Discovery of vivid blue, green, and purple-to-violet tourmalines, a.k.a., “Paraíba” in Batalha, Brazil in 1982 changed the way the gem market perceived tourmalines. The unquestionably vivid colors were due to copper and this color agent…
Market TrendsRuby, the king of gemstones, has traditionally been much rarer than sapphire in nature, although both are varieties of the same mineral. This rarity is a major factor in pricing fine and extra fine quality…
Market TrendsAvailability of bigger and higher quality garnets occurring in a range of colors, including the color-change variety, has been noticeable during recent gem shows. The use of garnets as a gem material has been known…
Market TrendsDiffusion treatment of corundum is achieved at extremely high temperatures and involves adding certain elements such as Beryllium (Be), Titanium (Ti) and/or Chromium (Cr) to the process. The diffusion of Be into corundum results in more desirable yellow, orange…
Market TrendsEmerald is undoubtedly the most popular variety of beryl. Due to its unusual formation, emerald has a tendency to contain fissures and fractures that diminish its transparency. Included stones are expected and high clarity stones are rare. Color of…
Market TrendsAquamarine is considered to be the second most popular variety of Beryl after emerald. Most gem quality aquamarine forms in pegmatites in considerably large sizes and high clarity. Eye clean material is common. The color description of aquamarine is very specific. As the name suggests…
Market TrendsHigh prices for better corundum were easily observable during the Tucson Show this year. Although record prices are achieved at the auction level globally, there is now some pressure to keep prices down for good…
Market TrendsThere has been a steady price increase observed in blue star sapphire market in recent years. Interestingly, the upward trend is caused by growing scarcity of the high quality sapphire in general and not a…
Market TrendsIt is stated in this colored stone market report that imperial topaz in the best quality is scarce and prices have gone up. What used to be a few hundred dollars per carat is now…
Market TrendsCultured pearls, especially the fine quality Chinese Freshwater varieties, are one of the fastest growing sectors in the gem trade. Many varieties of Chinese freshwater pearls have earned widespread consumer appeal across the global market…
Market Trends