MARKET IN BRIEF:May 6, 2005…April saw a greater-than-expected decline in the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index, which dropped more than five points from its March level. In spite of the decline, analysts state that the current level is still indicative of a healthy economy. However, dealers remain cautious, citing slow sales and pays as evidence of a less-than-robust retail climate.
In the U.S. diamond market, healthy demand plus shortages of better-made goods is keeping dealers busy trying to fill calls. As a result, prices continue to firm. Rounds remain the strongest seller but are closely followed by princess cuts. Thus, the price differential between round and well-made princess-cut has narrowed dramatically. Prices for pears and emerald cuts are also moving closer to that of rounds.
Diamond: ¼-ct. round
| VS1 | VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | |
| G | $1,200 | $1,150 | $975 | $850 |
| H | $1,100 | $1,000 | $925 | $800 |
| I | $1,000 | $950 | $850 | $750 |
| J | $950 | $900 | $800 | $725 |
Diamond: ½-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: ¾-ct. round
| VS1 | VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | |
| G | $3,800 | $3,600 | $3,300 | $2,900 |
| H | $3,500 | $3,300 | $3,000 | $2,800 |
| I | $3,200 | $3,000 | $2,600 | $2,200 |
| J | $2,500 | $2,300 | $2,100 | $2,000 |
Diamond: 1-ct. round
| VS1 | VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | |
| G | $5,900 | $5,600 | $4,800 | $4,200 |
| H | $5,000 | $4,900 | $4,500 | $4,100 |
| I | $4,100 | $3,900 | $3,700 | $3,400 |
| J | $3,700 | $3,500 | $3,100 | $3,000 |
Fancy Pink Diamond: 1-ct. radiant cut
| VS | SI | I1 |
| $55K–$75K | $40K–$70K | $27K–$38K |
Red Spinel
| Good | Fine | |
| 2 to under 3 cts. | $150–$400 | $400–$850 |
| 3 to under 5 cts. | $250–$500 | $500–$1,100 |
Blue Sapphire
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $125–$420 | $420–$1,250 |
| 2 to under 3 cts. | $275–$630 | $630–$1,750 |
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 |
Pink Topaz
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 3 cts. | $100–$300 | $300–$600 |
| 3 to under 5 cts. | $150–$350 | $350–$700 |
Tanzanite
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $175–$325 | $325–$425 |
| 2 to under 5 cts. | $250–$400 | $400–$500 |
Round Tahitian Black Pearls
| Good | Fine | |
| 8 to 8.5 mm | $30–$60 | $60–$120 |
| 10 to 10.5 mm | $35–$90 | $90–$150 |
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.