CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
SourcingAug 03, 2016
Diamond Prices Down for Fourth Month
The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI) fell for diamonds of all sizes in the month of July, continuing the decline that began in April.
Manufacturers and dealers are banking on a strong Christmas season, as global demand for diamonds remains sluggish. Rapaport saw diamond prices slip for the fourth straight month while De Beers saw rough diamond sales decline for the third sales cycle in a row.
New York--The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI) fell for diamonds of all sizes in the month of July.
The Rapaport Group said Tuesday that the RAPI fell about 2 percent for 0.30-carat, 1-carat and 3-carat diamonds and slipped 0.5 percent for half-carat stones.
Year-to-date (Jan. 1 to Aug. 1) prices have fallen 1 percent for 1-carat diamonds and 10 percent for 3-carat stones, but are up 4 percent for 0.50-carat diamonds and have remained flat for 0.30-carat stones.
“Cautious” is the word that can be applied across all markets--polished, rough and retail--as diamond demand remains stable in the United States but subdued in other parts of the world, forcing manufacturers and suppliers to be prudent in their purchasing and mining companies to cut back on production.
In its monthly report, Rapaport noted that diamond trading typically does slow down in the summer months, but that this summer is quieter than normal.
The U.S. remains the world’s strongest market, with demand steady for diamonds that are 1 to 2 carats in size, G-H in color and VS-SI in clarity, though the report stated that “jewelers are insisting on memo rather than buying inventory.”
The report also stated that the finest-cut diamonds are in high demand, with premiums increasing for diamonds with excellent cut, polish and symmetry, also known as triple EX goods.
The industry’s manufacturers and diamond dealers are hoping business picks up for the September Hong Kong show and are placing added importance on the holiday season this year, as the industry is expected to ramp up marketing for diamond jewelry.
Rough Sales Still Sliding
Also on Tuesday, De Beers released its results for the sixth sales cycle of 2016, which includes sales of rough diamonds made both to sightholders and via its online auction platform.
As of Aug. 1, De Beers had sold an estimated $520 million in rough diamonds, down from the final figure of $564 million for the fifth sales cycle of the year.
This is the third sales cycle in a row in which De Beers has witnessed rough diamond sales slump.
Here’s a chart showing how rough diamond sales have tracked so far this year.
First sales cycle: $545 million
Second: $617 million
Third: $666 million
Fourth: $636 million
Fifth: $564 million
Sixth: $520 million (provisional)
Year-over-year comparisons are not yet available, as this is the first year the diamond miner and marketer has reported on rough diamond sales on a cycle-by-cycle basis throughout the year.
Commenting on the results,
new De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver said, “This is an encouraging sales performance for this point in the year, supported by positive sentiment from our customers. We maintain a cautious outlook for the remainder of 2016.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
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.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MajorsJul 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.
