Rapaport puts up List prices

Special Notice - May 23, 2008: The significantly higher prices in this week’s Rapaport Price List do not reflect any sudden change in diamond prices but rather adjustments made to reflect the level of premiums in the trading markets. The trade is cautioned that current high price levels for top quality diamonds reflect volatile external economic forces and may not be sustainable. There is also significant risk that prices for commercial quality diamonds may decline due to unfavorable conditions in the U.S. and other consumer markets. At their current high levels diamond prices are subject to significantly greater volatility and downside risk exposure.

Martin Rapaport
Chairman: Rapaport Group

There have been rises on the Rap sheet from 2-3% to 25% for the top end colour and clarity, especially in 4,5 and 10ct.
 
Now what that means and how it plays out, just before Vegas, is anyones guess.
How it will affect prices here from Pricescope vendors????????

Any good staticiians want to monitor events? 

Wink Jones
GG
Winfield's/High Performance Diamonds

........... Karl has joined the diamond trade and is now posting as Karl_K

........... Karl has joined the diamond trade and is now posting as Karl_K

http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullMarketReport.asp?SID=

U.S.

Although there are mixed expectations for the Vegas show, preparations are still well underway. Traders say they are not sure what to expect, but high-priced, top-quality goods are in general enjoying strong demand.

This trend is also filtering through to a rise in demand for SI clarities as well. One carat stones are selling well in all shapes and sizes. Pique goods continue to be sluggish, however they have been picking up slightly. Color goods are in healthy demand and high-quality fancy colors have become much more prominent.

Rounds

 0.005-0.15 cts, D-J / SI+, strong demand

 1/5, white / SI+, moving well

 1⁄4-1/2, D-H / VS+, moving

 3/4, D-H / VS+, strong demand

 1.00+ cts, across the board, selling well, with especially strong demand noted for H+ / VS+

 2.00-3.00 cts, across the board, certified, moving well

 3.00+ cts, across the board, certified, strong demand

.....................
Antwerp
1-10 (mainly 2.50+) cts, D-M / SI1+, good makes, heavy demand against short supply, high asking prices

..............
 Ramat Gan

1-10 (mainly 2.50+) cts, D-M / SI1+, good makes, heavy demand against short supply, high asking prices
..........
Mumbai
4.00+ cts, D-M / VS+, in demand, though below the normally very strong demand for these articles

 ...........
Far East
1-10 cts, D to cape / SI+, strong demand, high asking prices with rising pressure from buyers

That shows where the danger zones are.
The big question becomes when/if the large sizes fall will it take everything else with them.

........... Karl has joined the diamond trade and is now posting as Karl_K

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>Y<

Yoram F.

Antique Diamond Gem
http://www.diagem.net/

"When it doesn't exist, design it..." Sir Henry Royce