Polished Prices Up, Rough Down, says AWDC

(IDEX Online) - Polished diamond prices increased internationally by 11.6% year-on-year in the first three months of 2026, according to the AWDC (Antwerp World Diamond Centre) as evidence of a "gradual recovery".

Rough prices tell a different story, down 27% from $99 per carat to $72 per carat, as a result of a sharp decline in demand.

This suggests a partial recovery in Antwerp's diamond market, but not a full rebound.

The AWDC did note, however, that rough prices are largely determined by expected polished yields, so rising polished prices could eventually support rough increases.

It says the signs of a cautious turnaround in Antwerp's diamond sector were first seen last summer, followed by a dip, then by renewed growth in December.

Antwerp traded almost 20% more diamonds, by volume (but only 3.7% by value), in the first quarter of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025. Rough imports were up 35.7% increase in volume.