Weight, color, clarity, and cut are the main factors which determine the diamond price. Judging by these four characteristics, the price of a specimen can be estimated from the price list. In the international market, the price list serves as market indicator, which generalizes statistics on demand and supply of diamonds. For this reason, the price determined from the price list is taken as the basis for commercial negotiations. Before 1998, prices for gemstones in Russia were controlled by state policy. The price list of 1998 contains the prices that need not be followed by dealers in concluding bargains.