Big Volumes, Soft Prices — And a Bold New Jewelry Forum

Avi Krawitz
May 13
2 min read

I’m thrilled to announce a new collaboration with Hill & Co. We’re launching The Business of Jewelry Roundtable, an exclusive, bi-monthly virtual forum for influential leaders dedicated to shaping the future of our industry.

Our inaugural session takes place on May 28.

Topic: Beyond the Echo Chamber: Reinventing the Diamond & Jewelry Industry with Fresh Perspectives

As a subscriber to the Pressing Matters Executive Memo, you’re invited to join this off-the-record, invite-only conversation.

Click here to learn more.

Now, to the Pressing Matters on hand:

>>> Rough

Transatlantic Gem Sales (TAGS) painted a sobering picture of April’s rough market. The auction house flagged high volumes in Q1: De Beers sold $520M, Alrosa $300M, and Angola between $200M–$300M. That influx has dampened market confidence and softened prices, especially for goods under 6-grainers (rough ~1.50 carats). As those goods emerge from cutting centers, the trade is bracing for a potential uptick in polished inventory. Will that put further pressure on polished prices? Read the TAGS report here.

>>> Polished

Despite a surge in exports ahead of new US tariffs, polished demand slowed in April.
India’s polished exports fell 4% year-on-year to $1.11 billion.
Belgium’s exports also dropped 4%, totaling $543.3 million.
Notably, Belgian shipments to the US plummeted 33%.

(Sources: India’s GJEPC and Belgium’s AWDC)

>>> Retail / Macro

In a surprise move, the US and China agreed to temporarily roll back tariffs on each other’s goods for 90 days.