Diamond Exchanges are found in five major cities worldwide: Antwerp, London, New York, Tel Aviv, and Bombay. Access to the Exchange is impossible for individuals. Only diamond professionals have the right to enter, and they must be full-fledged members. These professionals can join the federation only on the recommendation of the three entities that are already members. And the membership conditions are very stringent. Antwerp is the most important global diamond capital when it comes to diamonds because almost the entire world market for cut diamonds passes through this city on a daily basis. The exchanges are trading places where you can find brokers, manufacturers, and diamond dealers. In the city of Antwerp, the diamond district is divided into four exchanges, each with its own specialization. The Beurs voor Diamanthadel focuses on the trade of cut diamonds. The Dimant club van Atwerpen deals with both rough and cut diamonds. The Vrije Diamanthandel also deals in both rough and cut diamonds, while the Antwerspe Diamantkring focuses solely on the trade of rough diamonds. This district is closely monitored by a private local police force. The role of the World Federation is to safeguard the interests of its members and affiliated diamond exchanges. It settles conflicts amicably that may arise between these members. It is also dedicated to the global marketing of diamonds and tries to persuade other exchanges to have at least one of their structures.
The diamond and the market:
The diamond market is controlled, highly complex, and colorless. All of this ensures its perpetual growth in value. It is regulated by the “Rapaport Diamond Report,” which releases a monthly price list for all cut diamonds ranging from 0.01 to 5.99 carats in round brilliant shapes and various cuts. This list displays prices in US dollars based on carat, color, clarity, weight, and shape of the diamond. According to diamond industry guidelines, a completely colorless 1.00-carat diamond will cost 15-30% more than a diamond of the same quality but with a weight less than 0.99 carats. For colored diamonds, there is no standardized pricing on international markets. Prices vary depending on each seller, and the market is composed of specialized experts. The most expensive and rare of naturally colored diamonds is pure red, which can sometimes transform when there is a presence of purple or brown. For those who want to express their feelings, there’s nothing better than a colored diamond. These colored diamonds are also durable elements that do not lose their shine over time, and those who appreciate vibrant gemstone colors will be delighted. It’s also a long-term investment. Intensely colored diamonds can achieve record prices compared to colorless or white diamonds, which must conform to market reality. Diamonds with well-defined colors like yellow, black, white, blue, purple, red, brown, pink, and green fall into the category of extremely rare.
Moderately rare colors include black, yellow, and brown. Red or purplish-red diamonds are among the rarest of all. Next in rarity are orange, pink, purple, green, blue, followed by gray, white, and black. Diamonds with intense or vivid yellow color without any nuances are called “canary diamonds” in the trade. It’s important to note that diamond prices depend not only on the color and rarity of the diamond but also on supply and demand. So, the higher the demand, the higher the prices will rise. Independent gemmology laboratories have established rules and standards used internationally to determine a diamond’s color.
The diamond market:
2012 could be a transition year for the diamond market. As the majority of the market is focused on Western countries, the economic crisis has seriously disrupted sales. So far, the United States alone accounted for 50% of the global market, but by 2015, it will represent only 35%. In Europe, the situation is similar, with a drop from 30% to 15%. However, in Asia, there is significant growth, and Indian traders aim to bring China and India closer together. Indians cut up to 90% of the world’s diamonds, and Chinese demand is increasing rapidly by 20% per year. In a few years, this demand should account for over 50% of the global market. In Western countries, some high-end stores manage to make sales by offering very rare yellow diamonds for 8 million euros, setting a record for a colored diamond. Some houses have also sold 24.78-carat pink diamonds for 46 million dollars, including accompanying jewelry. Out of the 12 diamonds that circulate in the world, eleven are cut and polished in India. Therefore, Bombay ranks third behind Antwerp and New York, ahead of Hong Kong and Tel Aviv. However, it’s important to note that the diamond trade and mining are dominated by De Beers, which is controlled by the Oppenheimer family with its headquarters in Antwerp. De Beers is still at the forefront of global production in Australia, equatorial Africa, and South Africa. To source raw materials, one must enter one of their subsidiaries, such as the DTC or Diamond Trading Company, a company that already comprises 43 Indian firms. With all these developments, it’s wise to trust Bruxelles Achat d’Or which offers competitive prices for the purchase or sale of any presented diamonds. This company will not disappoint you.