Financial Data
Stocks
Tiffany & Co. $131.51 +0.02%

Signet Jewelers $31.20 +1.27%

Chow Tai Fook HKD 7.63 +1.19%

Chow Sang Sang HKD 9.42 +0.21%

Titan INR 1327.15 -1.52%

Richemont CHF 78.26 +2.38%

LVMH €494.85 +0.48%

Swatch Group CHF 235.70 +1.77%

Anglo American GBX 2311.50 +5.60%

Petra Diamonds GBX 1.59 -0.44%

Lucara Diamonds CAD 0.54 +3.85%

Gem Diamonds GBX 45.55 -3.80%

Metals
Gold 1,814.37 +0.40%

Silver 23.38 +0.21%

Platinum 964.88 -0.34%

Palladium 2,368.26 +1.24%

Currencies
Euro $1.19 +0.03%

Pound $1.34 -0.07%

Yuan($) 6.58 -0.05%

Rupee($) 73.87 +0.11%

Rapaport Weekly Market Comment
Nov 26, 2020 10:32 AM
Positive sentiment as US holiday season begins. NRF retail group forecasts Nov./Dec. sales +3.6% to $755B as consumers show willingness to spend on spirit-lifting gifts after challenging year. Covid-19 continues to spread, with concerns about crowded shopping areas. Jewelers investing in e-commerce, pushing Black Friday promotions on social media. India sees release of pent-up demand over Diwali. China recovery gains momentum. Tiffany & Co. 3Q sales -1% to $1B, profit +52% to $119M. Human Rights Watch claims jewelry trade’s responsible sourcing falls short of international standards. The Rapaport Group wishes all our friends a happy Thanksgiving and a successful holiday season.

Fancies: Reduced inventory supporting prices for select fancy shapes. Ovals and Pears strong in 1.50 to 2 ct., G-K, VS-SI categories and 3 to 5 ct. SIs. Princesses improving. Excellent cuts and nice shapes in demand and selling at premiums. Rising orders in China helping the market. Dealers hoping for increased sales of fancy-shape engagement rings as consumers seek alternative designs at lower cost. High availability of fancies below 1 ct. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid and difficult to sell.

United States: Rising expectations for holiday sales ahead of Thanksgiving weekend. Brands and large chains doing better than mom-and-pops. Independents with strong e-commerce capabilities performing well. Online retailers buying in anticipation of strong sales in the next month. Steady activity across the supply chain, with bridal the strongest category. Less inventory available due to lower supply during India’s Diwali break.

Belgium: Trading very quiet, with the country to remain on lockdown until mid-December. Exporters focused on US clients, with stable demand for 1 to 2 ct., G-H, VS-SI goods. Fancy shapes improving, with squares doing better than curve shapes. Low expectations for European holiday season. Rough market quiet since Diwali break.

Israel: Bourse activity low, with dealers filling last-minute US orders. Steady demand for 1 ct., G-J, VS-SI diamonds. Fewer goods available as Indian suppliers slowly return from vacation. Below 1 ct. slightly weak. Lab-grown market relatively busy, with more dealers embracing synthetics. Israel Diamond Exchange election gaining interest, but members skeptical about candidates’ plans to revitalize the sector.

India: Activity gradually rising as businesses return from the Diwali break. Retail sentiment positive after good festival sales. Bridal driving demand during ongoing wedding season. Factories operating at 60% to 70% of capacity, with bulk of supply intended to fill US and Chinese holiday demand. Some shortages evident due to lack of manufacturing over Diwali and seasonal demand. Fancy shapes improving.

Hong Kong: Some caution as government imposes stricter measures to curb potential fourth wave of coronavirus infections. Low expectations for Christmas and Chinese New Year sales due to weak local sentiment and lack of tourist shoppers. Steady dealer demand for 0.30 to 0.50 ct., D-H, VS-SI goods and 1 to 1.50 ct. stones in the same quality range. Retail in mainland China robust. Chow Tai Fook Oct./Nov. sales +26% in mainland, -11% in Hong Kong and Macau.

