Spending on luxury and fashion has declined. A report from Tanzania indicates that tanzanite prices have dropped 25–30 percent in the Arusha market, the result of weak global demand, say dealers. Similar reports are coming in from Madagascar and the Thai-Burmese border towns that once were active rough trading centers. The lack of buyers comes in response to the weak retail outlook this season. Manufacturers say critical October orders fell short. The mood in the market is one of extreme caution.
Dealers say high-end ruby and sapphire are harder to find. There’s speculation that some high-end material is being withheld to protect current price levels. Top goods in other rarer gem varieties are also scarce. Dealers say all goods now have two prices, cash now and terms. Few dealers are extending long-term open memos.
In the diamond market, premiums are disappearing and discounts are getting deeper. Prices in the bread-and-butter goods have declined slightly, but demand is still good. Price declines are more severe for larger goods. This was expected. Many felt speculation drove prices to unsustainable levels. On average, prices are down 15 percent and expected to decline further. Price decreases are not universal. Different quality and size combinations are faring differently. As producers adjust production, we expect less volatility.
Diamond: 1/4 ct. round
| VS1 | VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | |
| G | $1,495 | $1,350 | $1,200 | $1,050 |
| H | $1,400 | $1,300 | $1,070 | $950 |
| I | $1,260 | $1,150 | $950 | $900 |
| J | $1,100 | $1,000 | $900 | $850 |
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: 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 |
Diamond: 2 ct. round
| 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 |
Fancy Pink Diamond: 1 ct. radiant
| VS | SI | I1 |
| $60K–$85K | $45K–$75K | $30K–$43K |
Red Spinel
| Good | Fine | |
| 2 to under 3 cts. | $150–$500 | $500–$800 |
| 3 to under 5 cts. | $250–$550 | $650–$2,000 |
Blue Sapphire
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $125–$420 | $420–$1,250 |
| 2 to under 3 cts. | $325–$750 | $750–$2,000 |
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 |
Round Tahitian Black Pearls
| Good | Fine | |
| 8 to 8.5 mm | $30–$60 | $60–$120 |
| 10 to 10.5 mm | $35–$90 | $90–$150 |
Tanzanite
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $175–$325 | $325–$425 |
| 2 to under 5 cts. | $250–$450 | $400–$525 |
Pink Topaz
| 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 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, $205 complete per year. Elsewhere $275 complete per year.