RAPAPORT
Market Comment
June 29, 2023
News: Trading slow. Weak demand for 0.25 ct. and larger polished is leading to price declines. Focus on memo. Jewelers limiting inventory and buying for specific orders. US seasonally quiet ahead of summer vacation. Mixed outlook as American job market improves, but Federal Reserve warns it could raise interest rates at July and September meetings. Muted activity at small Hong Kong show; few overseas buyers present. US sanctions four gold and diamond companies and one individual that have supported Russia’s Wagner military group. Rough market under pressure as deadline approaches for De Beers-Botswana deal. Birks FY sales -10% to $124M; loss of $5.7M vs. profit of $1M a year earlier.

Fancies: Fancy-shape market slower than before but better than rounds. Longer Ovals, Pears, Radiants and Cushions fetching higher prices than shorter stones. Goods with medium and short ratios weak. Demand for Cushions declining. 0.30 ct. doing well. Orders low for 0.70 to 1.20 ct. diamonds. VS-SI losing strength, except in 1.20 to 1.49 ct. Well-cut stones seeing supply shortages. Excellent shapes commanding premiums. Retailers offering broader product ranges as consumers seek alternative cuts. Oversizes trading at higher prices than usual. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid and difficult to sell.

United States:

Weak demand in most segments. Melee supporting market; 0.30 ct. and larger slow. Retailers requesting memo instead of buying for stock amid uncertain trading conditions. Consumer confidence index rose 7% in June as outlook for business and employment improved, The Conference Board reports.

Belgium:

Sentiment down as demand and prices fall. Concerns about impact of lab-grown. Reports of meager trading at June Hong Kong show. Rough sluggish due to drop in polished orders; sales of 3-grainers and smaller supporting market.

Israel:

Little activity in bourse. Lull in global demand impacting mood. Falling prices making sales difficult. Reduced production has created a shortage of quality goods.

India:

Market quiet, with buyers only purchasing for specific orders. Fancy shapes outperforming rounds. Businesses struggling to manage costs. Some optimism for July recovery. Production still low as manufacturers contend with thin profit margins. Lab-grown seeing steady movement in 1 ct. and larger.

Hong Kong:

Trading at Jewellery & Gem Asia Hong Kong show slow but in line with expectations. Few overseas buyers in attendance. Weak demand likely to continue until September Jewellery & Gem World fair. State of local economy impacting retail sales. Mainland sluggish but seeing some movement in 0.30 to 1 ct., D-J, VS-SI (3X, none) diamonds. Depreciation of Chinese yuan (2.4% drop in past month to CNY 7.25/$1) affecting cross-border deals.

RAPAPORT
PRESS RELEASE

Diamond Prices Fall as Retail Slump Continues
1ct. RAPI down 2.4% in June

RAPAPORT PRESS RELEASE, July 4, 2023, Las Vegas… De Beers’ 10-year sales deal with the Botswana government was a boost for the industry. Repeated delays, reported disagreements and threats of a breakup had created uncertainty. It remains to be seen how the new contract will affect sightholders, since the new terms grant state-owned trader Okavango Diamond Company a greater share of the country’s rough.

The market slowdown continued in June as weak US retail demand put the midstream under pressure. Jewelers avoided inventory purchases, buying only for specific orders and showing a preference for memo deals. Manufacturers maintained reduced polished production levels in response to lower sales and thinner profit margins.

Dealer activity slowed amid falling prices. Synthetic diamonds also significantly damaged the natural-diamond market, especially larger sizes and engagement rings. Many of these trends were already visible in previous months but intensified during June.

The Chinese market was sluggish. The economic slowdown and depreciation of the yuan affected demand in the mainland. Trading was predictably muted at the Jewellery & Gem Asia Hong Kong show.

The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for 1-carat polished diamonds fell 2.4% in June. It stood at 6,901 on July 1 versus 7,537 at the beginning of the year. The RAPI also declined in other sizes and continued to downtrend during the first four days of July. Better-quality 0.50- and 1-carat diamond prices declined by over 23% year on year.

© Copyright 2023 by Rapaport USA Inc.
Polished inventory remained high but stable due to low production. Factories in India extended their May summer closures and kept their manufacturing volumes under control once they reopened. The number of diamonds on RapNet fell 1.5% during June, coming to 1.75 million on July 1. However, the drop in supply was not enough to offset the slump in demand.

