BHP – DIAMONDS – NEW RULES
In a presentation to buyers in Antwerp, BHP Billiton introduced its new rough diamond selling mechanisms, to be fully implemented in February 2009. The miner intends to relinquish the current system where it sets the price of goods in advance, for a bidders set price instead, Idexonline reports.
BHP is proposing three channels: a Spot Market, a Term Market and an auction of bigger goods (+7 carats), with some of these sales made via an online tool.

TIFFANY - BOUTIQUE - SEOUL 
Tiffany & Co. has announced the opening of a boutique in Seoul's Shinsegae Gangnam Department Store, located in Seocho-gu.
The boutique combines architectural details of Tiffany's famous New York flagship store, including Makore wood and stainless steel framed showcases and vitrines. Collections include the jeweler's celebrated diamonds in platinum and eighteen-karat gold settings; exclusive designer collections of Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso; fine and engagement jewelry; watches; and a selection of accessories and gifts, Israelidiamond.Co.Il reports.

U.S. - ROUGH - HIGH END
While the U.S. has decreased the total value of rough diamonds it has been importing, and its average value, net imports shifted sharply to high value goods in March. The U.S. imported a gross of 126,383 carats worth $62.58 million, an average value of $495.19 per carat.
But most of these goods, more than 87 percent by volume, were exported. Some 110,102 carats valued at $40.50 million, averaging in value $367.86 per carat, were shipped to ten different countries.
Net imports totaled $22.08 million in March, Idex reports.

Rough&Polished