NEWS
Hot Off The Diamond Press
Polished diamond prices declined further in March, according to Rapaport’s RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI), even as demand remained firm and supply tight for goods above 2 carats. The 1-carat RAPI fell 1.7% in the month and was down 4.2% for the first quarter.
The number of jewelers operating in the US fell 2.4% year on year to 21,949 in the first quarter, according to the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT). Of those, 16,667 were retailers, 3,216 wholesalers and 2,066 manufacturers. During the period, 133 businesses closed, alongside 20 consolidations and 6 bankruptcies, while 87 new businesses were established.
LVMH reported watches and jewelry sales fell 2% year on year to EUR 2.44 billion ($2.88 billion) in the first quarter, though the division grew 7% organically at constant exchange rates. The group said Tiffany & Co. delivered an excellent performance, with its Hardwear collection posting very strong growth, while Bulgari also achieved solid gains.
The Natural Diamond Council said the inaugural World Diamond Day on April 8 mobilized participants across more than 50 countries, generating a surge in global searches and social engagement around natural diamonds. The campaign reached over 30 million users on social media and drove a roughly 30% increase in search demand, highlighting growing consumer interest fueled by storytelling across the value chain.
De Beers Group is expanding its Desert Diamonds campaign into the bridal category, introducing a lighter, warm-toned palette aimed at engagement and wedding jewelry. The campaign, launching April 13 in the U.S., builds on earlier momentum and is supported by a broad industry collaboration and integrated marketing push to drive demand for natural diamonds, the company said.
Titan Company reported sales in its core India market rose 42% year on year in the fiscal fourth quarter, with jewelry revenue up 46% driven by strong performance at Tanishq and Mia. Growth reflected higher ticket sizes and increased buyer volumes, alongside solid demand for studded jewelry and gold. International sales surged 156%.
Hong Kong’s sales of jewelry, watches, clocks and valuable gifts rose 28% year on year in January and February, data from the Census and Statistics Department showed. Total retail sales increased 12% over the period, with growth of 19% in February and 6% in January.
The Diamond Club West Coast elected its new board, with Kalpesh Jhaveri continuing as president and Vipul Udani and Lisa Kim Wiener serving as co-vice presidents. The group said the board includes five young diamantaires and four women.
Sales by US jewelry independents rose 5% year on year in March, according to Tenoris, as a 16.5% increase in average retail prices offset a 9.9% decline in units sold. Diamond sales slipped 0.2%. The Edge Retail Academy noted similar trends.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) appointed John Cowley as chief financial officer, replacing David Tearle, who will remain in an advisory role through June. Cowley previously served as CFO of software services company Solvd, capping a 25-year career spanning software, medical technology, the nonprofit sector and public service.
Belgium’s polished imports rose 14% year on year to $843.2 million in March, driven by a 70% jump in shipments from the UAE and a 112% surge from Switzerland, the AWDC reported. Polished exports fell 13% to $356.9 million, while rough imports climbed 76% to $312.1 million and exports rose 18% to $267.7 million.
CaratLane, a Titan Company brand, opened its second US store in Frisco, Texas, expanding its North American footprint following its New Jersey debut. The 1,200 square foot boutique targets the growing Indian diaspora in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and offers more than 2,000 designs, reinforcing the brand’s push to make fine jewelry more accessible globally.
Mountain Province reported sales fell 42% to $155.7 million in 2025, reflecting weak market conditions and lower-grade ore from the Gahcho Kué mine, its joint venture with De Beers in which it holds a 51% stake. The company recorded a net loss of $279.5 million, including a $154.1 million loss from mining operations and a $103.1 million impairment on property, plant and equipment.
News Archive



