Diamond Market Update: Jewelry Sales Improve, While the Trade Builds Connections

September 22, 2026

Macy’s reported second-quarter sales of $4.87 billion, up 1.1% from the same period last year, with fine jewelry among the stronger categories. That is modest overall growth, rather than a dramatic retail surge. It is also a jewelry-retail signal, not a measurement of loose-diamond prices. Read the September 14 report.

On the practical side of the trade, the Plumb Club and Jewelers Vigilance Committee have announced a partnership covering education, ethical business practices and compliance. Reported September 15, the arrangement is intended to give jewelry businesses more support in handling business and regulatory questions. For a customer, the relevant issue is how clearly a seller describes the merchandise and documents the transaction. The partnership is an industry initiative; its announcement does not itself introduce a new grading standard or consumer-protection law. Read about the partnership.

A separate agreement shows how dealers are extending their trading networks. The Qatar Diamond Exchange and Italy’s diamond bourse—a membership exchange for the trade—have agreed to promote member connections and participation in events, tenders, auctions and viewings. Reported September 17, it is Qatar’s first such bourse relationship in Europe. Our trade takeaway is that access to merchandise depends partly on professional relationships and organized trading channels. An agreement can expand those opportunities; completed sales will determine its commercial results. Read the announcement coverage.

For assistance sourcing or selling an individual diamond, visit the Pryce House Diamond Desk.