Preliminary research suggests attendance at the eagerly awaited Tucson show— in years past, a reliable indicator of the strength of the trade—will be lower than in recent years. However, key industry players are showing that they have responded rapidly to the changing economic environment. Quartz, garnet, and beryl have returned to prominence in the fine-jewelry category. High-quality designs featuring gems such as rhodocrosite and andradite are among the attractively priced additions that AGTA firm Columbia Gem House is expecting to perform for them at the show.
Early indicators are also positive for the pearl industry. Sea Hunt’s Jack Lynch has acquired some interesting large baroque Chinese freshwater strands that we expect to attract the attention of buyers. In the pearl world, unusual, large, and interesting shapes have driven the market in recent years. Rounds are attractive with improved quality, but their abundance cuts into their appeal. Much of the attention paid to unusual shapes comes from custom jewelers and designers.
As producers, wholesalers, and retailers continue to adjust to the current market climate, we’re seeing a return to proven business principles that ultimately will protect value while attracting consumers.
Diamond: 1/4 ct. round
| VS1 | VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | |
| G | $1,495 | $1,350 | $1,200 | $1,050 |
| H | $1,400 | $1,300 | $1,070 | $950 |
| I | $1,260 | $1,150 | $950 | $900 |
| J | $1,100 | $1,000 | $900 | $850 |
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: 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 |
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. | $150–$500 | $500–$800 |
| 3 to under 5 cts. | $250–$550 | $750–$2,500 |
Blue Sapphire
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $125–$420 | $420–$1,250 |
| 2 to under 3 cts. | $325–$750 | $750–$2,000 |
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 |
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–$325 | $300–$400 |
| 2 to under 5 cts. | $250–$450 | $400–$475 |
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, $205 complete per year. Elsewhere $275 complete per year.