Wholesalers report weak sales for October, usually a strong month. Many retailers are curbing seasonal purchasing. Credit issues and high unemployment continue to stifle consumer spending. The guarded optimism of October has softened slightly. There is activity in calls to fill requests for custom and repair work. New York–based old-cut diamond specialist Michael Goldstein says estate jewelry is strong: “The old cuts are doing well. We’re also seeing stones fashioned into old cuts because of this demand.”
Demand is reportedly strong for well-made rounds of 1.50 cts. This time last year dealers said 2.00 ct. rounds were most popular. In quality, SI1/G-H goods are still strong.
In the colored-stone market, lead-glass-filled rubies are a major concern. The Accredited Gemologists Association has launched an industrywide campaign to alert jewelers and consumers of this material’s characteristics. Much is selling without disclosure, but it requires special handling to avoid damage to the filler. Unsuspecting bench jewelers are at risk of “damaging” these stones during routine repairs.
U.S. dealers report that blue sapphire remains the top seller. Aquamarine, zircon, peridot, and garnet also are selling fairly well. Pearl strands and pendants with retail prices below $2,500 are expected to be active this season.
This season price is a major consideration. How tightly consumers will stick to budget isn’t clear. With gold at a record high, and possibly moving higher, manufacturers face a challenging retail climate. Customer service and inventories that stand out may be key to a successful season.
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 |
| 2 to under 3 cts. | $90–$125 | $120–$160 |
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.