Gem Market Pulse September 2017: Felspar

Posted on September 1, 2017 by The Gemworld Staff

Many dealers are looking toward the September Hong Kong Show

Featured Stone: Feldspar Group Gems

The cautious optimism expressed by some dealers after the June Hong Kong show has eroded to an inexplicable sense of malaise about the current tepid market. With the US stock market hovering near record levels and US economic growth at a respectable pace for a mature economy, the middle class appears yet to feel an appreciable benefit. The market is active at the high end but demand at the middle and low end price points have slowed dramatically. Dealers are reporting soft demand and increased discounts for diamonds in the typical calls of 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 ct. sizes. In colored stones, designers and custom jewelers are one active segment of the market while large chains are generally struggling to cultivate new customers. But in a market where consumers are spending in other sectors, one must question if the issue is the lack of a cohesive message. Many dealers are looking toward the September Hong Kong Show for a better gauge of what to expect this holiday season.

Feldspar Gems
The most common mineral in the earth’s crust is feldspar. It has been known and used since ancient times for personal adornment as well as for industrial purposes, especially in glass manufacturing. Feldspar is a group of complicated aluminosilicates…

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