Financial Data
Stocks
Tiffany & Co. $131.72 +0.11%

Signet Jewelers $31.43 +1.00%

Chow Tai Fook HKD 7.63 +1.19%

Chow Sang Sang HKD 9.75 +0.93%

Titan INR 1361.20 +2.55%

Richemont CHF 76.78 -0.29%

LVMH €496.00 +0.05%

Swatch Group CHF 229.40 -1.12%

Anglo American GBX 2265.50 -0.04%

Petra Diamonds GBX 1.72 +3.19%

Lucara Diamonds CAD 0.51 -3.77%

Gem Diamonds GBX 47.00 +9.30%

Metals
Gold 1,777.82 -1.85%

Silver 22.21 -5.07%

Platinum 963.13 -0.55%

Palladium 2,407.99 +0.52%

Currencies
Euro $1.20 +0.56%

Pound $1.33 -0.27%

Yuan($) 6.58 -0.01%

Rupee($) 73.96 +0.18%

Rapaport Weekly Market Comment
Dec 3, 2020 11:30 AM By Rapaport News
E-commerce driving sales at start of US holiday season. Black Friday online spending +22% to $9B, Cyber Monday +15% to $10.8B, reports Adobe Analytics. In-store shopping sluggish due to ongoing spread of Covid-19. Foot traffic -55% on Thanksgiving Day, according to NRF. Black Friday jewelry sales -54%, says RetailNext. Signet 3Q sales +9% to $1.3B, profit of $9.3M vs. loss of $36M. Cyberattack disrupts Stuller operations. Polished trading stable at lower levels. 1 ct. RAPI +0.5% in Nov. De Beers pledges to disclose country of origin for most of its diamonds by 2030. Dubai’s DMCC opens office in Israel Diamond Exchange. Elliot Krischer elected president of NY Diamond Dealers Club.

Fancies: Reduced inventory supporting prices for select fancy shapes. Ovals and Pears strong in 1.50 to 2 ct., G-K, VS-SI categories and 3 to 5 ct. SIs. Princesses improving. Excellent cuts and nice shapes in demand and selling at premiums. Rising orders in China helping the market. Dealers hoping for increased sales of fancy-shape engagement rings as consumers seek alternative designs at lower cost. High availability of fancies below 1 ct. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid and difficult to sell.

United States: Positive sentiment among e-commerce sellers as digital drives holiday retail sales. Store foot traffic slow. Bridal category strong, with rising demand for ovals and pears. Colored gems — rubies, emeralds and sapphires — also gaining popularity as center stones. Large-stone market robust; dealers struggling to source 5 ct., D, IF diamonds.

Belgium: Polished trading improving despite ongoing lockdown. Suppliers filling US holiday orders. Steady interest in round, 1 to 2 ct., G-J, SI goods. Princess and radiant cuts also doing well. Some worry jewelry trade not focused enough on e-commerce trend over Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Rough market stable ahead of next week’s De Beers sight.

Israel: Polished activity sporadic. Dealers uncertain about prospects for holiday season and anticipate little momentum in 1Q 2021. US bridal market supporting appetite for 1 ct. and larger diamonds. Far East demand slow despite strong China retail recovery. Buyers looking for goods from India but finding it difficult to meet their requirements due to high prices.

India: Manufacturers working at higher capacity to fill final holiday orders. Solid US and Far East demand, but trading slower than before Diwali. Some fear prospective oversupply as factories ramp up production. Rough prices firming on secondary market ahead of sight week. Cutters seeking goods from local tender houses amid travel restrictions. Customs delays in Mumbai holding up diamond shipments to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong: Wholesale improving ahead of December holidays and Chinese New Year. Inventory levels low following months of cautious buying. Steady interest in and shortages of 1 ct., D-H, VVS-SI, 3X goods. Anxiety about potential fourth coronavirus wave, with local demand uncertain and Chinese tourists absent. Recent seizure of diamonds by Hong Kong customs at Shenzhen border raising concerns about trade with China. Slow traffic at Jewellery & Gem Asia Hong Kong show, as overseas buyers unable to visit.

Rapaport Weekly Market Comment
Dec 10, 2020 11:30 AM By Rapaport News
Jewelers upbeat about holiday season amid strong e-commerce and lucrative early gift shopping. Last-minute US orders and preparations for Chinese New Year driving polished trading. China jewelry market robust. Luxury demand good at NY auctions: Christie’s sells $45M (91% by lot) including Kashmir sapphire and diamond bracelet to Harry Winston for $6M. Sotheby’s raises $47M, with heart-shape, 1.71 ct., fancy red, SI2 diamond going for $3.2M ($1.9M/ct.). Rough market very active during sight week. Manufacturers anticipate firm post-holiday inventory replacement. Dominion sells Ekati mine to bondholders. Next year’s March Hong Kong shows and AGS Conclave postponed due to pandemic.

