SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
SourcingJun 10, 2015
Diamond markets ‘stable’ in May
Lower supply supported polished diamond prices in select sizes last month, and demand in the U.S. remains consistent, offsetting the slower markets in the Far East, Rapaport Group said.
New York--Diamond prices remained relatively flat in May due in large part to the reduced supply in the market, the Rapaport Group said in its monthly price report.
Last month, the RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI) for 1-carat diamonds rose 0.3 percent, while the RAPI for 0.30-carat stones fell 1 percent.
RAPI for 0.50-carat diamonds also was down 1.1 percent, but the index for 3-carat diamonds increased slightly, rising 0.4 percent during the month.
The Rapaport Group also reported that the RAPI for 1-carat diamonds during the first five months of the year increased by 0.7 percent but has plummeted nearly 14 percent from the year-earlier period.
Three-carat diamonds also were down 14 percent from last year, 0.50-carat stones were down 12 percent, and 0.30-carat diamonds dropped 22 percent year-over-year.
According to the Rapaport monthly report titled “Supply Dynamics,” diamond manufacturers have maintained a lower polished diamond production in hopes of creating a shortage that would support diamond prices in the market; they’ve lowered production by an estimated 20 percent to 30 percent in the past six months.
Still, there remains an oversupply of 0.30-carat to 0.40-carat diamonds, Rapaport said, due in part to the 2014 backlog of stones graded at the GIA that have since been released to the market. Dealers are therefore working with older inventory and there’s a shortage of new, fine quality, triple excellent stones available.
The trading of rough material also is “subdued” as manufacturers continue to be concerned about profitability, despite the fact that De Beers lowered prices at its recent May sight.
However, on a brighter note, Rapaport said, demand in the U.S. is consistent and compensating for the slower Far East markets. The report also said that the JCK Las Vegas show, where many suppliers held prices firm, met many expectations and raised sentiment even though sales were “slightly disappointing.”
“The show met the low expectations of the trade and created a healthy, positive mood even though sales were slow for many suppliers,” Rapaport Group Chairman Martin Rapaport said. “The antique show was very good to excellent with strong sales and traffic, and improving demand for branded estate jewelry. The JCK Luxury show was relatively weak with limited orders and fewer top buyers than last year.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
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.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
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.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
IndependentsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
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.
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.
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.
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.
