Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look NaturalThe 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.
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,
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
are investing in factories while other countries, including China, continue to downsize their diamond cutting and polishing industries.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
ColumnistsNov 10, 2026
Who Checks the Facts When AI Writes Your Jewelry Copy?An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
