Gemstone Prices Increase Worldwide

    QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA, August 29, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Investors seeking safe haven are now buying Gemstones, Opals, Gold and Silver instead of shares. Owning a rare and unique Gemstone also gives immense pleasure to the owner.

The world's largest opal site www.opalauctions.com has seen 40% increases in sales annually with top quality opals in demand. Black opals are rare and the most sold over the last few months have been of quality gems ranging from $20,000 to $37,000 and Ethiopian opals with a strong pattern selling up to $35,000.

The sister site www.gemrockauctions has had investors buying top natural Sapphire and Ruby gemstones. Investors now appreciate rare quality gems from ranging from Tanzanite, Topaz, Emerald and coloured gems, pink Sapphire and coloured Diamonds, especially pink and champagne.

Paul Sedawie explains, "I recently had the opportunity to go on a mine tour in Brazil organized by the International coloured stone association. The general feeling was that prices have been on hold for a few years in Brazil even though their currency had doubled to its main customer the USA. Many mines are working at half production and many cutters have left the industry. There is now a rise in prices due to the influence of Chinese buyers on the gemstone fields. Some regions that had only local or USA buyers now have up to 40 Chinese buyers after their gemstones. Brazil produces a large variety of gems stones and with this Chinese demand world wide prices will increase."

Diamonds are leading the price rise with 40% of Chinese's women being presented with a diamond wedding ring. Demand in India is also up by 25%

The international coloured stone association has reported strong interest from its members to attend ICA pavilions organized at major trade shows. The ICA booth for the Hong Kong show increased from 14 to 39 booths. This is due to more buyers from China and Eastern Europe attending these shows to purchase quality gems. The ICA also has booths in Germany and India and these are nearly sold out.

Most of the other gemstones have also bottomed and are increasing in price.

The opal industry is starting to feel stronger demand for its product with the recent autumn opal shows reporting stronger demand and higher prices. It appears many dealers have let their stock levels decline and are now building stock levels up with the out look for better demand ahead. The internet has exploded the sales of gemstones as now the customer can purchase quality stones at prices that are very competitive. The gem industry has normally been a high retail mark up but now demand is increasing with the gemstones been offered up to 50% cheaper than a brick and mortar shop.

The trend for the industry to absorb costs is over and now they are passing it on the customer. The demand from Asia is increasing prices and this is expected to continue.

Website: http://www.opalauctions.com/stores/sedaopals/

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