MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
SourcingMay 06, 2015
Diamond markets ‘quiet’ in April
Trading remained muted during the month, though prices began to stabilize and activity is expected to pick up as summer wedding season approaches, the Rapaport Group said.
After sliding for months, polished diamond prices showed signs of stabilizing in April, with the RapNet Diamond Index for 1-carat goods even increasing slightly.
New York--Diamond trading remained muted in April, though prices stabilized toward the end of the month and activity is expected to pick up as summer wedding season approaches, the Rapaport Group stated in its monthly price report.
In April, the RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI), an index compiled using the average asking price for certain diamonds listed on RapNet, rose 0.4 percent for 1-carat laboratory-graded diamonds after sliding for months.
However, these stones still remain considerably cheaper than they were at this time last year. The RAPI for 1-carat diamond is down 14 percent when compared with May 1 of last year.
While 1-carat diamonds showed some price recovery, the RAPI for other sizes continued to slide in April.
The index was down 1 percent for half-carat diamonds, 2 percent for 0.30-carat stones and nearly the same amount for 3-carat diamonds. Compared to the same time last year, the RAPI is down 21 percent for 0.30-carat diamonds, 15 percent for 3-carat diamonds and 10 percent for half-carat stones.
In its monthly release, the Rapaport Group described diamond markets as “quiet” in April, with sentiment improving slightly toward the end of the month as a shortage of polished diamonds helped stabilize prices.
According to the Rapaport Monthly Report, “Muted Markets,” very few new polished diamonds have been entering the market. Diamond manufacturers refused about 30 percent of rough supply in the first quarter as they still are losing money on “overpriced” rough, an issue Rapaport Group Chairman Martin Rapaport personally addressed more thoroughly in his latest editorial, “Market Correction.”
In it, he stated that rough prices need to go down and polished prices have to rise so manufacturers can make a profit. He called on banks to quit financing “unprofitable” diamond manufacturing and the trade to establish firm “price floors” for polished diamonds.
To the buyers of polished diamonds, including retailers, Rapaport advised that they “relax and ignore all the noise coming from the suppliers.”
“Concentrate on buying what you need when you need it. Expect shortages as the quantity of new diamonds being produced declines. Talk to your merchandisers about being more flexible and designing jewelry that uses a broader range of sizes and qualities,” Rapaport wrote.
The entire editorial can downloaded as PDF on Diamonds.net and comments can be emailed directly to Martin Rapaport at martin@diamonds.net.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry DesignThe brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb JewelerGoldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the AmericasLongtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
Hearts On Fire Appoints New Sales DirectorVickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.
SurveysJul 09, 2025
Jewelry Stays Strong as Luxury Market Slows, Bain & Co. Says Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.
Supplier BulletinJul 09, 2025
JCK Unwrapped: Trends, Insights & Post-Show TipsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
CollectionsJul 09, 2025
Cece Jewellery’s New Fruit Jewels Celebrate Life’s SweetnessThe “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.
EditorsJul 09, 2025
The Most-Read Stories of 2025, So FarDiamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.
CollectionsJul 08, 2025
Mikimoto’s High Jewelry Collection Turns Pearls into PetalsThe “Les Pétales” collection imagines roses caught mid-bloom as a tribute to nature’s beauty.
ColumnistsJul 08, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Jewelers Struggle With Premium PricingLuxury brands charge thousands for their shoes and handbags. Jewelers pricing diamond products should take note, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsJul 08, 2025
David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers Dies at 79Rotenberg was an active member of the American Gem Society and an accomplished appraiser who also worked with therapy dogs at a hospital.
TechnologyJul 08, 2025
‘Diamond Divas’ Brings the Showroom to Social Media Reality SeriesIt follows New York-based brand Shahla Karimi Jewelry’s all-women team in “Say Yes to the Dress” meets “The Office”-style episodes.
Policies & IssuesJul 08, 2025
SMO Gold Launches New FoundationIn its inaugural year, the SMO Foundation will focus on supporting two organizations in West Africa and one in South America.
Policies & IssuesJul 07, 2025
Higher Tariffs Set to Take Effect Aug. 1, Officials SayThe announcement comes just as the 90-day freeze on the “reciprocal” tariffs nears its end, giving countries more time to negotiate.
SourcingJul 07, 2025
Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie To Step DownKellie, who joined the organization in 2019, will remain in his role through the end of 2025.
CrimeJul 07, 2025
7 Suspects Charged in California Jewelry Store BurglaryPolice officers apprehended the suspects as they were allegedly attempting to gain entry into another jewelry store.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2025
Applications Open for Ella Klein Internship The program, a collaboration between Julius Klein Diamonds and the Women’s Jewelry Association, is in its second year.
Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
