Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
Events & AwardsFeb 07, 2020
Live From Tucson: 9 Colored Gemstone Market Updates
Experts run down the list of stones finding new life in the market and reveal which gemstone is the current darling of the trade.
Younger designers are looking for alternative colors in known varieties of gems, according to a recent market update session at AGTA GemFair helmed by the Gemworld International team. Pictured here is a pair of gray spinel from Color First.
Tucson, Ariz.—Every year, Tucson serves as the perfect backdrop for a market update from Gemworld International on current events, trends and other topics in the colored gemstone sector.
This year, President Richard Drucker and Vice President Stuart Robertson talked about pricing trends, and which stones are enjoying renewed popularity, among other topics.
Here are nine takeaways from their session held Thursday at the AGTA GemFair jewelry trade show.
1. Here’s what is happening in sapphires.
When it comes to the popular gem, blue still leads sales.
Most production of the corundum is now coming from Madagascar, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Ethiopia, Drucker said.
He said prices for heated material have come down due to oversupply—as mechanized mining puts so much more material in the market—while unheated material is scarce and demand is high, so prices have risen.
2. There’s some old stock coming into the market.
Though aquamarine has always been a staple, one thing Gemworld has noticed, Robertson said, is that for the first time in a long time, old mined material is coming out of the safes and into the market, putting more expensive pieces into play.
He said they expect to see more of that, especially since the supply of good rough leveled off last year along with a dip in some prices; these rare, high-quality stones “resist all that,” he said, so it’s an opportune time to bring them out.
They also are seeing some of the same with rubellite tourmaline.
3. Spinel is having its day.
There’s been plenty of chatter around spinel the past few years, so it’s not surprising Robertson said sales of the gemstone have been strong recently, especially when it comes to unusual colors like gunmetal gray, which offer a unique look at an affordable price point.
This follows the trend, he said, of unusual stones—special stones within an already known variety—gaining in popularity.
Much of this is coming from younger designers who are looking for something different.
4. Australian opals are the benchmark.
One of the main drivers for the opal market over the years has been that the Ethiopian material expanded the base and the knowledge of opal, Robertson said.
But as the stability of the material became a concern, Australia re-emerged as the “benchmark for quality” in opals.
He added that they’re seeing more in the U.S. shows and prices for the gemstones have risen again.
5.
Here’s the lowdown on popular red gems.
There aren’t a lot of Burmese rubies on the market anymore, and prices for the larger, finer stones have skyrocketed.
Where they are seeing strength in the market is for East African rubies.
Prices for the heated rubies, Robertson said, have gone down because there’s so much supply. Ruby used to account for only about 20 percent of the corundum category, but that’s gotten closer to 50 percent or more in recent years.
“The demand is probably not going to support the level of production coming into the marketplace out of Mozambique and other places in the last few years,” he said.
Mozambique is, in fact, the dominant producer of ruby today, but where prices had gone up dramatically, they’ve started softening within the last few years as the market makes a correction.
6. And here’s what’s happening in popular greens.
Tsavorite prices also have come down, so Gemworld expects it to be one of the stronger sellers in green, and in garnets in general.
However, there’s not a lot of production now, especially as Tanzania continues to more closely regulate its mining sector.
The emerald market, meanwhile, has seen a fair amount of change.
While the Ethiopian material offered a lot of promise, Robertson said it was difficult to figure out its positioning in the marketplace.
Now, the main source seems to be Zambia, where production is good and yields decent green stones.
The issue that really continues to affect the emerald marketplace, he said, is enhancements.
“Every time there is some understanding of enhancements at the retail level and with the consumers, the producers start coming up with new narrative or new nomenclature, and it really confuses things,” Robertson said.
7. Garnets are currently the “trade darling.”
More designers are using garnets, especially in alternate colors like the purples that have popped up recently. And even though prices have risen, garnets continue to offer affordable color alternatives to a number of gems.
Robertson said they expect garnets to have a strong run this year.
8. Zircons offer similar advantages.
There’s more interest in zircon again because of its affordability, according to Gemworld, and that interest is extending beyond blue to include the earth tones.
9. Some labs have changed their alexandrite labeling.
According to Drucker, some labs are now listing any color-change chrysoberyl as alexandrite, which is
confusing some dealers when it comes to pricing.
There aren’t a lot of Burmese rubies on the market anymore, and prices for the larger, finer stones have skyrocketed.
Where they are seeing strength in the market is for East African rubies.
Prices for the heated rubies, Robertson said, have gone down because there’s so much supply. Ruby used to account for only about 20 percent of the corundum category, but that’s gotten closer to 50 percent or more in recent years.
“The demand is probably not going to support the level of production coming into the marketplace out of Mozambique and other places in the last few years,” he said.
Mozambique is, in fact, the dominant producer of ruby today, but where prices had gone up dramatically, they’ve started softening within the last few years as the market makes a correction.
6. And here’s what’s happening in popular greens.
Tsavorite prices also have come down, so Gemworld expects it to be one of the stronger sellers in green, and in garnets in general.
However, there’s not a lot of production now, especially as Tanzania continues to more closely regulate its mining sector.
The emerald market, meanwhile, has seen a fair amount of change.
While the Ethiopian material offered a lot of promise, Robertson said it was difficult to figure out its positioning in the marketplace.
Now, the main source seems to be Zambia, where production is good and yields decent green stones.
The issue that really continues to affect the emerald marketplace, he said, is enhancements.
“Every time there is some understanding of enhancements at the retail level and with the consumers, the producers start coming up with new narrative or new nomenclature, and it really confuses things,” Robertson said.
7. Garnets are currently the “trade darling.”
More designers are using garnets, especially in alternate colors like the purples that have popped up recently. And even though prices have risen, garnets continue to offer affordable color alternatives to a number of gems.
Robertson said they expect garnets to have a strong run this year.
8. Zircons offer similar advantages.
There’s more interest in zircon again because of its affordability, according to Gemworld, and that interest is extending beyond blue to include the earth tones.
9. Some labs have changed their alexandrite labeling.
According to Drucker, some labs are now listing any color-change chrysoberyl as alexandrite, which is
confusing some dealers when it comes to pricing.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at VenetiaThe diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
