De Beers says diamond demand still strong

De Beers has posted a 10% rise in rough diamond sales in the first half of the year due to strong demand and price rises. But the world’s top diamond producer said the economic downturn in the United States could have an impact on its growth in the second half.

De Beers said demand remains “very, very strong” for high-end stones but a difficult retail market in the US is dampening sales of cheaper, mass market items using lower quality gems. The US accounts for around half of all diamond jewellery sales.

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