- Joined
- Mar 25, 2009
- Messages
- 298
Hi everyone, - sorry no pics in this post -
As there is much talk on this forum relating to blue Sapphires, their availability, and of course their pricing - I offer the following synopsis as to what we all can expect to see currently and maybe even a little peek into the coming year.
Within the trade, everyone I speak with that handles finer high-end Sapphires is stating “have you seen the prices lately?” Some would say it is do savvy buyers and connoisseurs putting their funds into gemstones (and specifically Sapphires) as a hedge. There is a known demand for hard assets by those who are not confident about the long term value of US dollars, Euros and other hard currencies.
But I am not convinced this is the only thing.
There is demand from the “new wealthy” in North America, and also from those in China that have acquired status and want to flaunt their wealth.
And now a little data:
Demand for Sapphires has increased in consumer markets worldwide, (this we know) and therefore exports from Sri Lanka are booming. Sapphires account for nearly 86 percent of all gemstones exported from Sri Lanka and the latest official figures show Sapphire exports increased 20.1 percent in value and 34.5 percent in carats in 2012 (over 2011).
Among the top markets (in value terms) for Sapphires from Sri Lanka are Thailand, the US, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Singapore and China while the largest volume market is India.
However the strongest growth for Sapphires is in China and dealers confirm that this demand is continuing in 2013. In 2012 exports to China grew 280 percent in carats and 188 percent in value over 2011 stats. In addition, a large percentage of the gemstones exported to Thailand would be for the China market via Hong Kong.
As a colored stone vendor trying to provide finer goods, when I am reviewing new goods coming in, and I see my cost is now near what I am selling older goods for, it is a little scary. For you all as consumers, I am sure it is even more complicated as you are seeing such a wide disparity in pricing on the various dealers websites.
I do not have an answer to the dilemma, and I don’t believe any of the various custom faceters do either. We are in the same boat. But in time we will all have to adjust to the “new reality” in Sapphire pricing. Especially knowing there is a finite number of gem roughs left in the ground, and that governments from producing countries are moving towards securing ecologically inclined mining standards.
I am hopeful that this info is useful, and that those looking for gemmy Sapphires have an appreciation for their unique find.
As there is much talk on this forum relating to blue Sapphires, their availability, and of course their pricing - I offer the following synopsis as to what we all can expect to see currently and maybe even a little peek into the coming year.
Within the trade, everyone I speak with that handles finer high-end Sapphires is stating “have you seen the prices lately?” Some would say it is do savvy buyers and connoisseurs putting their funds into gemstones (and specifically Sapphires) as a hedge. There is a known demand for hard assets by those who are not confident about the long term value of US dollars, Euros and other hard currencies.
But I am not convinced this is the only thing.
There is demand from the “new wealthy” in North America, and also from those in China that have acquired status and want to flaunt their wealth.
And now a little data:
Demand for Sapphires has increased in consumer markets worldwide, (this we know) and therefore exports from Sri Lanka are booming. Sapphires account for nearly 86 percent of all gemstones exported from Sri Lanka and the latest official figures show Sapphire exports increased 20.1 percent in value and 34.5 percent in carats in 2012 (over 2011).
Among the top markets (in value terms) for Sapphires from Sri Lanka are Thailand, the US, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Singapore and China while the largest volume market is India.
However the strongest growth for Sapphires is in China and dealers confirm that this demand is continuing in 2013. In 2012 exports to China grew 280 percent in carats and 188 percent in value over 2011 stats. In addition, a large percentage of the gemstones exported to Thailand would be for the China market via Hong Kong.
As a colored stone vendor trying to provide finer goods, when I am reviewing new goods coming in, and I see my cost is now near what I am selling older goods for, it is a little scary. For you all as consumers, I am sure it is even more complicated as you are seeing such a wide disparity in pricing on the various dealers websites.
I do not have an answer to the dilemma, and I don’t believe any of the various custom faceters do either. We are in the same boat. But in time we will all have to adjust to the “new reality” in Sapphire pricing. Especially knowing there is a finite number of gem roughs left in the ground, and that governments from producing countries are moving towards securing ecologically inclined mining standards.
I am hopeful that this info is useful, and that those looking for gemmy Sapphires have an appreciation for their unique find.