EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
SourcingJan 05, 2016
Shortages, Holiday Demand Boost Diamond Prices
Shortages in certain categories helped to boost polished diamond prices in December though they ended the year down, the Rapaport Group said.
New York--Shortages in certain categories helped to boost polished diamond prices in December though they ended the year down, the Rapaport Group said.
The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI) for 1-carat, Gemological Institute of America-graded diamonds was up nearly 2 percent in December. The RAPI for 0.30-carat and 0.50-carat stones also increased, 5 percent and 3 percent, respectively, while the RAPI for 3-carat diamonds fell slightly (-0.1 percent).
Despite the late-year recovery in diamond prices, the RAPI for 2015 is down across the board, most sharply for half-carat and 3-carat diamonds. The RAPI for those sizes fell 15 percent this year.
The RAPI for 1-carat stones fell 6 percent this year and it is down 13 percent for 0.30-carat diamonds.
In its report for January, Shortages Supporting Prices, Rapaport noted that the United States continues to be the top-performing market in the world in terms of diamond sales. And though final numbers on jewelry sales in November-December have not yet been released, anecdotal evidence suggests that U.S. retailers had a positive holiday season.
Jewelers who spoke with National Jeweler last week indicated that a lot of their business came in the final few days before Christmas and that diamond sales were particularly strong, perhaps buoyed by the extra generic advertising this holiday season.
However, Rapaport noted that shortages constrained orders for select goods, particularly in higher-quality diamonds up to 2 carats.
In 2016, the shortage remains, as suppliers sold off higher-quality stock and manufacturers in India limited polished production in the past year due to an over-supply of diamonds in the middle of the pipeline and high rough diamond prices.
Rapaport said that sightholders expect De Beers to reduce prices again at the next sight (scheduled for Jan. 18 to 22) by 5 to 7 percent. Both De Beers’ and Alrosa’s rough prices declined about 15 percent during the year.
Rough demand is expected to increase in 2016, as manufacturers ramp up production to fill voids in the market, but will still remain below levels seen in previous years.
While Alrosa is expected to increase diamond mining slightly in 2016, De Beers anticipates cutting production from 29 million carats to 26-28 million carats, and already has announced it is mothballing its Snap Lake mine in Canada and cutting production at a number of mines in Africa as well.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
