MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
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
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
