Phenomenal gems exhibiting a true color change are rare in the industry and sought after by many collectors. The best-known example is the chrysoberyl variety alexandrite. In its finest quality, alexandrite is one of the…
Market TrendsSeveral reasons appear to be influencing demand for nontraditional gems. Among them is the current economic condition that has triggered a trend towards nontraditional materials. These are appealing in part due to their lower price…
Featured ArticlesLets face it - most diamonds are sold based on a laboratory report. Ask the appraisal customer if they were told the color and clarity grade (and sometimes the cut grade), were based on the…
News ArchiveAs I pulled open the flap of the cardboard box, I spied a glimpse of green. At that moment, I knew the much-awaited book that emerald specialist Ron Ringsrud had been promising to write was now…
Book ReviewIn the last issue of the Gem Market News (May/June 2009), an article appeared on the Crown of Light Diamond, a patented cut sold exclusively by Diamonds International. Never has an article commanded such intense…
Featured ArticlesMay and early June brought more industry headlines reporting bankruptcies and layoffs at major retailers and manufacturers. However, that is not the complete story. In at least a few of these cases the firms were…
Colored Stone MarketAlthough the diamond section at the JCK show was among the slowest of the show, the overall feeling in the industry is that prices and business have bottomed out and there is hope for the…
Diamond MarketA study by Indias Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council and the consulting firm KPMG reports annual worldwide retail sales of newly manufactured jewelry totaled $146 billion in 2005 (most recent data available). Broadly speaking…
Featured ArticlesLas Vegas is becoming like Tucson in that what used to be one very well attended show, is now several shows, all feeling the thinning of the buyer pool. This year marked the 18th year…
Featured ArticlesRecently there has been consid- erable discussion of gems that have increased market profile due to the price point or suit- ability for color substitution. Zircon is a prime example of such a stone. Currently…
Market Trends