Prices of fancy-color diamonds slid 0.5% in the second quarter, but upward price reversals in several sizes and intensities show initial signs of market stabilization, according to the Fancy Color Research Foundation (FCRF).
Pink prices dipped 0.4% compared with the previous quarter. However, the data points to optimism, with the hue comprising four of the top five climbers, the FCRF said last week. Fancy-vivid-pink diamonds weighing 1 carat increased the most — 1.8% — while 1-carat fancy-intense pinks rose 1.5% and 10-carat fancy-vivid pinks were up 1.2%. Fancy-vivid pinks weighing 5 carats stole the final slot on the climber list, with a 1.1% bump.
The fancy-blue segment slid 0.3%, marking an improvement from the 0.5% drop in the first quarter. The 1.50-carat, fancy-vivid blue category topped the list of climbers with a 1.5% increase. Meanwhile, fancy-blue diamonds weighing 8 carats improved by 0.7%, and 1.50-carat, fancy-blue stones held strong following a 0.3% fall in the first quarter.
Yellow fancy-color prices fell 0.7% and landed four of the “top five sliders” slots. Fancy-intense yellows weighing 3 carats fell 3%; 10-carat fancy yellows slid 2.6%; 2-carat, fancy-intense-yellow diamonds dipped 2.5%; and 1-carat fancy-intense yellows decreased 2.2%
Since the FCRF began collecting data in 2005, yellow-diamond prices have increased 48%, pink diamonds have risen 391%, and blue diamonds have grown 241%.
“With several sizes and intensities showing price reversals and upward movement, especially in the high-saturation segment, the market appears to be setting the groundwork for renewed demand as the second half of the year unfolds,” FCRF said.
Relative to the same period last year, the index decreased 2.4% despite some subgroups experiencing growth. Pink diamonds fell 1.4% year on year, while fancy blues posted a 1.9% decrease, demonstrating relative stability. Yellows slid 5%.
Image: Blue and pink fancy-color diamonds. (Fancy Color Research Foundation)