Gem Pricing Report

The colored stone market is stable. Current research indicates that consumption continues to be largely limited to fine-quality gem materials, while demand for good and commercial qualities is slow. Consumers also are buying a broader range of gem materials. Initially this was linked to episodes of color substitution inspired by price point. However, the trend has evolved and today is driven by the efforts of many retailers and designers to stand out from their competition by offering unusual and lesser-known gems. Apatite, danburite, feldspar, fluorite, scapolite, spinel, and zircon are some of the gems enjoying increased market activity. Dealers also report greater interest in some unusual chalcedony varieties.

Market participants report some room to negotiate price on basic goods. Buyers, however, report resistance from vendors to cut prices deeply. This is no surprise. Last year’s mining cutbacks prevented inventories from growing, so stockpiles are small and, in some cases, such as fine ruby, nonexistent. Even in the current economy, fine goods are scarce and command healthy prices. Dealers report that cash buyers still can find good values, but with more dealers expecting 2010 to be better for the gem and jewelry industry, no one is inclined to give anything away. Likewise, retailers will find locating memo goods a challenge, and prices will be in line with risk.

Diamond: 1/4 ct. round

VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2
G $1,430 $1,325 $1,125 $1,050
H $1,300 $1,190 $1,050 $920
I $1,170 $1,050 $950 $900
J $1,100 $1,000 $900 $850

Diamond: 1/2 ct. round

VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2
G $2,775 $2,350 $1,875 $1,500
H $2,400 $2,050 $1,725 $1,425
I $1,950 $1,750 $1,500 $1,350
J $1,575 $1,500 $1,350 $1,200

Diamond: 1 ct. round

VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2
G $6,075 $5,400 $4,575 $3,975
H $5,100 $4,650 $4,350 $3,825
I $4,125 $4,000 $3,800 $3,600
J $3,800 $3,600 $3,200 $3,000

Diamond: 2 ct. round

VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2
G $12,300 $10,900 $9,400 $8,100
H $10,200 $9,400 $7,900 $7,200
I $8,700 $8,000 $7,200 $6,700
J $6,800 $6,300 $5,900 $5,500

Fancy Pink Diamond: 1 ct. radiant

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

Red Spinel

Good Fine
2 to under 3 cts. $200–$550 $550–$900
3 to under 5 cts. $300–$650 $750–$2,500

Blue Sapphire

Good Fine
1 to under 2 cts. $150–$425 $425–$1,350
2 to under 3 cts. $350–$800 $800–$2,200

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

Blue Zircon

Good Fine
1 to under 3 cts. $20–$55 $55–$90
3 to under 5 cts. $40–$80 $80–$175

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–$300 $300–$400
2 to under 5 cts. $250–$375 $375–$450

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 GemGuide. 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. The GemGuide is published six times a year. A one-year subscription includes market reports and colored stone and diamond prices. 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, $205 complete per year. Elsewhere $275 complete per year.

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