Diamond Market: January 2026

Welcome to our monthly column dedicated to the diamond market. Each month, we analyze the main global trends, the most significant events, and the dynamics shaping demand, prices, and commercial strategies. Drawing on authoritative sources such as Rapaport News, IDEX, and other specialized channels, we provide you with an up-to-date, accurate, and reliable overview.

General Trend

January 2026 opened with a diamond market still finding its footing after a challenging 2025. The price reductions seen in the final months of last year—particularly for smaller stones—have begun to slow, giving the industry a period of greater stability after a turbulent stretch.

• United States: Despite the usual post-holiday slowdown, demand remained present, though highly selective. Buyers continue to favor round diamonds and elongated shapes in medium to larger sizes, starting from 1.50 carats.
• Europe: Interest in large stones (over 5 carats) has remained steady, confirming that affluent clients continue to invest in high-quality gems with strong visual impact.
• India: The situation is more complex. The market has faced two major headwinds: on the one hand, rising gold prices, which have dampened domestic jewelry purchases; on the other, export challenges to the United States, creating uncertainty among industry operators.
• China: Demand for natural diamonds remains weak, as consumers continue to gravitate toward gold and colored gemstones.

In this context, the February 2 announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a trade agreement with India was seen as an encouraging signal. The new agreement provides for a significant reduction in tariffs, with the real possibility of completely eliminating duties on diamonds. The news helped improve overall sentiment, restoring a greater degree of confidence among market participants.

Overall, January confirms a clear market divide. Smaller stones continue to face pressure, while higher-quality diamonds are showing greater resilience. In a scenario where global demand is structurally more subdued—due to the rise of lab-grown diamonds, the slowdown of the Chinese economy, and social changes such as declining marriage rates—factors such as quality, origin, and authenticity remain central to gemstone valuation.

Price Trends

Throughout January, the decline in prices began to slow, marking a pause after the sharp drops recorded in the final months of 2025. Although the market remains on a downward trajectory, it has shown signs of greater stability compared to the recent past.

Prices for small to mid-sized round diamonds continued to edge lower, but at a more moderate pace than in previous months. Stones around the half-carat mark also posted modest declines, while larger diamonds—after a period of relative resilience—have begun to show some signs of softening.

Diamonds with lower clarity grades (SI) showed even weaker performance, largely due to growing competition from lab-grown stones. Over the course of 2025, one-carat round diamonds (D–H, SI) lost 24.1% of their value, with steeper declines in the second half of the year.

A similar trend can be seen among fancy-shaped diamonds. In this segment, price declines were more pronounced in mid-sized stones, while larger gems proved more resilient. Small-carat diamonds continue to show limited appeal in today’s market.

Overall, January paints the picture of a market that is slowing its decline but has not yet entered a genuine recovery phase. The trade agreement between the United States and India represents an initial positive signal, but it will take time before demand strengthens in a meaningful way. In the short term, market balance will depend on the industry’s ability to adapt to a new environment—one that is more selective and increasingly focused on the true value of gemstones.

Reflections from the World of Diamonds

Golden Globes 2026: The Return of Men’s Brooches on the Red Carpet

On January 11, 2026, the Golden Globe Awards showcased exceptional high jewelry from leading international maisons. Cartier, Bulgari, Boucheron, and Tiffany & Co. adorned the stars on a night that was elegant yet marked by surprisingly understated choices compared to previous years.

The true style revelation of the evening came from the men. Actors such as Colman Domingo, Dwayne Johnson, and Paul W. Downs wore refined brooches on their tuxedos, bringing this classic accessory back into the spotlight after decades of obscurity. Boucheron, in particular, stood out for giving men’s brooches the prominence they deserve, demonstrating how high-quality men’s jewelry is reclaiming an important place in contemporary fine jewelry.

This comeback marks an interesting shift in direction. Once a symbol of distinction in formal menswear, brooches had almost disappeared from the gala circuit. Their reappearance at the Golden Globes seals a renewed interest in accessories that convey refinement and attention to detail—qualities that are especially valued by the most discerning clientele.

The Triumph of the Marquise Cut: When Aristocratic Elegance Meets the Stars

January 2026 definitively confirmed what had already been an emerging trend: the marquise-cut diamond is back in the spotlight. Sales of marquise diamonds surged by 94% compared to the previous year—an extraordinary result that places this cut among the most sought-after of the moment.

Originally created in France in the 1740s at the request of King Louis XV, the marquise cut has long been associated with aristocratic elegance. After a period of relative obscurity, this shape has made a powerful comeback, fueled in part by the media attention surrounding Selena Gomez’s engagement to Benny Blanco.

From a market perspective, marquise-cut diamonds are currently commanding the highest per-carat prices among all fancy shapes. This success stems from a combination of factors: strong demand for their distinctive silhouette, relatively limited supply due to the complexity of the cut, and excellent performance in the over–2-carat category.

For the most discerning clients, the marquise cut represents a truly sophisticated choice. Its elongated shape enhances the hand, creating a more slender and graceful appearance, while the brilliance of its many facets delivers an intense and distinctive sparkle. It is a gemstone that requires expert selection, but in return offers uniqueness and character—qualities increasingly sought after by those who wish to stand out with elegance and authenticity.

Conclusions

January 2026 closes with encouraging signs: the slowdown in price declines, the resilience of higher-quality diamonds, and the U.S.–India trade agreement have injected renewed confidence into a market that showed significant uncertainty at the end of 2025.

The emerging trends confirm that the market rewards authenticity, quality, and uniqueness. The return of men’s brooches and the success of the marquise cut are not passing fads, but clear indicators of an increasingly sophisticated audience in search of distinctive, one-of-a-kind pieces.

In a market where exceptional stones retain their value while more ordinary ones lose ground, professional valuation is essential to understand the true positioning of one’s assets.

Auctentic provides gemological evaluations conducted in accordance with the highest international standards. Whether it is an important solitaire, a family heirloom, or a fine timepiece, our experts are available for personalized consultations. Contact our gemologists today to discover the true value of your gems and turn knowledge into informed opportunity.

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