As a result of the second quarter of 2014, the index of prices for small diamonds (Rapaport Melee Index, RMI) increased by 1% to 138.78 points, according to a press release Rapaport. At the same time, the current value of the index is 3.4% higher than the corresponding figure in June 2013 (134.24 points).
After a good start to the year and a surge in the 1st quarter, when jewelers were replenishing stocks after the Christmas and New Year seasons, in the second quarter, diamond trade slowed. Purchases of diamonds were carried out mainly to fulfill existing orders. However, despite the lull, the mood in the market in June remained quite positive.
It is expected that the third quarter will be a difficult period for participants of diamond trade, as it was in the last few years. At best, diamond prices will be stable, which will reduce the profit margins of diamantaires and may lead to a drop in demand for rough diamonds.
"In the second quarter, prices stabilized after the intensification of trade in the first quarter. Prices for some categories of diamonds fell due to slowing of trade, but small diamonds were sold very well and even reached record high prices in June, when companies were looking for stones to fulfill orders. Trading activity in the summer will decline, and by the end of the third quarter, demand and liquidity are expected to grow, "said Ezi Rapaport, Director of International Trading Operations at Rapaport Group.