Pricescope charted increases in retail diamond prices in July, though polished diamond prices were down last month according to reports from Rapaport and Idex (read below). Retail diamond price changes are based on Pricescope’s database of over 450,000 diamonds from retail stores.
Certified polished diamond prices fell in July. China’s economic slowdown significantly reduced diamond demand resulting in overstocked retail inventories. India’s jewelry market plummeted due to the weak rupee and government programs intended to curb gold consumption and jewelry demand. Furthermore, diamond manufacturers are facing tight liquidity as banks become increasingly concerned about the high levels of industry debt and high rough diamond prices, which result in negative cash flow. The only bright spot has been the U.S., where demand has been steady but selective.
Prices of polished diamonds decreased in July, according to the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Index. The index averaged 132.4 during the month, down 3.1 percent year-over-year and 1.7 percent compared to the preceding month.
The month of June historically records returns from the JCK Vegas show to major trading centers, and this year polished exports surged 12.6 percent to $2.555 billion, which was a record high.
The dominant characteristic of the global rough diamond market is not economic. Nor is it a trend, a marketing issue, or technological. It is an emotional one. Sightholders, rough diamond dealers and many manufacturers remain in a bad mood.