For the newbies, we all find IGS’s Gemstone Price Guide very useful because we do not have the first hand appraisal when pricing our gemstones. Also we are not as professional as those who’s been in this gemstone industry long enough to know or predict the prices. So, IGS’s price guide is often our single source to rely on. My name is Leon, and this is my second year with IGS. I’ve been using IGS’s Gemstone Price Guide long enough to tell that there are many listed gemstone prices are not updated while their prices in reality, have gone double, triple, or even more. One very obvious is Moldavite. This Bohemian Tektite price was from USD $10~60/carat which I agree that is a precise range even in December 2020. Today, it is impossible (at least not easy) to buy a faceted Moldavite with just $60 per carat. Many sell Moldavite twice as much of USD $60 per carat. It would somehow make sense if IGS’s listed price is for Moldavite rough. Still, I am very surprise nobody ever asked the price list ever been updated.
Also, a lot of times, IGS gives a very broad range, for example, on Demantoid Garnet from $300 to $15,000/carat. I am sure this huge price range may include Demantoid mined from other regions except for Ural, Russia. but who can be so sure?
Perhaps it is the only way to keep this industry a mystery? Again, I am still a newbie and I am not trying to be offensive to those who understand the rules of pricing. I wish I could be one day no longer depending on pricing guide like some of you. I feel IGS’s gem price guide is just too broad to be considered as a standard/current guide. Any comments?