There are mixed messages in the Global Diamond Market. This comes with the anticipation of the coming holiday season. Experts in the global diamond market are focused on November. This is because of India's Diwali festivities. Also, the United States Black Friday on the 29th of the month as well. All early indications and observations project how the year end quarter will play out in the global diamond market.
Polished demand improved during the month of October. But still had diamond dealers a bit worried as manufacturers had a slow third quarter. That phenomenon has seen trading remain selective and price sensitive despite the pending holidays. Another industry related concern was the 16 day shutdown of the US government which sparked controversy and sent markets into disarray as it drove down consumer confidence and spending plans for the holiday season.
The shutdown was a result of an impasse between congress and the executive branch. This over the "Affordable Cared Act" also dubbed, Obama-care; this impasse, coupled with raising the debt ceiling limit lead to this crisis. Global diamond market experts were quick to note that economic growth gained during the season may be only a small fix in broader issue.
During the latest round of debt crisis discussion, diamond dealers noted a steady demand for major trading hubs throughout the country. Polished goods in the 0.30 carat to the .50 carat categories and G-I, Si clarity goods were most popular while higher quality VS-VVS goods continued to slump with relatively low demand. The RapNet Diamond Index for 1 carat diamonds fell by 1.1 percent during the period of October 1 to October 21. Similarly, diamonds in the .50 carat range rose by a similar margin. Rap also reported a .2 percent decline in 3 carat rounds.
http://www.bain.com/publications/articles/global-diamond-report-2013.aspx
http://www.photius.com/diamonds/the_diamond_industry.html
This is a snapshot of the Rapnet Diamond Index