Demand for rough diamonds above 0.75 carats was weak; cutters were focusing on smaller stones to keep factories running, since demand for smaller natural polished diamonds persisted. Petra Diamonds and Trans Atlantic Gem Sales (TAGS) canceled their June tenders due to market conditions. India’s rough imports fell 19% year on year to $1.17 billion in May, the country’s Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) reported.

Synthetic diamonds continued to impact sales of naturals in the SI1 to I2 range, as they give consumers the option of an eye-clean stone for the same cost or lower. While falling prices and margins prompted companies to leave the lab-grown sector, De Beers’ launch of lab-grown engagement rings under its Lightbox brand granted synthetics additional credibility. So did Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gift of a 7.5-carat lab-grown diamond to US First Lady Jill Biden.

The high end remains the main pocket of strength. Higher US interest rates have increased the wealth of the richest Americans. The middle and lower-income classes are limiting their spending, as the economic situation has reduced their disposable income. This in turn has reduced demand for bread-and-butter polished goods of 0.30 to 3 carats. India’s expanding domestic retail market is one of the few segments to show meaningful growth.

There was some cause for optimism: US inflation dropped to 4% in May, and the Federal Reserve decided to pause its interest-rate hikes in June. The financial markets are waiting to see whether the Fed resumes its rate increases at its next meeting on July 25 and 26.

Rapaport Media Contacts: media@rapaport.com
US: Sherri Hendricks +1-702-893-9400
International: Avital Engelberg +1-718-521-4976

About the RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™): The RAPI is the average asking price in hundred $/ct. of the 10% best-priced diamonds, for each of the top 25 quality round diamonds (D-H, IF-VS2, GIA-graded, RapSpec-A3 and better) offered for sale on RapNet® (www.rapnet.com). Additional information is available at www.rapaport.com.

About the Rapaport Group: The Rapaport Group is an international network of companies providing added-value services that support the development of ethical, transparent, competitive and efficient diamond and jewelry markets. Established in 1976, the group has more than 20,000 clients in over 120 countries. Group activities include Rapaport Information Services, providing the Rapaport benchmark Price List for diamonds, as well as research, analysis and news; RapNet, the world’s largest diamond trading network; Rapaport Trading and Auction Services, the world’s largest recycler of diamonds, selling over 400,000 carats of diamonds a year; and Rapaport Laboratory Services, providing Rapaport gemological services in India and Israel. Additional information is available at www.rapaport.com.

Martin Rapaport grants limited permission to use copyrighted data appearing in this press release in and in conjunction with journalistic copy, reporting or articles concerning diamond pricing and information in graph or data presentation format only. The following credit notice must appear alongside, underneath, or in close proximity to any use of the copyrighted data: “Used with permission of Rapaport USA, Inc. Copyright © 2023 Rapaport USA Inc. All rights reserved.”

RAPAPORT
Market Comment
July 6, 2023
News: De Beers and Botswana reach 25-year mining-rights and 10-year sales agreements. Okavango to receive 50% of Debswana goods over 10 years, and government will get opportunities to partner on high-value stones. Polished trading slow during US vacation period and with economic uncertainty. Buyer’s market, with prices falling as sellers reduce inventory. 1 ct. RAPI -2.4% in June, -23.9% year on year. Kimberley Process (KP) reports 2022 global rough production volume of 118M cts. (-1%) at $16.02B (+24%), with rough prices up; Russia exports totaled 36.7M cts. (-24%) at $3.9B (-4%), indicating impact from sanctions. Rough market quiet ahead of next week’s De Beers sight. Israel 1H polished exports -24% to $1.7B, rough imports -45% to $555M.

Fancies: Fancy-shape market slower than before but better than rounds. Longer Ovals, Pears, Radiants and Cushions fetching higher prices than shorter stones. Goods with medium and short ratios weak. Marquises improving. Demand for Cushions declining. 0.30 ct. doing well. Orders low for 0.70 to 1.20 ct. diamonds. VS-SI losing strength, except in 1.20 to 1.49 ct. Well-cut stones seeing supply shortages. Excellent shapes commanding premiums. Retailers offering broader product ranges as consumers seek alternative cuts. Oversizes trading at higher prices than usual. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid and difficult to sell.

