Retail diamond prices for 0- to 0.5-carat, 1.0- to 2.0-carat, and 3.0- to 4.0-carat diamonds rose by 1%, while prices for 4.0- to 99-carat diamonds rose by 2%, according to Pricescope data. Prices for other listed carat weights remained unchanged in March. Retail diamond price changes are based on Pricescope’s database of over 450,000 diamonds from retail stores.
Diamond markets were positive in March after the Hong Kong show demonstrated steady Chinese demand for commercial-quality diamonds. The recent Basel shows signaled robust demand for top-quality large diamonds, fancy colored diamonds and fine-cut fancy shape diamonds.
The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Index slipped back in March to 132.9 from the February figure of 134.2. In round items, only 0.5-carat diamonds and 1.0-carat goods rose in price.
India’s ecommerce grew 33 percent year on year to $10.46 billion (INR 62,967 crore) in 2013, according to the Internet And Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
As the week-long Baselworld show heads into its final days, diamond exhibitors are already taking stock of the event and the conclusion seems to be that business at the show could have been much better.