Market
Autumn trade show season is setting the tone for Q4 buying
The run of trade shows through September and October is where wholesale price direction for the rest of the year usually gets set, and early reports point to firmer natural prices.
Imperial Star Gems trade desk1 min read
The trade show calendar running through September and October is where wholesale sentiment for the rest of the year usually firms up, and this year's early reports lean firmer.
- Buyers returning from the first shows of the season report natural asking prices holding, with sellers less willing to negotiate on certified stones under 2 ct than they were in the spring.
- Lab-grown suppliers at the same shows were still discounting to move volume, continuing the pattern seen through the year.
- Order books written at these shows typically set supply for delivery through December, so tightness here tends to show up as longer lead times rather than higher list prices at first.
None of this is final until contracts are signed later in the season, but it lines up with the natural price turn at smaller sizes we flagged last month. If a specification is time-sensitive for the holidays, get in touch now rather than after the shows close.
Market commentary drawn from publicly available market data and trade reporting, not investment advice. Prices move; figures are indicative and correct as of the date above.