United States:

Trading quiet following July 4 holiday as summer vacations start. Fancies doing better than rounds. Concerns about market decline and the impact of lab-grown diamonds. Jewelers buying on memo due to uncertainty.

Belgium:

Activity low as global demand remains weak and summer slowdown begins. Dealers waiting for post-vacation rebound. Melee supporting market; larger stones barely moving.

Israel:

Very few sales amid weak US demand. Dealers have seen their inventories lose value and are avoiding further purchases. Nice fancy shapes are pocket of strength, but supply is limited.

India:

Dealers reducing inventory as slowdown persists. Prices still declining because sellers need liquidity. Buyers making specific demands about measurements since they have many possible vendors from which to purchase. Some manufacturers sending small stones to contractors as “job work” because in-house production has become expensive. Chinese clients reportedly starting to buy. Lab-grown diamonds continue to affect market sentiment.

Hong Kong:

Seasonal summer lull continues. Steady local orders for 0.80 to 1 ct., D-H, VS diamonds. Mainland China showing some demand, but sales sluggish. Engagement-ring market supporting sector amid economic challenges across the region. Cautious optimism for September Jewellery & Gem World fair.

RAPAPORT
Market Comment

July 27, 2023
News: Weak polished demand leads to further decline in rough market. De Beers July sales -36% YOY to $410M, 1H revenue -21% to $2.8B, earnings -83% to $85M. Falling prices making for buyer’s market. US discretionary spending low. Federal Reserve raises interest rates 0.25 basis points, aiming to reduce inflation to 2% from 3% in June. American consumer confidence +6% in July, Conference Board reports. Concerns about major manufacturers going into synthetics. Antwerp shuts for summer break. Okavango July sales of $107M ($151/ct.) are its highest this year. LVMH 1H jewelry and watch revenue +11% to $6B after reopening of Tiffany NY flagship. US places sanctions on new Alrosa CEO Pavel Marinychev.

Fancies: Fancy-shape market slower than before but better than rounds. Prices dropping but not as fast as rounds. Longer Ovals, Pears, Radiants and Cushions fetching higher prices than shorter stones. Goods with medium and short ratios weak. Marquises improving. Demand for Cushions declining. 0.30 ct. doing well. Orders low for 0.70 to 1.20 ct. diamonds. VS-SI losing strength, except in 1.20 to 1.49 ct. Well-cut stones seeing supply shortages. Excellent shapes commanding premiums. Retailers offering broader product ranges as consumers seek alternative cuts. Oversizes trading at higher prices than usual. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid and difficult to sell.

United States:

Weak consumer spending continuing to impact trade. Jewelers missing payment deadlines. Very little demand for 0.30 to 2.99 ct. diamonds as synthetics offer shoppers lower prices, especially in 1 to 2 ct. range. Some demand for natural melee, with suppliers struggling to replace sold inventory. Orders coming in for 3 to 7 ct. rounds and elongated fancies but only in nicest makes.

Belgium:

Trading seasonally slow. Industry closing for summer. Declines in rough and polished prices denting sentiment.

Israel:

Market sluggish amid seasonal lull and weak overseas demand. Almost all diamond categories are struggling. Dealers lack confidence due to falling prices. High-end brands still buying. Suppliers trying to sell directly to jewelers, seeking better margins and bigger pool of customers.

India:

International sales very slow as US and Chinese orders remain low. Rounds barely moving. Fancies better but also seeing reduced demand. Domestic market has weakened, since few weddings take place at this time of year. Manufacturers maintaining lower production levels.

Hong Kong:

Wholesale market quiet during summer slowdown. Local economy weak. Concerns arising about mainland China demand, as post-lockdown recovery has not extended to diamonds. 0.30 to 1 ct., D-J, VS-SI goods steady and supporting the sector. Gold sales strong.

