The Diamond Trading Company on Tuesday shared a summary of its rough diamond price adjustments so far in 2008, up to and including the forthcoming August sight.

The average cumulative increase in DTC rough diamond prices since the beginning of 2008 has been 16 percent, the DTC said in a statement, adding that some boxes have been affected more than others. The strongest increases this year have been predominantly in rough that produces highly sought after SI+ and +1ct polished.

“The DTC takes a long term, sustainable view on its pricing and decisions are influenced first and foremost by demand for polished”, said Mahiar Borhanjoo, executive director of Sales and Client Services, DTC. “So far during 2008 DTC has seen strong and continuing consumer demand for most categories of polished diamonds, especially in the larger goods.”

DTC is now provides this information at three points during the year—ahead of annual results, and in advance of the two major trade shows in Las Vegas and Hong Kong.

JCK