World Of Gems Conference 2017 Proceedings Book

WORLD OF GEMS CONFERENCE V - 19 - SEPTEMBER 2017 treated and non-treated gems have altered the perception of beauty to an extent that extraordinarily few natural stones can compete. In all but the lowest qualities, a natural (not treated) gem is typically worth substantially more than a treated stone of similar quality. DIAMOND PRICE COMPARISON Treatments are generally more controversial in the diamond market than in the colored stones market. Here, a compari- son of clarity enhanced to natural diamonds finds a greater discount for the treated material. In colored diamonds, treated stones are priced substantially lower than their natural counterparts. Many treated “fancy” colors are priced slightly below the price of near colorless di- amonds of the same size and clarity. Pastel blues, greens, pinks and purples, however, reportedly require white dia- monds to start and therefore are priced similarly to top color grades of the GIA diamond grading system. Enhancement of colored gemstones is common for a number of varieties.This typically involves heat treatment or irradiation. Coated stones are also being encountered more frequently and often with no meaningful disclosure. Clarity enhancement is commonly associated with emerald. Today, certain market participants make a distinction between classic and modern fillers, pricing stones differently depending on the filler type. The price distinction between treated and natural gems is de- pendent on reliable disclosure and detection and is necessary for the long term integrity of the industry. Heated Blue Sapphire (Prices are averaged from broader range) Natural Blue Sapphire (Prices are averaged from broader range) CONCLUSION Treatments enabled traders to access a broader base of consumers and markets. However, they also influence the price structure of material and the reasons for this should be openly explained to the consumer. It is reasonable to as- sume that the population of treated stones will continue to increase and therefore the natural population will continue to decline. Previously, this has been attributed to the sound belief that enhanced gems reshape the buyers’ perception of quality to a point where few natural gems can compete. This too must be recognized as the price distinction be- tween treated and natural gems is dependent on reliable disclosure and detection and is necessary for the long term integrity of the industry. u Apparent Grades G VS2 G SI1 1.25 ct. C.E. Diamond $3,000 $2,700 1.25 ct. Natural $6,200 $5,700 RBC, VS 0.50 ct. 1.00 ct. Fancy Light Blue $2,900 $4,950 Deep Blue $1,100 $2,250 Canary Yellow $1,875 $3,775 Fancy Yellow $1,495 $2,950 Orange-Brown $1,495 $2,950 Fancy Green $1,875 $3,375 Black $190 $200 Lower Fine Upper Fine Lower Extra Fine Upper Extra Fine 3.00 ct. $2,250 $3,000 $3,500 $4,300 5.00 ct. $2,750 $3,700 $4,500 $5,500 Lower Fine Upper Fine Lower Extra Fine Upper Extra Fine 3.00 ct. $3,500 $4,750 $6,300 $7,500 5.00 ct. $4,000 $6,500 $8,000 $9,500 PRICING TREATED GEMS