Japan’s polished diamond imports at the end of September 2010 recorded a 30 percent rise to $72.4 million in value. The same rose 67 percent in volume terms to 285,098 carats, with the average price on the polished diamonds dipping 23 percent to $254 per carat.

Polished diamond imports from India were the highest with 165,023 carats worth $31.9 million. Belgium supplied $14.2 million in polished diamonds, the second largest supplier in September.

Imports of gold jewellery was higher by 34 percent to $54.7 million in September 2010, over the same month last year. Also, the imports of platinum jewellery rose 20 percent to $38.6 million in September this year.