MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
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
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
