JCK Las Vegas Jewelery Fair finished its work, demonstrating some improvement in sentiment in the US retail market, Rapaport reported. The trade in diamonds was normal, but no special excitement was observed. Buyers showed selectivity and resisted any attempts by sellers to raise prices.
"The sellers who adhered to the established price level did not enjoy much popularity, but if you were willing to compromise, then the buyers showed interest," said one New York diamond dealer who asked to remain anonymous.
The diamond suppliers noted that this time the consumer traffic at the fair was slightly lower than last year, but buyers had a clear idea of what they needed. Elan Nachassi, president of the San Diego-based House of Diamonds, notes that the main activity in the diamond sector at the JCK Fair was rather the activity of dealers than from wholesale or retail orders.
According to Cobi Hodara of Dalumi Diamonds, trading activity at the exhibition was weaker than last year, due to a smaller number of Asian buyers.
The suppliers of diamonds hope that positive changes will appear in the retail sector of the diamond market in the coming months, as many wholesale diamond suppliers have noted positive moods at the fair.
"The results of the fair exceeded our expectations," said Bob Cordova, general manager of the New York jewelry company Cordova. - Retailers are cautious and keep inventory levels at a low level, but we have noticed a positive mood in the retail market. The situation in the US market has improved, although not to the extent that we would like. "