The diamond market was slow in May due to mixed US demand and China’s continued weakness. Anglo American’s plan to split from De Beers created additional uncertainty.
Prices for IF to VS diamonds decreased. SI1s were mixed, but SI2s continued to recover. Fancy shapes were slow, with the exception of luxury models.
The Las Vegas fairs saw strong visitation and trading in the jewellery areas, particularly at the Luxury and Antique Jewelry & Watch exhibits, highlighting the importance of design and branding. Buyers pushed hard on prices, prompting exhibitors in the loose-diamond sector of JCK Las Vegas to exercise caution. The demand for round, 1- to 2-carat, G to J, SI diamonds remained consistent. The high-end GemGenève show in Switzerland moved slowly.
Synthetics, high borrowing rates, and inflation all continued to have an influence on US consumer demand. Buyers were picky, insisting on stones with no fluorescence and no brown, green, or milky (BGM) tones. The higher cost of inventory finance fueled retailers’ preference for memos.
De Beers dropped rates for 3-grainer (0.75-carat) and smaller raw by 4% to 6% at its May sight, while 4- to 6-grainers (1 to 1.50 carats) fell by roughly 4%. This helped to rectify a mismatch with polished pricing, but sight holders continued to struggle for profits.