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The price of polished diamond continued to increase in December, boosted by last-minute Christmas holiday orders.
The latest Rapnet Diamond Index (RAPI) from Rapaport found the price of 1-carat, GIA-graded diamonds increased 1.5% during the month.
RAPI for 0.30-carat diamonds and 0.50-carat diamonds increased by 4.7% and 3% respectively, while 3-carat diamonds were the only stone to record a loss as prices fell 0.1%.
The picture was less positive for the full year as RAPI for 1-carat diamonds declined 5.8%. RAPI for 0.30-carat diamonds dropped 13.4%, 0.50-carat diamonds slumped 14.5% and 3-carat diamonds fell 14.5% in price throughout 2015.
The Rapaport monthly report noted that there was a shortage of select diamonds as suppliers gradually sold off better-quality inventory and manufacturers limited polished production due to high rough prices.
It added that shortages in polished diamonds supported prices in the month, but said dealers are “uncertain” whether the polished market will continue to be supported by supply shortages or if trading will become demand-driven as retailers refill inventory sold during the holiday season.
