TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
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
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in DallasThe brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in CanadaThe New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal CatalogThe “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard SaysHoliday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2025
Winners of Austin Jewelry Design Contest Announced Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky RingThe red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond ProductionThe manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHoThe jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.
WatchesSep 25, 2025
Wilson & Son Jewelers Donates to the Horological Society of New YorkThe Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.
