Market in brief:June 5, 2006 … A stratified market continues to take shape. Retailers report strong sales at price points below $200 and above $4,000, but sales are weak in the critical $1,000–$3,000 range. Luxury spending by the middle class has been stymied by higher fuel costs and diminishing expectations for debt management by the administration. Consumer buying is active in the discount electronics and home entertainment industries, which are luring buyers with discounts and interest-free financing. Retail jewelers, who compete with this “discount” mentality when vying for these consumers, continue to report eroding margins, especially for diamonds.
Diamond dealers report improving demand for sub-carat rounds, while 3.00+ ct. well-made rounds in the collection colors of VS2 or better continue in strong demand. Larger goods have firm pricing because of scarcity. In the fancies, princess cuts followed by cushions are in strongest demand. Ovals and emerald cuts are doing well, and pears and marquises are improved.
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. | $150–$450 | $450–$900 |
| 3 to under 5 cts. | $350–$700 | $700–$1,500 |
Blue Sapphire
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $125–$420 | $420–$1,250 |
| 2 to under 3 cts. | $275–$630 | $275–$1,750 |
Akoya Pearls (by the strand)
| Fine | Extra-Fine | |
| 18-in. strands, 6 to 6.5 mm | $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 |
Tanzanite
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $175–$325 | $325–$425 |
| 2 to under 5 cts. | $250–$400 | $400–$500 |
Round Tahitian Black Pearls
| Good | Fine | |
| 8 to 8.5 mm | $30–$60 | $60–$120 |
| 10 to 10.5 mm | $35–$90 | $90–$150 |
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., 630 Dundee Road, Suite 230, Northbrook, IL 60062; (888) GEMGUIDE or (847) 564-0555, fax (847) 564-0557. U.S., Canada, Mexico, $195 complete per year. Elsewhere $275 complete per year.