RAPAPORT
Market Comment
August 10, 2023
News: Steady jewelry trading at Mumbai IIJS show lifts sentiment amid weak global demand. Positive outlook for domestic Indian market ahead of Diwali and wedding season. Local diamond sector slow, with manufacturing limited and prices falling. High end supporting US trade as middle-income spending remains low. Retailers buying on memo. Lucara finds 1,080 ct. rough at Karowe; 2Q revenue -21% to $41M, profit -60% to $5M. Brilliant Earth 2Q sales +1% to $110M, profit -67% to $1M. May US polished imports +18% to $2.6B in first YOY increase since Sept. 2022. IGI names Tehmasp Printer CEO as Roland Lorie steps down. Martin Rapaport to lead Sierra Leone trade mission from Oct. 15 to 20. Register here.

Fancies: Fancy-shape market slower than before but better than rounds. Prices dropping but not as fast as rounds. Longer Ovals, Pears, Radiants and Cushions bringing higher prices than shorter stones. Goods with medium and short ratios weak. Marquises improving. Demand for Cushions declining. 0.30 ct. doing well. Orders low for 0.70 to 1.20 ct. diamonds. VS-SI losing strength, except in 1.20 to 1.49 ct. Well-cut stones seeing supply shortages. Excellent shapes commanding premiums. Retailers offering broader product ranges as consumers seek alternative cuts. Oversizes trading at higher prices than usual. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid and difficult to sell.

United States:

High-end retail still relatively strong. Wealthy shoppers buying top-quality, 3-carat and larger ovals and pears. Nice fancy shapes in short supply. Fancy-yellow diamonds moving well. Jewelers prefer memo, but high conversion rates mean dealers are making profits. Mid-market weaker due to inflation, rise in interest rates, and competition from synthetics. Larger suppliers have weathered downturn better than small wholesalers.

Belgium:

Market remains closed during summer vacation. Rough sector slow ahead of next week’s De Beers sight (August 14-18).

Israel:

Bourses quiet during summer break. Sentiment low. Dealers absent, as they have little business to handle. July polished exports fell 31% to $203.6 million; rough imports down 46% to $106 million.

India:

Busy IIJS show signals strong domestic jewelry market. Good gold sales as trade prepares for wedding season. Mostly Indian companies attending, but some overseas visitors present. Natural diamonds slow amid weak US and Chinese demand and competition from lab-grown sector. Pears and ovals supporting activity; rounds still sluggish.

Hong Kong:

Local market seasonally slow. Return of travel has reduced spending on luxury consumer goods. Mainland quiet during summer. Dealers report positive sentiment at Mumbai IIJS show. Hopes are that September Hong Kong exhibition will boost business.

Dobrý den, Jmenuji se Patrik Hurt a vlastním sbírku nejvzácnějších růžových diamantů z dolu argyle chtěl bych je prodat, zkouším tady najít nějakého sběratele, muj kontakt +420723386876

OK. Zajtra.📡👍

Ani diamanty už nie sú čo bývali... Po rokoch hojnosti, prišli roky hovnosti...

23.06.2023 Ceny diamantov prepadli až o 18 % – majú kam klesať?
05.09.2023 poločnosť De Beers bola nútená agresívne znížiť ceny jedného zo svojich referenčných produktov.](https://financnenoviny.com/cena-diamantov-na-klucovom-trhu-rychlo-klesa/)
07.09.2023 yntetické diamanty vytláčajú z trhu pravé brilianty](https://www.finreport.sk/investovanie/synteticke-diamanty-vytlacaju-z-trhu-prave-brilianty-pri-snubnych-prstenoch-casto-rozhoduje-cena/)

Čo som videl staršie grafy, tak napríklad 3ct investičný diamant padá už od roku 2015. Celý trh s investičnými diamantami na mňa pôsobí ako pekná žumpa, v ktorej sa už mnoho investorov okúpalo, pyramídová hra alebo čierny Peter. Všetko je fajn pokiaľ kupujete, ale keď chcete predať, tak zrazu nastáva problém... a nebude to len o diamantoch...
Celkom by ma zaujímal vývoj indexu - Rapaport Diamond Prices (na https://www.diamonds.net/Prices/ je to platená služba) Nemáte niekto prístup? Grófik máš?

Cena diamantov a vôbec všetkých drahých kameňov z prvej desiatky je skoro stále konštantná, koncový klient je niečo iné...

Desiatky rokov som odmietal vymývanie mozgov niektorých firiem, na oplátku ma mali radi ako zlatú žilu v pr...😉

Fidzi, aktualizované ceny nemám´= neplatím si už členské.