At press time consumers were cautious about spending for the holidays, and the season for many retail jewelers season started slow and faded from there. Neighborhood-based independents appeared to be seeing more traffic than their mall-based chain competitors. Many jewelers adapted to the climate by stone and metal substitution.
In the colored stone market, wholesalers offering diversified inventory of quality and variety outperformed those that specialize in one or two gem varieties. Josh Hall, of Pala International noted, “This year blue sapphire was the strongest seller. However, we also filled calls for aquas, rhodolites, and spinels. Business wasn’t brisk by any means, but it was steady.” Regarding price points Hall said, “Most clients [jewelers] were focused on fine-quality goods. But most were requesting smaller sizes and carat weights than were typical just a year or so ago.”
Diamonds dealers said prices had softened on all but the scarcest goods. Dealers reported larger discounts off the Rap list. This is especially evident in the 5.00 ct. sizes and larger. Some manufacturers have signaled resistance to the declines, but greater discounts are foreseeable. In the colored stone market, buyers were seeking smaller sizes in higher quality, but diamond buyers said clients won’t sacrifice size. Buyers are opting for lower clarities but firmer about sacrificing color or size.
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 | $650–$2,000 |
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 | $325–$425 |
| 2 to under 5 cts. | $250–$450 | $400–$525 |
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.