CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
SourcingApr 04, 2017
Diamond Trade Dealing in Smaller, Fewer Goods
Market sentiment improved in March but the overall trend is more destocking and a shift toward lower price-point merchandise.
Rough diamond trading was stable in March, the Rapaport Group said, while polished market sentiment improved on steady orders from U.S. and Chinese jewelers and a better-than-expected showing in Hong Kong.
New York--The RapNet Diamond Index for diamonds improved in March as the Hong Kong jewelry show turned out better than expected and there were steady orders from jewelers in the United States and China.
The RAPI is the average asking price in hundred $/carat for top quality, Gemological Institute of America-graded diamonds offered for sale on RapNet.
The RAPI for 0.30-carat diamonds rose 4 percent while the index for 3-carat diamonds was up 3 percent. For 1-carat diamonds, it was essentially flat (up 0.1 percent) while the RAPI for half-carat stones fell 2 percent.
Year-to-date, however, the index for 1-carat diamonds is down 1 percent and has fallen 7 percent over the past year.
In its monthly report for March--this month titled “Diamond Trade Adjusting to Lower Inventory”--the Rapaport Group noted that softness in the market for 1-carat diamonds in the first quarter of the year is unusual.
It’s being driven by consolidation in the U.S. jewelry market, which, together with Canada, lost 1,190 stores last year, slowing growth in China, and a shift to lower-priced goods.
Rapaport Group noted that there was good demand for 0.30- to 0.49-carat diamonds in the first quarter, with dealers who specialize in these sizes doing particularly well at the Hong Kong show, and melee prices are strong as well.
On the retail end, the report pointed to Tiffany & Co.’s statement in its year-end report that it did well merchandise priced under $500 and will offer more of it. Signet Jewelers Ltd. too noted strength in fashion jewelry sales in 2016.
Rapaport Group’s report also noted that American consumer confidence continued to improve in March, according to the Conference Board Index, but said: “Whether the jewelry industry can capitalize on that remains a question, as consumption patterns continue to change.
On the rough end of the business, De Beers’ had its final sight of the contract period but had not released sales figures as of press time.
RELATED CONTENT: Sales Down for De Beers in FebruaryRapaport Group estimated Alrosa’s sales at $500 million in March, greater than the approximately $374 million it sold in both January and February.
Profit margins continue to be an issue for manufacturers, though Indian companies are operating at near-full capacity and are continuing to drive rough demand.
Large Indian diamond manufacturers, like Kiran Gems, which opened a new 200,000-square-foot factory in Surat in 2016,
are investing in factories while other countries, including China, continue to downsize their diamond cutting and polishing industries.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
Weekly QuizJul 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
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.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHoCreative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s LondonNext week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the HolidaysEmmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in AugustThe wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization OfferingsAs demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
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.
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.
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.
