / pique, slow

 

 1.00-2.00 cts, F-J / SI+, selling

 

 1.50-3.00 cts, D-M / VS-SI, selling

 

 2.00-4.00 cts D-K / SI+, selling

 

 4.00+ cts D-J/ pique, selling

 

Fancy Cuts

   All fancy cuts, 0.10-0.99 cts, SI+, mediocre demand

 

 Pears, 0.10-0.40 cts, D-J / I+, selling

 

 Pears and Ovals, 0.20-1.00 cts, H+ / VS+, slow

 

 

Antwerp

A pick up in trading in the Antwerp market was reported this month and more buyers for rough and polished were in the market. The Basel show improved the center's business and new demands boosted confidence. Local traders viewed this as an important change after the uncertainties caused by the European economy.  

 

Rounds

 0.005-0.15 cts, F-J / pique, slow

 

 0.005-0.15 cts, F-J / SI+, selling

 

 1/5, D-J / VS+, selling

 

 0.25-0.90 cts, white / pique, selling

 

 0.25-0.90 cts, F-K / SI+, good makes, selling

 

   1.00-3.00 cts, white / pique, including goods for treatment, mediocre demand

 

 1.00-3.00 cts, F-J / SI1+, good makes, selling

 

   1.00+ cts, Fancy colors, mediocre demand

 

   1.00-5.00 cts, D/ IF, mediocre demand

 

 4.00+ cts, G-J / VS+, slow

 

 4.00+ cts, G-J / SI1+, selling

 

Fancy Cuts

 Princesses, Pears and Emeralds, 1.00+ cts, G-K / SI+, selling

 

   Marquises, Radiants, Ovals, and Hearts, 1.00+ cts, G-K / SI+, mediocre demand

 

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

 

 

Mumbai

The Mumbai diamond market is also seeing an increase in activity and traders are stocking up on polished again. The rise in prices led to a sense among buyers that prices are high, exasperated by the limited availability of many goods.

 

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, selling

 

   0.80-1.99 cts, F-M / VVS to SI, mediocre demand

 

   1.00-3.00 cts, D-K / SI to pique, mediocre demand

 

 2.00-3.00 cts, H-K / SI1+, good makes, slow

 

   4.00+ cts, H-M / VS-SI, mediocre demand

 

 4.00+ cts, H-M / VVS, slow

 

Fancy Cuts

 Emeralds and Stabbes (wide baguettes), 0.25-1.00 cts, D-J / VS+, slow

 

 Marquises and Hearts, 0.25-3.00 cts, F-J / VS+, slow

 

   Princesses, Pears and Emeralds, 2.00-10.00 cts, I-L / VS, mediocre demand

 

 

Ramat Gan

Together with the rest of the global diamond markets, business at the diamond exchange in Ramat Gan was good in March. The Israeli traders say the market is on the rise, especially as the tax raids have ceased. Prices are firm.

 

Rounds

   0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / pique, mediocre demand

 

 0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / VS+, slow

 

   1/5, G-K / SI+, mediocre demand

 

 0.25-0.90 cts, white / pique, selling

 

 0.25-0.90 cts, D-K / SI+, good makes, selling

 

   1.00-3.00 cts, white / pique, including goods for treatment, mediocre demand

 

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

 

  1.00-5.00+ cts, D / IF, mediocre demand

 

 4.00 cts, G-L / SI+, slow, price an issue

 

 4.00 cts, G-L / VVS, slow

 

Fancy Cuts

 Princesses, Pears and Emeralds, 1.00-10.00 cts, G-L / SI+, selling

 

   Ovals, Asschers and Hearts, 1.00-5.00 cts, G-J / SI+, mediocre demand

 

 Marquises, Radiants and Cushions, 1.00-10.00 cts, G-J / SI+, slow

 

 All fancy cuts, 1.00-5.00 cts, fancy colors, slow

 

 

Hong Kong

The slow Hong Kong diamond market had a boost from the business generated ahead and during the local trade show. One of the best outcomes of the show was a large influx of traders from Mainland China that are increasing their familiarity with local traders and their purchases as well.

 

Rounds
 0.005-0.15 cts, white / SI2 to pique, selling

 

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

 

   1/5, G-J / VS+, mediocre demand

 

 0.25-0.90 cts, white / pique, selling

 

 0.25-0.90 cts, H-J / SI+, selling

 

   1.00-10.00 cts, D-J / pique, mediocre demand

 

   1.00-3.00 cts, H-M / VVS-SI, mediocre demand

 

 1.00-5.00 cts, D / IF, slow

 

 4.00 cts, H-L / SI+, slow

 

5.00-10.00+ cts, H-L / VS-SI, mediocre demand

 

5.00-10.00+ cts, H-L / VVS, slow

 

Fancy Cuts

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

 

   Princesses, Pears and Emeralds, 1.00-10.00 cts, H-K / SI+, mediocre demand

 

   Marquises, Ovals and Hearts, 1.00-5.00 cts, H-K / SI+, mediocre demand

 

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