Consumers remain cautious on rising credit cardrates and shrinking credit lines. Lack of consumer credit is no longer an issue only for higher-risk applicants and remainsa significant obstacle to recovery. But retailers report that engagement and anniversary gift giving remains active. Price points, however, are considerably lower than in years past.
In colored stones, the Colombian emerald market con-tinues to see stable prices for fine and extra-fine qualities. After a trip to Colombia, dealer Ron Ringsrud noted, “The largest wholesalers/exporters of emeralds in Bogotá are plea-santly surprised with the slow but steady sales overseas and with the firmness of emerald prices.”
U.S. dealers report that emerald sales still trail sapphire. However, emeralds are seeing greater demand as inventories shrink. But, as Ringsrud said, “Many had expected a big drop in sales, but colored stones are not a luxury—as long as people fall in love, gemstones and jewelry is a necessity.”
In the diamond market, dealers report prices have stabil-ized. Well-made rounds in the H-I and VS2 to SI1 range weighing 0.50 to 1.00 ct. are the strongest sellers. Dealers say demand for some branded diamonds has declined as consumers look for the most diamond for their money. In fancy shapes cushions, emeralds, and pears are doing well, while demand for princess cuts has softened.
| VS1 | VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | |
| G | $1,430 | $1,325 | $1,125 | $1,050 |
| H | $1,300 | $1,190 | $1,050 | $920 |
| I | $1,170 | $1,050 | $950 | $900 |
| J | $1,100 | $1,000 | $900 | $850 |
| VS1 | VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | |
| G | $2,775 | $2,350 | $1,875 | $1,500 |
| H | $2,400 | $2,050 | $1,725 | $1,425 |
| I | $1,950 | $1,750 | $1,500 | $1,350 |
| J | $1,575 | $1,500 | $1,350 | $1,200 |
| VS1 | VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | |
| G | $6,075 | $5,400 | $4,575 | $3,975 |
| H | $5,100 | $4,650 | $4,350 | $3,825 |
| I | $4,125 | $4,000 | $3,800 | $3,600 |
| J | $3,800 | $3,600 | $3,200 | $3,000 |
| 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 |
| VS | SI | I1 |
| $60K–$85K | $45K–$75K | $30K–$43K |
| Good | Fine | |
| 2 to under 3 cts. | $150–$500 | $500–$800 |
| 3 to under 5 cts. | $250–$550 | $750–$2,500 |
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $125–$420 | $420–$1,250 |
| 2 to under 3 cts. | $325–$750 | $750–$2,000 |
| Fine | Extra-Fine | |
| 18-in. strands, 6 to 6.5 mm | $650–$850 | $1,000–$1,200 |
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $75–$90 | $90–$120 |
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 3 cts. | $20–$50 | $50–$75 |
| 3 to under 5 cts. | $35–$75 | $75–$150 |
| Good | Fine | |
| 8 to 8.5 mm | $30–$60 | $60–$120 |
| 10 to 10.5 mm | $35–$90 | $90–$150 |
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $175–$325 | $300–$400 |
| 2 to under 5 cts. | $250–$450 | $400–$475 |
| 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 Gem 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 Gem Guide includes six diamond issues (bimonthly); six newsletters (bimonthly); two colored-stone issues including pearls, opals, and jade (biannual). For more information, contact Gemworld International Inc., 2640 Patriot Blvd., Suite 240, Glenview, IL 60026; (888) GEMGUIDE or (847) 657-0555, fax (847) 657-0550. U.S., Canada, $205 complete per year. Elsewhere $275 complete per year.