Market in brief:Feb. 3, 2006 … Retailers report improved consumer interest in a range of colored stones. Garnets, especially green and orange varieties, are in demand. Green tourmaline is also selling well. Jewelers report that consumers are requesting information on unusual gems like andesine and other feldspars. Retailers attribute this to TV shopping venues that have featured these products recently. Colored-stone dealers are earning a larger market share by increasing the amount of finished fine-quality jewelry available to retailers. High-quality designer pieces that feature colored stones at all price points are performing well, according to retailers.
The popularity of Fair Trade initiatives is encouraging designers to emphasize design elements that communicate the cultural value of the mining region for the featured gems. Retailers that successfully promote exotic colored-stone jewelry understand that personal adornment is important to professional women and that they have some product knowledge. Lack of sales isn’t condemnation of the gems; it’s the result of sellers not giving a “feel good” sense to consumers.
Diamond: 1/4 ct. round
| VS1 | VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | |
| G | $1,300 | $1,200 | $1,100 | $950 |
| H | $1,150 | $1,050 | $1,000 | $900 |
| I | $1,100 | $1,000 | $900 | $850 |
| J | $1,000 | $950 | $850 | $800 |
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 | $6,500 | $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 |
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 Pearls
| 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 |
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.