Company offers custom cut Designs

ZY Bernstein LTD and RGS diamond manufacturers have merged together to provide a new concept of custom cut diamonds. Their aim is to bring a whole new idea of being able to create new diamond shapes, cuts and designs that might appeal to certain individuals or Jewellery designers. Launching under the name of Diamond Dimensions Ltd, they have already created two new cuts; the cross and Lotus cut, with each one having several different versions. The cross cut has 5, that is also available in black diamonds. The lotus, inspired by the lotus flower, comes in two different shapes; one with three leaves or you can opt for four.
Sounds like a great idea and something that looks set to be a very exciting move in the diamond and Jewellery world.


De Beers in Decline.

De Beers have recently seen a huge loss on their sales with profits dropping a total of 99 percent. Their earnings for the first half of 2009 was reported to be $3 million, resulting in a loss of $164 million dollars. Compared to their profit margins, that was a staggering $350 million only just a year ago De Beers are finding it hard to compete with the inevitable struggles caused by the global economic crisis.
However, De Beers are still running and pumping money into marketing campaigns in the hope that things will soon pick up again. Their leading campaign “Forevermark” is very popular in the east of the world, as countries such as China and Japan have 245 retail stores that have this new collection available. Moreover, De Beers have spoken about plans to make this big in the US just in time for the Christmas season.

Diamond Sales around the world

Its nice to take a look at the industry around the world now and again to see what might be happening in different countries. As its wedding season, things in the US seem to be doing well with engagement and wedding rings. Retailers are starting to shrink their discounts as recently there has been a constant demand for diamonds that are up to 2.00CT in size.
In Belgium, Israel and India, the market has slowed down a little but seems constant. Due to public holidays in Belgium, things are undeniably slower, but rounds seem to be in popular demand with Princess cuts following closely behind. The market here looks set to pick up after the holidays have ended.
Israel’s three week break starts in August which will make a huge impact on their market. Orders for diamonds for Christmas are not coming through, which is a major concern.

India have also been experiencing a much slower activity. However, the 6th August brings the India International Jewellery show, which hopes to change things. Moreover, since De Beers increased their prices this has affected India’s rough market.
China are gearing up towards India’s Jewellery show as many buyers are planning to attend the event, which could potentially speed things up as trading has been slow. With what has been selling, rounds seem to be doing very well with carat sizes 0.30ct to 1.10ct being particularly popular.