BWI: Certified Polished Diamond Prices Rise 19% in 2011

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: Rapaport Group
Thursday, January 12, 2012 11:24 AM IST (05:54 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest, Economy; Business: Business services, Commodities & materials, Financial Analyst, Major diversified industrial groups, Mining companies, Retailers, Stock exchanges
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Certified Polished Diamond Prices Rise 19% in 2011
Rapaport Issues 2011 Price Report

New York, United States, Thursday, January 12, 2012 -- (Business Wire India) -- Certified polished diamond prices rose in 2011 spurred by strong buying in the first half of the year. However, global economic uncertainties and tight liquidity in the cutting centers caused prices to soften in the latter half. While confidence has improved since January 1, following a period of relative price stability and a satisfactory U.S. holiday season, concerns remain whether current price levels are sustainable.

For 2011, the RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI) for 1.00 ct. polished diamonds rose 19 percent to 96.96. The 0.30 ct. category fell 1 percent to 16.11, and 0.50 ct. increased 20 percent to 34.39. The RAPI for 2.00 ct. diamonds grew 15 percent to 18.78 and 3.00 ct. rose 18 percent to 35.19.

There was a stark contrast in price developments between the first and second halves of the year, mirroring movements in the financial and commodities markets

See table attached.

According to the just released Rapaport Diamond Price Statistics Annual Report 2011, the price increases between January to June 2011 were influenced by an aggressive overheated rough market driven by over-easy credit in the Indian market, speculative demand and significant restocking by retailers in the Far East and subsequently in the U.S.

The second half of the year was influenced by increasing uncertainty caused by the U.S. and European economic crises, volatile financial, currency and commodity markets, as well as continued political instability in the Mideast. Tight liquidity, particularly in India, impacted trading from July as manufacturers were unable to obtain replacement costs on the high rough prices they had paid earlier in the year. Even as liquidity challenges eased, weak currency markets continued to add to cutting costs. These factors are expected to continue to influence the market in 2012.

"Diamonds did extremely well during the first half of 2011 but declined sharply during the second half. Prices have stabilized over the New Year but uncertainty prevails due to adverse economic conditions. Rough prices are declining as the European crisis significantly reduces liquidity to the trade. Chinese and Far East demand are relatively weak but should do better after the Chinese New Year quiet period. U.S. demand held up well over the holidays and will likely remain stable during 2012." said Martin Rapaport, Chairman of the Rapaport Group.

Additional information about the state of the global diamond market is available in the just-released Rapaport Diamond Price Statistics Annual Report 2011 which can be purchased by contacting: service@diamonds.net. Members of the media may request a complimentary copy by emailing: media@diamonds.net.

About the RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI): The RAPI is based on the best asking price in hundred $/ct. for the top 25 quality 1 ct. round diamonds (D-H, IF-VS2, RapSpec-2 and better) with GIA, HRD or AGS grading reports offered for sale on RapNet - Rapaport Diamond Trading Network. The RAPI is provided for various sizes. www.RAPNET.com has daily listings of over 800,000 diamonds valued over US$5 billion and 6700 members in over 78 countries.

About the Rapaport Group: The Rapaport Group is an international network of companies providing added value services that support the development of free, fair and competitive global diamond markets. Established in 1978, the Rapaport Diamond Report is the primary source of diamond prices and market information. Group activities include publishing, research and marketing services, internet information and diamond trading networks, global rough and polished diamond tenders, diamond certification, quality- control, compliance, shipping, and financial services. Major activities of the group include the development of markets for Fair Trade Diamonds and Jewelry as well as the creation of diamond futures markets. Additional information is available at www.Rapaport.com.

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http://www.BusinessWireIndia.com/attachments/Rapaport Press Release Data.pdf
Rapaport Press Release Data.pdf


CONTACT DETAILS
Alissa Goren, Rapaport Group, +1-718-473-0882, media@diamonds.net
Sherri Hendricks, Rapaport Group, +1-702-893-9400
Mittal Kalsy, Rapaport Group, +91 999769930069

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, ECONOMY, BUSINESS SERVICES, COMMODITIES, Financial Analyst, GROUPS, MINING, RETAIL, STOCK EXCHANGES

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