(Rapaport) - Rough diamond trading was surprisingly buoyant in April given that polished demand is restrained and inventory levels continue to rise. After a good first quarter, in which rough and polished trading was driven by restocking of the midstream, concern deepened this month that an oversupply of polished diamonds will pressure the market.To avoid a repeat this year would require manufacturers to adopt a cautious approach in their polished inventory management and rough purchases. De Beers too has adopted a “prudent mindset,” according to chief executive officer Philippe Mellier as he acknowledged “we are now moving into a part of the year where rough diamond demand has historically been lower.” Manufacturers ought to assess how they can sustain the positive experience of the first quarter through the slower season and beyond. It would certainly be a shame if the longer term momentum were broken by a build-up of excess inventory yet again.
News
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Today
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Richemont, Signet in talks to join De Beers consortium – report
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16 october 2026
