Diamond prices continued their recovery in September, led by gains in smaller, higher-quality stones as tighter supply amplified improving demand, according to Rapaport.

The Rapaport Trade Diamond Index (RAPI™) for round, D-H, IF-VS2 diamonds rose 3.2% for 0.30-carat stones and 2.5% for 0.50-carat diamonds. The 1-carat index increased 0.3%, marking its second consecutive monthly gain, while the 3-carat index rose 1.5%, driven mainly by gains in the second half of September.

Smaller diamonds have recorded the strongest gains so far this year. The 0.30-carat and 0.50-carat indices were up 15.1% and 5.8%, respectively, year to date. Rapaport also raised prices on September 11 for selected round, 0.30- to 0.69-carat, D-G, VVS1-SI1 diamonds following gains in recent months.

Market sentiment improved during September, with US retailers actively buying round diamonds. Demand for 1- to 2-carat, F-I, VS2-SI2 stones continued to recover, while limited supply in some categories supported prices. Diamonds of 2 carats and above also performed well. Smaller, lower-quality stones remained under pressure from competition from lab-grown diamonds.

Polished manufacturing remained subdued, with trading also affected by the Jewish holidays in the US, Belgium and Israel and religious festivals in India.

The Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong show reflected the mixed market conditions. Demand for diamonds of 2 carats and above was solid, although attendance by Chinese buyers was limited. Smaller, lower-quality diamonds remained difficult to sell, while demand for finished jewellery was strong.

Uncertainty surrounding the diamond mining sector also continued. Anglo American’s process of selling De Beers remained a factor for the market, while the latest De Beers sight pointed to a steady but cautious rough diamond market.

Industry consolidation also continued. Mountain Province agreed to transfer its 49% interest in the Gahcho Kué mine to De Beers, which already owns the remaining 51%, as part of a restructuring that will clear Mountain Province’s outstanding debt to De Beers. Petra Diamonds, meanwhile, is reviewing strategic options that include a possible asset sale.

Rapaport said the recovery in diamond prices continued to be supported by the combination of improving demand and reduced supply, with round diamonds outperforming fancy shapes after production of rounds declined more sharply in earlier months.