October diamond prices eased modestly at the premium end, reflected continued selectivity in the mid-range, and showed slight firming across certain lower-grade categories. Lab-grown diamonds remained a factor in volume-driven markets, while natural diamonds demonstrated sustained segmentation by color and clarity.
Premium Grades
Top-end categories experienced a brief pause following September’s price gains. D/FL held steady at $17,607, virtually unchanged from $17,542, while D/IF slipped slightly to $13,117 (from $13,504). E/FL eased to $12,011 (from $12,950), and E/IF declined to $10,580 (from $11,467). F/IF was the outlier, firming to $12,005 from $10,589, regaining earlier ground.
Overall, this segment showed signs of consolidation after sustained strength in recent months. Buyer activity remained focused on color and rarity, but the small pullback in D and E colors suggests a short-term correction rather than structural weakness.
Mid-Range Grades
The mid-tier segment displayed mixed results consistent with value-driven buying trends. F/VVS1 increased modestly to $9,294 (from $9,185), while E/VVS2 eased to $8,421 (from $8,493). G/VVS2 softened to $6,391 (from $6,532), whereas F/VS1 held firm at $7,820 versus $7,830. G/VS2 declined slightly to $5,168 (from $5,371), while H/VS2 remained relatively stable at $3,471 compared with $3,563.
This continued pattern of small adjustments reflects a stable but discerning market. Demand continues to favor high-color mid-range diamonds, while stones below G-color face measured price resistance.
Lower Grades
In the lower segments, early price stabilization persisted with selective upward movement. J/SI1 edged lower to $2,274 from $2,339, while K/SI2 slipped to $2,039 (from $2,074). G/SI2 was steady at $3,158 versus $3,114, and I/SI1 showed moderate improvement to $3,151 from $2,849.
The segment continues to benefit from incremental demand where pricing meets entry-level expectations, though overall sensitivity to clarity remains evident.
Market Implications
October’s results point to a more measured market environment following September’s price gains. Premium categories consolidated after earlier gains, mid-range stones remained steady with color driving differentiation, and lower-grade categories continued to hover near a developing floor. The balance of scarcity and consumer substitution pressures remains the defining feature as the market approaches the end of the year.
Popular Diamond Shapes
