Gem Pricing

THE FEBRUARY GEM SHOWS confirm that demand for colored gems is improving, especially for high-end, extra-fine-quality material. Prices for extra-fine ruby and sapphire are high and rising. Dealers say material is scarce as overseas buyers compete for product, and there’s frustration at the lack of 3.00+ ct. material. In some qualities, prices are up 25 percent or more compared with last year’s prices. Other strong sellers are aquamarine; pink tourmaline; and pink, red, and lavender spinel, but only for extra-fine material.

Pink, yellow, and green will likely be the popular gemstone colors this summer. Activity is concentrated in the high and commercial ends of the market. There’s excitement in the emerald market, as increased production from Colombia is producing wonderfully saturated, slightly bluish green gems from melee to 5.00 cts. Prices are higher than last year, but it has been a while since we last saw such green beauties.

Diamond: 1/4 ct. round

VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2
G $1,300 $1,200 $1,100 $950
H $1,150 $1,050 $1,000 $900
I $1,100 $1,000 $900 $850
J $1,000 $950 $850 $800

Diamond: 1/2 ct. round

VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2
G $3,200 $2,800 $2,400 $2,000
H $2,800 $2,400 $2,200 $1,800
I $2,200 $2,100 $1,900 $1,700
J $1,900 $1,800 $1,700 $1,600

Diamond: 3/4 ct. round

VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2
G $3,800 $3,600 $3,300 $2,900
H $3,500 $3,300 $3,000 $2,800
I $3,200 $3,000 $2,600 $2,200
J $2,500 $2,300 $2,100 $2,000

Diamond: 1 ct. round

VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2
G $6,500 $6,100 $5,000 $4,300
H $5,500 $5,300 $4,600 $4,100
I $4,200 $4,000 $3,800 $3,600
J $3,800 $3,600 $3,200 $3,000

Fancy Pink Diamond: 1 ct. radiant

VS SI I1
$60K–$85K $45K–$75K $30K–$43K

Red Spinel

Good Fine
2 to under 3 cts. $225–$600 $600–$1,200
3 to under 5 cts. $550–$1,000 $1,000–$2,000

Blue Sapphire

Good Fine
1 to under 2 cts. $200–$550 $550–$1,350
2 to under 3 cts. $450–$900 $900–$2,250

Akoya Pearls (by the strand)

Fine Extra-Fine
18-in. strands, $650–$850 $1,000–$1,200

Nigerian Spessartite Garnet

Good Fine
1 to under 2 cts. $75–$90 $90–$120
2 to under 3 cts. $90–$125 $120–$160

Blue Zircon

Good Fine
1 to under 3 cts. $20–$50 $50–$75
3 to under 5 cts. $35–$75 $75–$150

Round Tahitian Black Pearls

Good Fine
8 to 8.5 mm $30–$60 $60–$120
10 to 10.5 mm $35–$90 $90–$150

Tanzanite

Good Fine
1 to under 2 cts. $175–$325 $325–$425
2 to under 5 cts. $250–$450 $400–$525

Pink Topaz

Good Fine
1 to under 3 cts. $125–$350 $350–$700
3 to under 5 cts. $180–$425 $425–$900

Prices shown represent actual wholesale memorandum prices paid by retail jewelers on a per-stone basis. All prices are per carat except for cultured pearls. No responsibility or liability is assumed for the consequences of the use of any information in this report, nor for errors or omissions. The terms Commercial, Good, Fine, and Extra-Fine are general classifications developed and used by The Guide. Each represents a range of individual quality grades. When they are used in conjunction with proper grading, one can accurately pinpoint a price from within the listed range. A one-year subscription to The Guide includes six diamond issues (bimonthly); six newsletters (bimonthly); two colored-stone issues including pearls, opals, and jade (biannual); and The Guide Reference Manual. For more information, contact Gemworld International Inc., 2640 Patriot Blvd., Suite 240, Glenview, IL 60026; (888) GEMGUIDE or (847) 657-0555, fax (847) 657-0550. U.S., Canada, Mexico, $195 complete per year. Elsewhere $275 complete per year.

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