Fancies: Reduced inventory supporting prices for select fancy shapes. Ovals and Pears strong in 1.50 to 2 ct., G-K, VS-SI categories and 3 to 5 ct. SIs. Princesses improving. Excellent cuts and nice shapes in demand and selling at premiums. Rising orders in China helping the market. Dealers hoping for increased sales of fancy-shape engagement rings as consumers seek alternative designs at lower cost. High availability of fancies below 1 ct. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid and difficult to sell.

United States: Sentiment positive as dealers fill orders in time for peak pre-Christmas period. Sourcing the right diamonds difficult due to shortages. A lot of goods out on memo. Steady demand for 1 to 2 ct., G-H, VS-SI diamonds. Well-cut ovals also doing well and in limited supply. Retail jewelers focusing on e-commerce promotions for delivery before December 24.

Belgium: Polished trading stable. Wholesale businesses able to operate during lockdown, which is scheduled to end next week. Exporters focused on US market and some orders from Asia. Sustained interest in 1 to 3 ct., D-J SIs. Rough market active during sight week, with shortages in some categories.

Israel: Bourse quiet. Dealers filling sporadic last-minute orders with sense that season is coming to an early end. Some planning for 2021 and expecting improved momentum during first quarter. Buyers looking for goods in India but struggling to meet high prices. Stable market for 1 to 2 ct., F-G, VVS-VS stones. 0.30 to 0.89 ct. relatively slow.

India: Good momentum since Diwali break. Solid orders from foreign and local buyers. Rough purchasing robust as manufacturers raise production levels to alleviate scarcities. Polished prices firm, particularly for above 1 ct.; major suppliers not feeling urgency to sell. Sufficient liquidity due to lower rough buying earlier in the year, steady polished sales, and flexibility from banks about paying back credit during lockdown. Jewelers optimistic after seeing strong business during festival and wedding season.

Hong Kong: Dealers in more optimistic mood amid solid Christmas and Chinese New Year demand. Steady interest in 0.30 to 1 ct., D-H, VS-SI diamonds. Increase in requests for 2 to 5 ct., G-J SIs. Local retail sluggish due to another spike in Covid-19 infections and lack of tourism during peak selling season. Mainland China jewelers doing well. E-commerce and omni-channel driving recovery.

Rapaport Weekly Market Comment
Dec 17, 2020 11:30 AM
Positive sentiment in final week before Christmas as Covid-19 vaccine receives FDA approval. Holiday season successful for e-commerce businesses. Online sales now slowing as delivery deadlines approach. US Nov. retail sales -1.1% vs. previous month after boost from early holiday shopping in Oct. Chinese demand driving polished market ahead of Feb. 12 lunar festival. Dealers anticipate good inventory replenishment in 1Q. Rough market robust after prices increased 1% to 2% in select categories at De Beers sight. Premiums strong on secondary market. De Beers cuts 2021 production plan to 33M/35M cts. Belgium Nov. polished exports -9% to $612M, rough imports -14% to $702M.

Fancies: Reduced inventory supporting prices for select fancy shapes. Ovals and Pears strong in 1.50 to 2 ct., G-K, VS-SI categories and 3 to 5 ct. SIs. Princesses improving. Excellent cuts and nice shapes in demand and selling at premiums. Rising orders in China helping the market. Dealers hoping for increased sales of fancy-shape engagement rings as consumers seek alternative designs at lower cost. High availability of fancies below 1 ct. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid and difficult to sell.

United States: Positive momentum as jewelers make orders for first quarter. Bridal and diamond fashion categories spurring activity. Retailers focused on last-minute selling. E-commerce slowing as holiday shipping deadlines approach. Dealers struggling to find the right goods to replace sold inventory. Steady demand for old mine and European-cut stones.

Belgium: Dealers more optimistic than in previous weeks and busy filling orders before Christmas-New Year break. Solid consumer interest in diamonds and jewelry during holiday season as pandemic curtails spending on other discretionary items like fine dining and travel. Rough trading strong following De Beers sight. Goods selling at firm premiums on the secondary market. Rough auctions and tenders also busy.

