Cash flow remains a concern for many gem industry participants. The consensus is that business in the U.S. market, although very slow, has improved. Manufacturers report that retail jewelers stopped buying for stock in late 2008. Although this remains largely unchanged, custom work and special orders have picked up.
Producers caution that, unlike in years past, retailers can expect memo to be very tight this season. One manufacturing jeweler explains, "This season, long-term memos will be reserved only for my best, most loyal accounts. Our sales are down 50 percent from last September. We are not in a position to finance someone else’s company."
In the colored stone market, with the exception of a few notable gems including tanzanite, prices for most fine- and extra-fine-quality material have remained stable, and in some cases, including red spinel and blue sapphire, prices have increased. Tanzanite, with prices for some categories still down approximately 20 to 30 percent, represents a strong buying opportunity.
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.