Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
Diamond Prices Remain Relatively Unchanged in Sept.
Diamond prices fluctuated little between August and September, the latest report from the Rapaport Group shows.

New York--Diamond prices fluctuated little between August and September, the latest report from the Rapaport Group shows.
Prices for 1-carat, half-carat and 3-carat diamonds all dropped very slightly, 0.2 percent, while prices for 0.3-carat diamonds rose 0.3 percent month-over-month.
Year-to-date (Jan. 1 to Oct. 1), prices have dropped for 1-carat (down 2 percent) and 3-carat diamonds (10 percent) but are up 0.3 percent and 3.5 percent for 0.3-carat and 0.5-carat diamonds, respectively.
The Rapaport Monthly Report stated that the holiday season in the United States is “not expected to be stellar” due to cautious consumer spending among economic volatility and “political uncertainty,” a reference to the presidential election, which will be over in about a month.
The report also mentions the fact that industry’s “much-anticipated generic marketing campaigns” are not yet established enough to make a real difference; Stephen Lussier of De Beers and the Diamond Producers Association said as much last week when the DPA screened the first commercials for “Real is Rare.”
“The key is, it’s a first step in this journey,” he said, referencing the industry’s years-long effort to get a generic marketing campaign off the ground. “We’re not setting out to transform Christmas this year.”
Rapaport’s outlook differs from the forecasts released by the National Retail Federation and PricewaterhouseCoopers this week, and the projection made last month by Deloitte. All three are calling for a solid year-over-year increase in holiday sales.
De Beers & Alrosa Sales
Also last week, De Beers Group reported provisional results for the eighth sales cycle of the year, which ran from Sept. 6 to Oct. 3.
Preliminary results indicate that the diamond miner and marketer sold $485 million in rough diamonds to sightholders and via its auction platform.
CEO Bruce Cleaver said De Beers’ sales were slightly above expectations given the normal seasonal demand patterns, the shorter-than-normal period between sales cycles seven and eight, and the upcoming holidays at some of the world’s major diamond cutting centers, such as Diwali in India.
(A figure for a year-over-year comparison is not available, as this is the first year De Beers has been releasing cyclical sales results.)
The company also revised its provisional sales figure for sales cycle seven, from the $630 million figure shared last month up to a final of $639 million.
Here’s how De Beers’ 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: $528 million
Seventh: $639 million
Alrosa, too, issued a report on its sales results for September.
The Russian mining company said rough diamond sales totaled $435.1 million, while polished sales were $18.9 million, equaling total diamond sales of $454 million for the month.
Alrosa Vice President Yury Okoemov said the company saw “good demand” in all categories of rough and that sales were up “significantly” over September 2015, though the company did not provide a year-over-year figure for comparison.
The Latest

The “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.

In honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.


Richemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.

Nate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Enoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.

AGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.

Plus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.

René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.

Arien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.

A podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.

The association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.

Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.

Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.

The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.

The new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.

The pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.

One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.

Charlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.

The artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.

Its team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.























