Certified polished diamond prices remained relatively steady throughout May, with the RapNet Diamond Index for 1 ct. diamonds falling 0.6 percent.
 
RAPI for 0.3 ct. diamonds fell 0.3 percent and 0.5 ct. stones declined 0.4 percent. Three ct. diamonds dropped 1.6 percent throughout the month of May.
 
The recent Las Vegas jewelry shows revealed a strong demand from high-end retailers and more conservative buying from Middle America. Consumer demand from India and the Far East continues to decline.
 
Trading is expected to remain challenging throughout the second half of 2012 due to shortages of well-made goods and cautious buying as a result of the uncertain economic environment.

JCK