GemGuide for Nivoda FAQs

What is GemGuide?

GemGuide is an independent, trusted authority on market-driven wholesale pricing for colored gemstones and pearls. Published by GemWorld International since 1981, it provides benchmark pricing data based on actual market transactions, helping buyers and sellers make informed decisions with transparent, reliable pricing intelligence.

 

Why is Nivoda integrating with GemGuide?

Nivoda has partnered with GemGuide to provide our customers with independent, market-driven pricing benchmarks alongside our gemstone listings. This integration strengthens transparency, helps you make informed purchasing decisions, and gives you confidence that you’re seeing fair market pricing.

 

Is GemGuide pricing the same as Nivoda’s selling price?

No. GemGuide prices represent wholesale market benchmarks based on industry data. Nivoda’s listed prices are set by our curated network of suppliers and reflect the actual cost to purchase each gemstone. GemGuide pricing serves as a reference point to help you evaluate value.

 

Why might I see a price range instead of a single price?

Gemstones are natural products with variations in color, clarity, cut, and origin. GemGuide provides ranges to account for these quality differences within each category. This helps you understand the typical market spectrum for similar stones.

 

How often is GemGuide pricing updated?

GemGuide updates its pricing regularly based on market movements. The publication releases updates every 2 months to reflect current market conditions, seasonal trends, and changes in supply and demand.

 

Does GemGuide use the same grading system as diamonds?

No. Unlike diamonds with standardized 4Cs grading, colored gemstones are evaluated differently. GemGuide uses quality descriptors and pricing categories that reflect how the colored gemstone industry actually trades, focusing on color, clarity, cut, and carat weight with gemstone-specific considerations like:

  • Origin: Geographic source (e.g. Colombian emeralds)
  • Treatment: Heat treatment, clarity enhancement, or untreated status
  • Rarity: Natural scarcity of certain colors or varieties
  • Market demand: Fashion trends and consumer preferences
  • Phenomena: Special optical effects like asterism (star) or color change

 

What does the GemGuide rating number mean on Nivoda’s platform?

GemGuide uses a 1-10 rating scale to grade colored gemstones, divided into four broad quality categories: Commercial (1-4), Good (5-6), Fine (7-8), and Extra Fine (9-10). Each category is further refined as follows:

  • 1-2: Very Low to Lower Commercial
  • 3-4: Middle to Upper Commercial
  • 5-6: Lower to Upper Good
  • 7-8: Lower to Upper Fine
  • 9-10: Lower to Upper Extra Fine

When you see a rating like “8” on Nivoda, this indicates “Upper Fine” quality. The rating is determined by starting with a color grade and then making deductions based on clarity (inclusions, transparency, color zoning), cut quality (brilliance, proportions, finish), and overall appearance. A rating of 8 represents a high-quality gemstone with excellent color, minimal clarity issues, and good cut quality—suitable for fine jewelry applications. This standardized grading helps you quickly assess gemstone quality and understand pricing differences across our inventory.

 

Will all gemstones on Nivoda display GemGuide pricing?

GemGuide pricing will be shown for gemstones within their coverage categories for Nivoda’s Curated Selection, which includes the most commercially traded colored gemstones. Some rare, unusual, newly listed gemstone varieties, or gemstones outside the ‘Curated Selection’ may not have GemGuide pricing benchmarks available on the Nivoda platform. 

 

How can I use GemGuide data to make better purchasing decisions?

Use GemGuide as one component of your evaluation process. Compare Nivoda’s listed price against the GemGuide range while considering the gemstone’s specific quality grade, any premium characteristics (origin, treatment, exceptional color), current market trends, your target retail markup, and the gemstone’s suitability for your designs or customers. Remember that Nivoda’s prices reflect all-inclusive costs. For additional guidance on gemstone evaluation, pricing intelligence, and sourcing support, contact one of the Nivoda team member who will be able to help you further.

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