Dealers report slower trading in the U.S. market. Resistance to higher diamond prices is a contributing factor. Availability of better-quality 3.00 ct. and larger goods is still a concern. In the New York diamond market, demand has improved for white, clean goods of less than 2.00 cts. Rounds and princess cuts lead demand, ovals and cushions are doing well, pear shapes are stable, and marquises are improved.
In the colored stone market, dealers report trading activity at the Bangkok show was slower than last year. Higher prices, especially in heated ruby and sapphire, are finding buyers increasingly tentative and worried about consumer reaction. This summer one can expect fine-quality emerald, blue sapphire, yellow sapphire, peridot, and Tahitian and natural-color freshwater pearls to be among the popular sellers. These are just a few of the gems that still offer attractive prices on good supply.
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 |
| $60K-$85K | $45K-$75K | $30K-$43K |
Red Spinel
| Good | Fine | |
| 2 to under 3 cts. | $150-$450 | $450-$900 |
| 3 to under 5 cts. | $400-$850 | $850-$1,800 |
Blue Sapphire
| Good | Fine | |
| 1 to under 2 cts. | $125-$420 | $420-$1,250 |
| 2 to under 3 cts. | $325-$750 | $759-$2,000 |
Akoya Pearls (by the strand)
| Fine | Extra-Fine | |
| 18-in. strands, | $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.