Despite the harsh economy, the gemstone market, like the broader market, is showing signs of stabilizing. Aggressive movement by major mining and manufacturing firms in the diamond and colored stone industries has helped ease inventory concerns. Scaling back of production, while painful, was critical to long-term recovery. Reduction of output has allowed inventories to drop to levels consistent with current soft demand. Prices for many gem materials have shown moderate resilience given the economic climate. Prices for most gem varieties have held stable for all but commercial qualities, which have suffered declines averaging about 20 percent.
However, as designers and manufacturers have tweaked product lines in search of attractive price points, demand for many “semiprecious” stones has improved. Prices for finer-quality agates, beryls, garnets, and feldspars have actually risen. Although it’s too early to predict the end of the recession, it’s likely the worst days are behind us.
The industry can expect a slight easing of the cautious mood that has engulfed the retail community since fall 2008. Quality pieces at moderate price points will draw the most attention. Demand for high-end pieces is softer, and activity in the promotional and commercial end of the market is very quiet.
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| VS | SI | I1 |
| $60K–$85K | $45K–$75K | $30K–$43K |
| Good | Fine | |
| 2 to under 3 cts. | $150–$500 | $500–$800 |
| 3 to under 5 cts. | $250–$550 | $750–$2,500 |
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $125–$420 | $420–$1,250 |
| 2 to under 3 cts. | $325–$750 | $750–$2,000 |
| Fine | Extra-Fine | |
| 18-in. strands, 6 to 6.5 mm | $650–$850 | $1,000–$1,200 |
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $75–$90 | $90–$120 |
| 2 to under 3 cts. | $90–$125 | $120–$160 |
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 3 cts. | $20–$50 | $50–$75 |
| 3 to under 5 cts. | $35–$75 | $75–$150 |
| Good | Fine | |
| 8 to 8.5 mm | $30–$60 | $60–$120 |
| 10 to 10.5 mm | $35–$90 | $90–$150 |
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $175–$325 | $300–$400 |
| 2 to under 5 cts. | $250–$450 | $400–$475 |
| 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 Gem 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 Gem Guide includes six diamond issues (bimonthly); six newsletters (bimonthly); two colored-stone issues including pearls, opals, and jade (biannual). 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.