The R&M “Lettre”

The recent slump in gold prices has not impacted the diamond market. Having enjoyed a stable and positive first quarter, diamond trading was steady this week while gold markets were in panic.

The reoccurring debates of the past few years over the evolution of the Kimberley Process (KP) have tended to revolve around a limited number of points, and have somehow always resulted in stagnation.

Investors interested in the diamond junior sector should set out with an awareness of three key facts: the process of taking a mine from exploration to production is long, expensive and has an extremely low success rate.

It is simple for John Q. Citizen of New York City to place money in an offshore account. Just how easy is it for him – and you – to open such an account?

Rising demand and prices characterize the global rough diamond sector today. Demand for rough diamonds is driven by a steady demand for polished and some speculation, leading to premiums of 5-10 percent.

The De Beers April sight ended last week with an estimated value of $650 million after the company raised prices by an average 3 percent.

Polished diamond prices edged higher in March, according to the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index.

Governments don’t like it when people and companies don’t pay their taxes. The main problem with this money, at least from the perspective of the tax evader, is that it needs to be hidden from authorities.

ALROSA is seriously mulling over the resumption of its business in Africa, which was virtually frozen in 2009.

After a long period of stunted trading in the polished wholesale sector and low prices, a turnaround was witnessed in March. The much-anticipated Hong Kong International Jewellery Show exceeded expectations, jumpstarting business in the global diamond trading centers.

Anglo American, which completed the consolidation of its 85-percent stake in De Beers last year, has gained control over the world’s largest diamond mining company possessing unique assets, a distribution network and brands, one of which, “A diamond is forever,” is recognized as the most effective slogan of the 20th century.

Let’s start with the bottom line – U.S. retailers need to pay more for the jewelry they are selling, and don’t get that much more when selling it.