The R&M “Lettre”

On the face of it, Panama certainly seems like a logical place for a new diamond exchange. From the southern tip of Argentina, relatively close to the South Pole, all the way to Mexico and including the Caribbean, there is not a single diamond bourse.

London – A new report states that the per-ounce price of gold might have already hit its high for the year and could briefly sink as low as $1,100 in the coming months.

At the recent American Gem Society Conclave, speaker Peter Sheahan gave an excellent presentation about how all industries are dealing with rapid change. “Don’t build your future on the beliefs of the past,” he exhorted.

If it is true that diamonds find their raison d’être in emotions, rather than necessity, then one can see why good marketing is twice as important as in other goods.

You may remember Supplier of Choice. It was the De Beers policy designed to set the industry up for the post-cartel world. It billed itself as transparent, open, and objective.

On May 13, Sotheby’s Geneva will auction the 100.9 ct. Graff Vivid Yellow, considered among the largest fancy vivid yellow diamonds in the world. 

It is not unusual for international geo-political events to have an influence on the diamond industry.

Promoters of synthetic diamonds often argue that if all diamonds are grown in a lab, that would eliminate blood diamonds.

Millionaire men more likely to buy jewelry and women cars; millennials most likely to buy jewelry.

Contrary to what many websites and articles are saying about secure long-term investments in diamonds, non-professionals should use caution in this segment of the investment market.

Merrick, NY—Two recent surveys show that jewelry and watches are favorite acquisitions for ultra-affluent consumers worldwide, and that the United States is the market most luxury brands believe has the most growth potential.

This week brought news of a class-action lawsuit that charges the five banks overseeing the daily gold price fix with manipulating the market.