Prices for fine-quality gems are on the upswing, but the midrange also gets a liftGem dealers in the United States are growing more optimistic by the day. Demand continues to be strong for ruby, sapphire, and emerald, in particular. Retail demand is primarily for the fine and commercial qualities, although demand for midlevel qualities is reportedly much better than it has been in recent years.In Sri Lanka, dealers are reporting strong demand for unheated blue sapphire, especially in the 3 to 5 ct. range. Fine-quality sapphires have seen a strong increase in price during the past 12 months with some 5 ct.-plus sizes seeing a 70 percent increase. In spite of the rapid ascent in prices, dealers are actively buying.U.S. demand is notably strong for finer quality and bigger stones (think 5 ct. blue). In China, demand is also quite strong, but there has been a shift toward smaller finer quali