Pricing Your Gemstones

I use resources like The Guide (the de-facto standard reference in USA for appraising gemstones) or GemEprice. As with my cost-based formula, I recommend using some reference information before you buy the rough – and before you cut. For instance, if there’s a premium for cushion shapes, why would you cut a round?

I also use a formula based on my cost and my time invested. And, I recommend applying that formula before you buy the rough – to determine if it’s reasonable to get paid for doing the faceting. (Details are disclosed below.) This formula is also modified in a specific way, based on …