GIA Diamonds

Following the diamond trade show, diamond trading on secondary wholesale market slightly slowed as dealers noted that demand for clean diamonds while decreased while demand for low end goods increased. Many dealers noted that they purchased lower quality goods because there is no need for certification while better quality diamonds require GIA certificates and therefore require more time for turnaround.

“Our geologists will review all the available data and, given the right results, we will agree an earn-in arrangement on specific ground. This agreement gives exclusivity to Botswana Diamonds and is in addition to the joint venture to the north/north-east of Orapa, which has applied for 12 exploration licences.” Botswana Diamonds previously discovered diamonds in the AK10 kimberlite in the same license area in 2004. ALROSA's geologists are expected to join the quantity in the coming weeks in order to carry out additional soil sampling's and to locate exact drilling locations. Drilling for diamonds is expected to begin before the end of the first quarter.

The RapNet index also increased for .30 carat as well as .50 carat diamonds. In the United States most of the diamonds sold are commercial quality goods with strong demand for certified industrial quality in the range of SI 3 to I2 clarity's. Consumers have been gravitating towards lower price points due to budget constraints and these goods have been in demand.

The purpose and hope is that the marketing campaign launched by ALROSA and its subsidiaries will introduce a new brand of diamonds with an emphasis on fine makes (triple excellent cuts), brilliant material, and unique colors. Another appealing factor is that the Russians diamond industry is conflict free as well as ecologically friendly as it is regulated by the government of Russia. All these reasons lend significant credibility to their campaign.

Diamonds are some of the most rare and valuable materials on earth. That is why accurate and precise grading are paramount in being able to determine value.

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 .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.

In fact, many Indian manufacturers specialize in cutting triple EX GIA-certified round diamonds to cater to the Chinese market, and others produce melees for sale to the jewelry manufacturers in China. Also, many Indian diamond merchants, especially those who live in Shanghai and work in SDE (Shanghai Diamond Exchange) can speak some Chinese and use local communication tools such as QQ and WeChat.

One thing jewelers are in the lookout for is the emerging trend of fancy shapes. There is a surge in demand for fancy shapes such as ovals, pears, princesses, and cushions.

Clarity refers to the presence or absence of tiny imperfections (inclusions) within the stone, and/or on the surface of the stone (blemishes). As a consumer, it is important to learn and understand the clarity designations found within the "Four C's" diamond grading system.