During November 2008, Japan’s imports of polished diamonds from India, one of its major exporters, slipped down by 49.4 percent to $14.48 million, as compared to November 2007. Japan’s overall polished diamond imports decreased by 26 percent to $55.56 million in November 2008 and by 38.7 percent to 121,825 carats in volume. %% Imports from Belgium were flat at $23.51 million, but increased from Israel by 19.3 percent to $9.62 million. The decrease in imports was witnessed throughout the 11 months of 2008, falling by 12.5 percent to $726.54 million. %% Imports of other gems and jewellery was not all optimistic either. Import of gold jewellery reduced by 13 percent to $69.07 million, but showed an increase of 5.6 percent for the 11 months at $774.72 million. Platinum jewellery imports in the month also receded by 32.9 percent to $26.39 million, but was up by 10.4 percent to $423.94 million for the 11 months of 2008. Imports of ruby, sapphire and emeralds fell 21 percent to $2.26 million; other coloured stones by 35.2 percent to $3.28 million; and pearls by 12 percent to $43.56 million.