Israel: Very little activity in the bourse after good October-November period. Suppliers have completed holiday orders and are waiting for sales feedback on memo items. Shortages and firm rough prices making it difficult to replace inventory. Rough market robust. Candidates campaigning for upcoming bourse election in late December.

India: Sentiment improving amid stable domestic and export demand. Dossiers steady, with 0.25 to 0.50 ct., D-F, VS-SI diamonds selling well. Many businesses investing in lab-grown due to strong demand and better margins than natural. Manufacturers raising polished production in anticipation of post-holiday inventory replenishment. Some concerned the rough market is becoming overly exuberant.

Hong Kong: Wholesalers and dealers busy, with focus on meeting final supply needs for Chinese New Year season. Good market for 1 ct., D-H, VVS-SI, RapSpec A3+. Local retail struggling amid continued absence of tourists during Christmas shopping period. Vigorous e-commerce driving recovery for jewelers in mainland China. 0.30 to 0.79 ct., F-I SIs are best sellers online.

Rapaport Weekly Market Comment
Dec 24, 2020 11:30 AM
Mood optimistic as US and European dealers close for holidays. E-commerce surges; US online sales +30% on Super Saturday and +56% on Sunday before Christmas. Brick-and-mortar quiet due to spread of Covid-19. Chinese jewelers expecting release of pent-up demand during Feb. 12 Lunar New Year. Manufacturers raising polished production in anticipation of post-holiday inventory replacement. Rough trading robust. Large volumes of polished expected on the market in 1Q. Argyle pinks sell for record value following mine closure. GIA scales down Antwerp business. CNBC special to feature NY diamond trade on Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 10 p.m. EST. Rapaport wishes everyone happy holidays.

Fancies: Rising demand for select fancy shapes as consumers seek alternative designs at more affordable prices than rounds. Dealers hoping for increased sales of fancy-shape engagement rings. Ovals, Pears and Emeralds strong in 1.50 to 10 ct. Cushion, Princess and Marquise improving. Excellent cuts and nice shapes in demand and selling at premiums. Steady orders in China helping the market. High availability of fancies below 1 ct. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid and difficult to sell.

United States: Rising concern about Covid-19 shutdowns. Some optimism as vaccinations arrive and Congress passes economic relief legislation. Polished market quiet as wholesalers close for Christmas and New Year. A few last-minute orders this week for single stones. Melee business seasonally slow. Retailers with strong online presence saw good holiday sales and expect e-commerce trend to continue in 2021. Independents that rely solely on in-store traffic struggling.

Belgium: Very little trading; bourses officially shut for holidays. Companies made final shipments before taking vacation. Most diamantaires staying in the city due to Covid-19 travel limitations. Some looking for buying opportunities online in anticipation of improved demand in January.

Israel: Activity seasonally quiet. Some interest in the coming week’s bourse elections. Steady demand at Rapaport single-stone auction, with 80% of lots selling. Buyers bargain-hunting and focusing more on non-certified goods. Stronger bidding than usual for ovals, emeralds and marquise among fancy shapes.

India: Positive sentiment after solid holiday orders from US and China. Local market maintaining momentum during wedding season. Dealers keeping discounts stable. Rough trading robust, with firm prices and steady demand. Manufacturing output increasing as polished suppliers prepare for 1Q inventory replacement.

Hong Kong: Dealer trading steady. Last-minute orders for Chinese New Year (Feb. 12) driving business. 0.30 to 2 ct., D-I, VVS-SI, RapSpec A3+ selling well. Shortage of and rising demand for lower-color goods (J-K) in mainland China. Local retail weak; consumer focus mainly on bridal. Mainland stores strong and showing optimistic outlook for 2021.

