ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
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 & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Weekly QuizMay 21, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal ModernWith gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.
ColumnistsMay 19, 2026
Peter Smith: The (Mostly) Immutable Sales TruthsIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Smith lists 10 time-tested principles about sales that still ring true.
ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine JewelryIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into JoyThe “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Hancocks London Acquires Historic ‘Inchiquin’ EmeraldThe jewel, circa 1890, is from the late Victorian era and was owned by descendants of the last high king of Ireland.
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients This is what the nine recipients plan to do with the funds.
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
