Gem Pricing Report

Despite the negative economic outlook, the gem market has several bright spots. Our analysis of the emerald industry shows continued strengthening. Oscar Baquero, president of the Association of Emerald Exporters, Bogotá, Colombia, says Colombian emerald exports (as reported to the Ministry of Mines) rose from $94 million in 2006 to $140 million in 2007. Emerald expert Ron Ringrud cites several reasons: “The constant and reliable production of Muzo Mine, bolstered by the recent and prodigious output of the La Pita region producers, has resulted in a huge increase of Colombian emeralds in the last year and a half. Fine, higher-priced emeralds were a major part of the increase. The ability of the world markets to consume this output, in the light of strong prices, is notable.”

Activity in key emerald markets continues. Demand in the Far East, once a strong buyer of Colombian emeralds, is growing rapidly. The U.S. market is growing as emeralds remain priced below peak levels.

Pearls, especially Tahitian multicolors, reportedly are selling well, especially quality strands in the 10 to 13 mm sizes. Ruby and sapphire have slowed somewhat, but many of the unusual agates are gaining greater appreciation.

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

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, $195 complete per year. Elsewhere $275 complete per year.

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