Financial Data
Stocks
Tiffany & Co. $131.16 +0.01%

Signet Jewelers $26.16 -3.33%

Chow Tai Fook HKD 7.63 +1.19%

Chow Sang Sang HKD 8.75 +0.69%

Titan INR 1495.90 +0.34%

Richemont CHF 79.06 +0.43%

LVMH €496.45 +0.07%

Swatch Group CHF 238.20 -0.25%

Anglo American GBX 2462.00 +2.05%

Petra Diamonds GBX 2.04 -1.21%

Lucara Diamonds CAD 0.54 -1.82%

Gem Diamonds GBX 43.55 +2.11%

Metals
Gold 1,880.71 +0.40%

Silver 26.29 +0.17%

Platinum 1,044.60 +1.06%

Palladium 2,366.67 +1.06%

Currencies
Euro $1.23 +0.36%

Pound $1.35 +0.25%

Yuan($) 6.53 -0.10%

Rupee($) 73.37 -0.22%

Financial Data
Stocks
Tiffany & Co. $131.45 +0.08%

Signet Jewelers $27.27 -1.73%

Chow Tai Fook HKD 7.63 +1.19%

Chow Sang Sang HKD 8.80 +1.73%

Titan INR 1558.60 -0.55%

Richemont CHF 80.08 -0.52%

LVMH €510.90 -0.43%

Swatch Group CHF 238.20 -0.25%

Anglo American GBX 2424.50 -0.74%

Petra Diamonds GBX 2.04 -1.21%

Lucara Diamonds CAD 0.54 -1.82%

Gem Diamonds GBX 41.00 -1.20%

Metals
Gold 1,946.36 +0.15%

Silver 27.43 +0.59%

Platinum 1,073.29 +0.02%

Palladium 2,389.71 +0.11%

Currencies
Euro $1.23 +0.17%

Pound $1.36 +0.11%

Yuan($) 6.46 -0.00%

Rupee($) 73.18 +0.17%

Rapaport Weekly Market Comment
Jan 7, 2021 11:30 AM
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Diamond trade ends challenging 2020 with 1 ct. RAPI +5.8%. Firm polished prices reflect inventory decline after significant drop in manufacturing and rough sales. Optimism for 1Q as jewelers and dealers seek goods following the holiday season. Retail outlook still cautious amid spike in global Covid-19 infections. Lockdowns may curb jewelers’ inventory replacement efforts. Rising expectations for China jewelry sales ahead of Feb. 12 lunar festival. Tiffany & Co. Nov./Dec. sales +2%, Asia Pacific +20%, Americas -5%, e-commerce up more than 80%. Titan Company jewelry sales +15% during 3Q Diwali period. Russia resumes KP chairmanship after 2020 meetings suspended.

Fancies: Rising demand for select fancy shapes as consumers seek alternative designs at more affordable prices than rounds. Dealers hoping for increased sales of fancy-shape engagement rings. Ovals, Pears and Emeralds strong in 1.50 to 10 ct. sizes. Cushion, Princess and Marquise improving. Excellent cuts and nice shapes in demand and selling at premiums. Steady orders in China helping the market. High availability of fancies below 1 ct. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid and difficult to sell.

United States: Positive sentiment as retail jewelers report steady holiday sales. Momentum continuing in January despite rising Covid-19 infections. Independents with strong e-commerce programs able to connect with consumers who want to support community businesses. Wholesalers seeing satisfactory success rate from memo returns. Estate jewelers doing well, but expensive high-end jewelry slightly slow.

Belgium: Dealers back from two-week holiday break, and bourses have resumed operations. Businesses with export focus doing better than those relying on local European buyers. Steady demand from China and US. Rough trading stable; expectation is that major miners will cautiously release goods to the market.

Israel: Activity low as country enters third nationwide lockdown. Export orders slow as US clients return from break. Dealers relatively satisfied with holiday season but still waiting for memo returns. Some orders for Chinese New Year. Suppliers maintaining steady prices due to inventory declines.

India: Traders gaining confidence amid steady US and Chinese demand. Suppliers filling Chinese New Year orders. Manufacturers raising polished production in response to prevailing shortages. Buyers struggling to find the right goods at the right prices. Stable interest in 1 ct., D-H, VS-SI diamonds. More factories entering lab-grown segment in search of better margins.

Hong Kong: Mainland China supporting market ahead of Lunar New Year (February 12). Polished in short supply following Indian lockdowns. Wholesale sector stable; good appetite for 0.30 to 1 ct., D-I, VS2-SI2, 3X diamonds with GIA reports. Chinese buyers interested in 3 to 5 ct., F-I, SI, 3X stones. Fancy shapes moving well in 2 to 3 ct. sizes. Local retail weak as government tightens restrictions amid coronavirus wave.