Market in brief:Nov. 3, 2005 . . . Activity in the colored stone market remains concentrated in the fine, collection- quality gemstones. The strength of the U.S. market is focused on the blue sapphire. Cushion cuts in the 2–5 ct. range are in strongest demand. Demand for fine-quality purple sapphire continues to climb. Reports from the Thai market suggest prices have increased 25 percent to 30 percent from earlier this year for fine purple sapphires in the 2–4 ct. range. Dealers are also reporting that fine-quality Colombian emeralds in the 3–6 ct. range are in strong demand. Supply is very tight and prices are firming in response to market demand. Activity in the ruby market has been tapering off all summer. Fine stones have buyers waiting in line. However, fine goods are difficult to find in the current market. Retailers are finding that when selling colored stones, the finer the better.
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.
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Diamond: 1/4 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: 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: 3/4 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 | $6,200 | $5,900 | $4,800 | $4,200 |
| H | $5,300 | $5,100 | $4,400 | $4,000 |
| I | $4,100 | $3,900 | $3,700 | $3,400 |
| J | $3,800 | $3,600 | $3,300 | $3,100 |
Fancy Pink Diamond: 1 ct. radiant
| 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 | $275–$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 |
TANZANITE
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $175–$325 | $325–$425 |
| 2 to under 5 cts. | $250–$400 | $400–$500 |
ROUND TAHITIAN BLACK PEALS
| Good | Fine | |
| 8.0 to 8.5 mm | $30–$60 | $60–$120 |
| 10.0 to 10.5 mm | $35–$90 | $90–$150 |
Pink Topaz
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 3 cts. | $100–$300 | $300–$600 |
| 3 to under 5 cts. | $150–$350 | $350–$700 |