In its latest analysis of polished diamond prices published on IDEX Online, the IDEX polished diamond price index shows that prices remained flat in June 2017, “following a similar reading in May”.
Since the middle of last year, polished diamond prices have shown a decline, with the index being “at its lowest point for four years”. Since January 2013 to date, there has been a 10.1% decline. Over May, global polished diamond prices in June saw an increase of 0.05%. Compared to June 2016, the average price has shown a 4.9% decrease.
By size, when comparing prices during June 2017 to May 2017, there were three rising categories, two decliners and one category holding still. Over the long term, 4-carat stones have shown the most price volatility, while “3-carat diamonds have displayed the steepest year-over-year decline since mid-2015”. In addition, from December 2015, “there has been relative price stability in 1-carat, 1.5-carat and 2-carat stones”.
As for the near future, IDEX Online sees a “slowing down” – a traditional trend in the “quieter summer months”. According to major diamond trading centers, activity is stable. Reports from the JCK Show in Las Vegas, as well as June Hong Kong Gems and Jewellery Fair, indicate that “foot traffic was lower than in previous years, but that the buyers who did attend were more serious”.
Additionally, “despite industry players’ comments that rough diamonds are priced much too highly and which are not enabling them to make a profit”, De Beers still sold $530 million of rough goods in June – 7% below the $564 million De Beers sold at last year’s fifth sight. According to the report, De Beers raised prices “slightly” in some categories.
