March 2013 Polished Diamond Market Report
April 02, 13![](/image_bank/NewsRoom_FullArticle/LogoBlue.png)
After a long period of stunted trading in the polished wholesale sector and low prices, a turnaround was witnessed in March. The much-anticipated Hong Kong International Jewellery Show exceeded expectations, jumpstarting business in the global diamond trading centers. As a result, prices started to rise and manufacturers are increasing their polished diamonds output.
With the global trading markets focused on the
A very significant increase in demand for 30 pointers up to 1 carat is noted in the market across the board. The strong demands for rounds 2.00+ cts in SI and better qualities and 0.90-1.50 cts in G-H colors VS continues.
The Fancy market remains attractive across the board, with a heightened emphasis on princess cuts in contrast to a weaker demand for cushion and oval shapes.
Rounds
0.05-0.15 cts, D-J / I,
0.05-0.15 cts, D-J / SI+, slow
0.10-0.75 cts, G-H / SI
1/5-3/4, D-J / pique, mediocre demand
1/5-3/4, D-J / VS+,
0.30-0.70 cts, D-J / SI+,
0.90-1.50 cts, G-H / SI
1.00-2.00 cts, D-M / pique,
1.00-2.00 cts, F-J / SI+,
1.50-3.00 cts, D-M / VS-SI,
2.00-4.00 cts D-K / SI+,
4.00+ cts D-J/ pique,
Fancy Cuts
All fancy cuts, 0.10-0.99 cts, D-K / SI+,
Princess, 0.10-0.40 cts,
Princess 0.20-1.00+ cts H+ / VS+, selling
Princess 0.75-1.00 cts G-H / SI, selling
Princess 2.00+ cts, G-H / SI+, selling
After a long quiet period, the
Rounds
0.005-0.15 cts, F-J / pique, slow
0.005-0.15 cts, F-J / SI+
1/5, D-J / VS+, mediocre demand
0.25-0.90 cts, white / pique, mediocre demand
0.25-0.90 cts, F-K / SI+, good makes
1.00-3.00 cts, white / pique, including goods for treatment, mediocre demand
1.00-3.00 cts, F-J / SI1+, good makes, mediocre demand
1.00+ cts, Fancy colors, mediocre demand
1.00-5.00 cts, D/ IF, slow
4.00+ cts, G-J / VS-SI, slow, demands limited to reasonably priced goods
4.00+ cts, G-J / VVS, slow unless prices are very attractive
Fancy Cuts
Princesses, Ovals, Hearts, Pears and Emeralds, 1.00-3.00 cts, G-K / SI+, selling
Marquises, Radiants, and Cushions, 1.00-3.00 cts, G-K / SI+, mediocre demand
Tapers and Baguettes, 1/10-1/6, D-I / SI+, mediocre demand
Mumbai
The Indian diamond market is showing considerable pick up in demand levels. Manufacturers have slowed down their output and a shortage of goods led to an increase in prices ahead of an expected rise in demand.
Traders returning from Honk Kong reported good business, though buyers said they had to pay "full price" to get the goods they were interested in.
Rounds
0.005-0.15 cts, F-J / SI+
1/5, H-J / VS, mediocre demand
1/4-3/8, white / pique
1/4-3/4, D-J / SI+, good makes, mediocre demand
1/2-3/4, white / pique, including goods for treatment
0.80-1.99 cts, F-M /
1.00-3.00 cts, D-K / SI to pique
1.00-3.00 cts, H-K / SI1+, good makes
4.00+ cts, H-M / VS-SI
4.00+ cts, H-M / VVS
Fancy Cuts
Emeralds and Stabbes (wide baguettes), 0.25-1.00 cts, D-J / VS+
Marquises, Ovals and Asschers, 0.25-3.00 cts, F-J / VS+
Princesses, Pears, Hearts and Emeralds, 1.00-10.00 cts, I-L / VS
Ramat Gan
The Israeli diamond market also enjoyed from good business at the Hong Kong show, rekindling local and international trade. Price increases are reported in the market and manufacturers feel greater confidence in polishing although they still state that the difference in the prices of polished and rough diamonds is still too close.
Rounds
0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / pique, mediocre demand
0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / VS+
1/5, G-K / SI+, mediocre demand
0.25-0.90 cts, white / pique
0.25-0.90 cts, D-K / SI+, good makes, mediocre demand
1.00-3.00 cts, white / pique, including goods for treatment
1.00-3.00 cts, G-K / SI+, good makes
1.00-5.00+ cts, D / IF
4.00 cts, G-L / VS-SI
4.00 cts, H-M / VVS
Fancy Cuts
Princesses, Pears, Emeralds and Hearts 1.00-3.00 cts, G-L / SI+
Princesses and Ovals, 0.50-3.00 cts, F-K / SI
Marquises, Cushions and Asschers 1.00-10.00 cts, G-J / SI+, mediocre demand
All fancy cuts, 1.00-5.00 cts, fancy colors
Hong Kong
Once again all eyes in the trading centers were on the March Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, historically an important and strong trade fair. This year, in light of the general weakness felt in the market, a successful show was especially important for traders. The show did not let them down, boosting trade levels and prices of loose diamonds in the wholesale market.
Strong demand at the show was reported for VS-SI goods up to 10 carats, especially for items up to 1.50 carats. Traders reported a shortage in Triple Excellent items that led buyers to compromise and settle for Very Good makes.
Rounds 0.005-0.15 cts, white / SI2 to pique, selling
0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / SI1+, good makes, mediocre demand
1/5, G-J / VS+, mediocre demand
0.25-0.90 cts, white / pique,
0.25-0.90 cts, H-J / SI+,
1.00-10.00 cts, D-J / pique,
1.00-5.00 cts, D / IF,
1.00-3.00 cts, H-M / VVS-SI,
4.00 cts, H-L / SI+,
5.00-10.00+ cts, H-L / VS-SI,
5.00-10.00+ cts, H-M / VVS,
Fancy Cuts
Princesses and Emeralds, 1/10-1/3, H-K / SI+, mediocre demand
Princesses, Pears and Emeralds, 1.00-4.00 cts, H-K / SI+
Marquises, Ovals and Hearts, 1.00-5.00 cts, H-K / SI+, mediocre demand
Tapers and Baguettes, 1/10-1/2, H-J / VS+