Belgian-based diamond companies demonstrated the strongest demand during Diamdel's latest rough diamond auction cycle, held from May 16-June 9, reports Diamdel's Director of Sales and Marketing Jonathan Whitney.



Aside from the record demand by Belgian businesses, De Beers' rough diamond auction arm continued to see strong demand across all markets. Diamdel CEO Neil Ventura noted that demand was concentrated in Large, +2ct, Grainers, and Smalls and rose above the level of demand in the previous auction cycle.



"Only demand for Near Gem products has shown some deterioration in recent weeks, although we see this as a temporary decline," Ventura observed.

A total of 157 different businesses based in Belgium, Israel, India and Asia Pacific bid at the auctions, with 71 different companies winning lots. In total, 251 lots were sold.

No single buyer won more than 31 lots (12%) from the 256 made available. By value, 54% of lots were sold to non-Sightholders, with Sightholders winning 46%.