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Losing Sightholders

It may have taken a downturn to prove it, but Diamond Trading Company (DTC) sightholders ‎are sensing that the game has changed. As a result, there was an underlying anger emanating ‎from this week’s DTC sight as prices softened a mere 3 percent and De Beers supply remained ‎unprofitable. ‎

Thomson McKinnon is a bad example

In March 1981, after a long run of inflationary diamond prices, Thomson McKinnon Asset Management Inc. launched the Diamond Investment Trust; one of several trusts it formed to invest in diamonds. In retrospect, diamond prices were past their peak and cooling, eventually leading to the collapse of the trust.  At launch, shares in the Trust traded […]

DTC July Sight Estimate at $420M

De Beers Reduces Prices 3%. The Diamond Trading Company’s (DTC) July sight had an estimated value of $420 million before deferments or ex-plan, as De Beers reduced prices slightly. At press time, DTC sightholders were expected to reject goods to be offered, which would reduce the value of the sight.

« Polished Prices is there to reflect the market, not try and make the market »

We know his scathing columns and his vitriolic analysis of the news and customs of the diamond industry. Charles Wyndham, founder of PolishedPrices, is among those who “knock over the ant-hill”, far from the legendary British stiff upper lip. He granted an interview to www.rubel-menasche.com, and answered questions without beating around the bush…

The World’s Leading Diamond Hub

Competition is rising between the diamond trading centers. Not only are there new kids ‎on the block vying for a greater portion of the global rough and polished trade, but the ‎diamond distribution channel is constantly changing. No longer are New York, Antwerp, ‎Mumbai and Ramat Gan the obvious destinations for the diamond business as […]

No need to be martyrs, stand up for your (price) Rights

Have prices of Fancies truly declined in the past week? Not at all. The prevalent list is out of whack with the industry, and that, ladies and gentlemen, is the sad, brutal truth.  My heart goes out to diamond traders the world over. It’s not only that the global economy is whipping them, De Beers and […]

Chinese Caution

China’s current ‘Year of the Dragon’ appears to have lost some of its fire as investors and ‎analysts view China’s economy with increasing caution. Chinese diamond buyers have ‎picked up on that sentiment and are holding back from making large-inventory purchases ‎as global economic concerns deepen and local consumer confidence fades. ‎

Breaking the Concrete Floor

A month ago, we published a column entitled “Fair Warning” which focused on the problematic economic situation ahead. It mostly examined external economic changes, and their impact on the global diamond and jewelry industry. That column was written a few days after the closing of the JCK Las Vegas show. Following the show, about 80% […]

Supply Versus Profit

The first half of 2012 ended in a state of despair for the diamond industry. Prices have ‎softened and trading is muted all around. De Beers and ALROSA have reduced supplies but ‎maintained high prices, despite that liquidity in the manufacturing sector has tightened.‎

How I’m Not Moderating the Panel of A Lifetime

At first glance, the details were promising. The Asia Diamond Trading & Investment Summit 2012, to be held in Shanghai in October, has all the ingredients for a fascinating conference on a topical issue – diamonds as an investment opportunity.  The themes of the two-day conference include “Understanding the global investment diversification – balancing the risk and reward [sic]” […]