Market in brief:Nov. 1, 2004… Expectations for the season remain mixed. The Consumer Confidence Index declined again in October. Consumers remain uneasy about jobs, debt, and the economy. How that will affect shoppers’ attitudes this holiday shopping season is still unclear. At this point, many retailers are expecting their holiday sales to be in line with last year’s numbers.
In the colored stone market demand is strongest for unenhanced ruby and sapphire. Red and pink spinel also are doing well this season, as are a host of other gems including aquamarine and morganite. Dealers report that demand for emerald is significantly higher this season. In particular, 1- to under-3-ct. emeralds wholesaling at price points between $600 to $1,500 are doing quite well. Diamonds dealers report that there has been growing resistance to the higher prices made necessary by DTC price increases during the year. However, the supply of popular goods is tight, giving retailers little room to negotiate. Princess cuts in the 3-ct. range are extremely popular. Rounds of D to G and VS² or better are doing well in most sizes. Matched stones of .75 ct. are doing well and stones of 1.25 to 1.50 cts. are seeing strong demand for engagement rings.
Diamond: ¼-carat 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 |
½-carat 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 |
¾-carat round
| VS1 | VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | |
| G | $3,800 | $3,600 | $3,300 | $2,900 |
| H | $3,500 | $3,300 | $3,000 | $2,800 |
| I | $3,100 | $3,000 | $2,600 | $2,200 |
| J | $2,500 | $2,300 | $2,100 | $2,000 |
1-carat round
| VS1 | VS2 | SI1 | SI2 | |
| G | $5,800 | $5,500 | $4,800 | $4,200 |
| H | $4,900 | $4,800 | $4,400 | $4,000 |
| I | $4,000 | $3,800 | $3,600 | $3,400 |
| J | $3,600 | $3,400 | $3,000 | $2,900 |
Pink topaz
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 3 cts. | $100-$300 | $300-$600 |
| 3 to under 5 cts. | $100-$325 | $325-$650 |
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 | $630-$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. | $15-$40 | $40-$60 |
| 3 to under 5 cts. | $20-$50 | $50-$100 |
Red tourmaline (rubellite)
| Cleaner stones | Good | Fine |
| 1 to under 3 cts. | $70-$120 | $80-$125 |
| 3 to under 5 cts. | $100-$160 | $120-$150 |
Tanzanite
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $125-$250 | $250-$325 |
| 2 to under 5 cts. | $150-$300 | $300-$425 |
Green tourmaline
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 3 cts. | $30-$60 | $60-$120 |
| 3 to under 5 cts. | $35-$90 | $90-$150 |
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.