The jewelry industry continues to feel pressure from a slow economy. Jewelers say the slow market combined with high prices for gold and platinum have opened opportunities for buying used jewelry and gemstones over the counter. Dealers report that many consumers are coming into stores seeking offers and advice on liquidating their jewelry. This offers cash-flow opportunities that can help sustain a company during a period of stagflation.
There remain strong areas of demand, including round brilliant diamonds in the collection colors, SI1 or better and 2.50 cts. or larger. In the 3.00–5.00 ct. sizes, dealers report that some offerings exceed the prices listed in the trade’s leading price publications for well-made diamonds in the collection colors.
Colored-stone dealers report a slowdown in demand for ruby, while demand for better-quality emerald has increased markedly since January. Dealers report that blue sapphire demand has stabilized, while demand is good for many agate, feldspar, and quartz stones. It appears that consumers are shopping for colors rather than stone variety. Price points are concentrated at the commercial and high ends of the market.
Diamond: 1 ct. cushion
| VS1 | VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | |
| G | $4,600 | $4,200 | $3,500 | $3,000 |
| H | $3,500 | $3,200 | $2,900 | $2,700 |
| I | $3,200 | $3,000 | $2,700 | $2,500 |
| J | $2,600 | $2,400 | $2,200 | $2,100 |
Diamond: 1 ct. princess
| VS1 | VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | |
| G | $4,800 | $4,500 | $3,800 | $3,400 |
| H | $3,900 | $3,600 | $3,400 | $3,000 |
| I | $3,400 | $3,200 | $2,900 | $2,600 |
| J | $2,600 | $2,500 | $2,400 | $2,200 |
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: 1 ct. pear
| VS1 | VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | |
| G | $4,600 | $4,300 | $3,500 | $3,000 |
| H | $3,800 | $3,600 | $3,200 | $2,900 |
| I | $3,400 | $3,000 | $2,800 | $2,600 |
| J | $2,900 | $2,800 | $2,700 | $2,300 |
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, $195 complete per year. Elsewhere $275 complete per year.