Ammolite Values and Pricing

High-quality Ammolite is very affordable in small to medium-sized cabochons ranging from 1 -10 carats and the cost per carat is between $10.00 to $70.00 per carat. Larger cabochons with exceptional color play will demand a higher price per carat, $70.00 – $140.00.

Every Ammolite cabochon is unique because the play of color will be different. You’ll see uniform cabochons and free-form cabochons being sold by dealers. You’ll want to make sure it is natural and not a doublet or triplet. I’ve provided pricing on the doublets and triplets below as well.

 

 

 

How to determine value and cost

When determining the value of the gemstone you will be using GIA guidelines which means color, clarity, carat weight, and cut.  You’ll want to look at each one of these individually and then circle back when finished to evaluate the stone as a whole. If you need help identifying Ammolite then go here first.

Color is going to be the most important factor when determining the value of gemstones.  Clarity and carat weight are tied for the second most important factor.  When valuing Ammolite you’ll want to make sure it’s natural, the play of color is well dispersed with red being more valuable.

 

Color – The more intense the color the more valuable the stone is.  When dealing with warm colors, think of red and orange, you’ll want to determine if there are brown undertones.  If you can’t see brown undertones then the color should be very vibrant.  The more vibrant and saturated the color the more expensive the gemstone.  If the gemstone has a unique “neon-like glow” then it will demand the highest price per carat. You want to see a nice display of colors and they should dance or move nicely inside of the stone.

 

Clarity – Buyers and collectors prefer stones with no internal inclusions visible to the eye. Ammolite can be found with visible flaws or cracks.  To determine the clarity ranking you’ll need at a minimum a 10x loop. For this stone, clarity doesn’t really apply because Ammolite is opaque but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t inspect it. If it has huge flaws breaking up the colors then you want to pay less per carat.

If you can visibly see the inclusion while holding the gemstone then the highest designation would be SI1 and if the inclusion detracts from the overall beauty of the stone then the clarity designation would be I1 – I3.

Clarity designations – FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, I3

 

 

Carat – Ammolite can be found in sizes ranging from 1 carat to above 10 carats.  Generally speaking, Ammolite can be sourced in any carat weight. The larger the stones with good color characteristics will demand a higher price per carat.

 

Cut – Almost every Ammolite I’ve handled or seen has been cut into a cabochon. When inspecting the quality of the cabochon you will want to look for a high and uniform polish across the top. Don’t forget the sides and the back. If it is high quality these should be polished or at least taken to 600 grit or higher (no visible grey/white streaks, dull finish)

 

 

Ammolite Valuations and Pricing

Natural Ammolite price per carat = $10.00 – $140.00

• Small to medium size cabochons will be priced lower
• Large sizes with good color will demand a higher price per carat

 

Ammolite Doublets price per carat = $10.00 – $74.00

• Doublets are Ammolite on the top and a host rock on the bottom
• They’re glued together
• Common in all sizes

 

Ammolite Triplets price per carat = $7.00 – $74.00

• Glass or quartz on the top
• A thin piece of Ammolite in the middle
• Host rock, typically dark in color, on the bottom
• Glued together

 

How valuable is Ammolite?

Ammolite has never brought a higher dollar per carat because it doesn’t have commercial demand. Sure, large natural pieces demand a higher price per carat but if you’re a savvy buyer then you’ll negotiate it down quite a bit. The turnover on these stones is slow which means sellers will be willing to work with you on price. Make sure the stone has good color play, the more red the better.

 

Values of Ammolite will continue to increase

Each year I do research on market prices for ammolite and the prices for natural stones will maintain value and not increase much. I believe the reason for this is the fact there is no commercial need for this type of stone. Most of the stones are bought by lapidary artists and rock collectors. You rarely see this material in a jewelry store.

If you’re not sure how to value a gemstone then you should consider a gemstone appraisal. Individuals acquiring gemstones through inheritance, estate sales, and auctions typically have the gemstone appraised to determine the value and to ensure the gem is what they think it is.