From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Diamond prices soften in June
Diamond prices continued their decline last month as markets were relatively quiet due to weak post-Vegas demand in the United States, the Rapaport Group’s monthly price report states.
New York--Diamond prices continued their decline last month as markets were relatively quiet due to weak post-JCK Las Vegas demand in the United States, the Rapaport Group said in its monthly price report.
In June, the RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI) for 1-carat lab-graded diamonds fell 1 percent, while the RAPI for both 0.30-carat diamonds and 0.50-carat diamonds decreased by 3 percent. RAPI for 3-carat stones declined by 2 percent.
Meanwhile, RAPI for 1-carat diamonds was down 2 percent during the second quarter of 2015, and as of July 1, was down 15 percent year-over-year.
According to the Rapaport monthly report for June, “Summer Heat Brings Price Pressure,” manufacturers are under pressure, and their profit margins are being squeezed between the stable prices of rough and the declining prices of polished diamonds.
RELATED CONTENT: Whose fault is it anyway?
Rough producers prefer to reduce supply rather than lower prices in today’s weak market, Rapaport said, so rough prices remained relatively stable throughout the second quarter of 2015 after falling an average of 5 to 7 percent during the first three months.
Rapaport estimates that manufacturers will further reduce their rough purchases in the coming months to shrink existing inventory and raise liquidity levels.
The report also notes that there is a shortage of fine quality diamonds, and select buyers are paying firm prices for these to be able to fill existing orders. There remains, however, an excess of inventory of lower-quality stones in the market and “flexible” buyers are getting good deals on these.
Additionally, the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair that took place in June was weak as expected, Rapaport said, with sales reflective of the cautious Far East market and “weak dealer sentiment.”
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.





















