Other

Rocks On: Labradorite

OtherMar 30, 2016

Rocks On: Labradorite

While demand for labradorite continues to be strong, the availability of fine labradorite seems to be taking the sideline to a more affordable, though lower quality, supply.

New York--It’s no secret that many lesser-known colored gemstones are starting to have their day in the sun, as gem connoisseurs and even today’s consumers look for something unique and special.


Boston Gems’ Paul Dragone said that while there is a large supply of lower quality labradorite on the market, they prefer to deal only in fine labradorite, such as the stones pictured here. (Photo by Shira Price-Marshall, courtesy of BostonLabradorite, a feldspar mineral of the plagioclase series, is one of those.

Though the stone “has been a bit of a sleeper for the past five years,” Paul Dragone of gemstone supplier Boston Gems told National Jeweler, the “floodgates” for the gemstone opened about three years ago as people began to pull out more of the supplies that had been sitting in warehouses.

Eric Braunwart of Columbia Gem House also noted that “phenomenal stones seem to be doing well right now. So labradorite fits into an area that people like. It really is quite a beautiful stone.” Phenomenal gemstones are those that feature striking optical effects, such as asterism in star sapphires, adularescence in moonstone, and labradorescence in fine labradorite.

Part of the credit for labradorite’s popularity also could be due to the decreased supply, and subsequently increasing prices, of fellow feldspar moonstone. 

Phenomenal labradorite, with its sheen, can offer a similar look but with a lower price tag. In addition, it has a bit more availability in the larger sizes than moonstone in today’s market, Braunwart said.

On the rise?
Labradorite is riding an interesting trend in the marketplace right now. Whereas the high end is really where many colored stones are seeing growth in demand and sales, labradorite seems to be doing the opposite.

Demand for the stone is growing, but particularly in the more affordable, less fine material. Braunwart and Dragone both said that they’ve been seeing more and more of the lower quality material on the market.

Dragone also said he has noticed an increasing trend, particularly with the cheaper material, of more rough being cut for size rather than color, resulting in big cuts for statement jewelry but lacking the great look labradorite has been known for, or even the ability to see the sheen from the top of the stone.

“It’s really changed the dynamic of the market quite a bit,” he said, adding that the less expensive material, which

can cost as little as $1 per carat, is outselling the finer material three to one. 

Plenty of people are using this material, especially when it still has those purple or blue flashes, because it is still a unique and interesting stone, Dragone said. Sterling silver and labradorite seem to make a natural pairing, he added.

This material can provide a better entry point price-wise for a starting designer or brand that may not be able to afford the finer material. But the lower quality, with its inclusions and visible veins that are similar to cracks, is more brittle than the higher quality material, according to Dragone.

“This is why you’ll see many of the higher-end designers shying away from these stones,” he added. “The high quality stones are just a much better product.” 

He said that he now can pay up to $40 per carat for high quality labradorite, which has gray, black or blue body color with minimal or no white veining. Most of that material he sees on the market comes from Labrador, Canada and through Germany, where it is cut.

While there isn’t necessarily a shortage in supply with the finer material, it can be harder to find these days as demand picks up at the other end.

And while there is still plenty of labradorite to be mined, the issue on the supply side of this stone stems more from the lack of actual mining activity than a deficit in Mother Nature.

According to Braunwart, as the market seeks lower and lower prices for the rough and subsequently shrinking profit for miners, the less time and effort they want to spend mining it. “There isn’t a lot being produced right now,” he said.

Future directions
If this trend doesn’t change, two things could happen, according to Braunwart: either prices will start to go back up or there will be very little labradorite available on the market soon.

Because many of his clients for labradorite these days are for what he refers to as “makers”--those who create small-scale, lower price-point handcrafted jewelry one might see on websites such as Etsy--he believes that’s the direction in which the stone is heading.

“I think we’ll see a really interesting market change,” Braunwart said. “Labradorite will continue to sell, and I think it will grow in sales, but I don’t believe that will be within the traditional jewelry market.”

Rather, he believes that it will continue to be a go-to stone for these artisans and “makers” who are looking for affordable yet unique stones, instead of being sold by more traditional jewelry retailers.

He added that he believes if this happens, the jewelry industry will be missing out on an opportunity to appeal to millennials, who are looking for unique pieces and colored stones like labradorite. 

Dragone, meanwhile, has another prediction for the future.

There’s a gemstone in the trade that’s frequently referred to as “rainbow moonstone,” but it’s actually a variety of labradorite, according to the Gemological Institute of America. 

Regardless of how it’s referred to, Dragone has seen this rainbow-sheened stone take off in popularity. While it’s is much rarer and more expensive, this could represent the direction that labradorite will take in the future, he posited.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Kraft Mac & Cheese x Ring Concierge Forever Macaroni Necklace
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace

The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.

Angely Martinez emerald Promise ring
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise Ring

Set with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.

Stuller 2025-2026 bridal catalog
MajorsMay 02, 2025
Stuller’s New Bridal Catalog Is Here

“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Americut Gems
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple Effect

Though currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.

Weekly QuizMay 01, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Exterior of new David Yurman store in the Miami Design District
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Peek Inside David Yurman’s New Miami Flagship Store

Located in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.

Oscar Heyman emerald and diamond necklace
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for May

May babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.

ejap cohort 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Jewelers of America logo
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 Scholarships

The deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.

Stock image of an empty clothing store
SurveysApr 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits Pandemic-Level Low Amid Tariff Concerns

What’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.

2025 Instore Jewelry Show Graphic
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2025
Instore Show Debuts New Name, Look, and Focus

Now called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.

GemWorld GemGuide logo
SourcingApr 30, 2025
GemGuide Has a New Pricing Chart for Colombian Emeralds

It includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.

Tiffany & Co. Sea Turtle Ring
CollectionsApr 30, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Goes Deep-Sea Diving in New Blue Book

The “Sea of Wonder” collection features pieces inspired by the ocean, from its waves to flora and creatures like urchins and sea turtles.

Golconda Blue
AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From Auction

The 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.

G.B. Heron Jewelers sign
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 Years

G.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.

National Jeweler Columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?

Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.

Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7M

The miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.

Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry

U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.

Suzanne Kalan Tech Ring Jacket Collection
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket Collection

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

JCK Industry Fund
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant Recipients

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale Team

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.

Sylvie Jewelry Auranova Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Pomellato Nudo toi et moi ring
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Deborah Meyers Experience The Birds Earrings
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ Earrings

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

Melee diamonds from De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid Uncertainty

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Wolf CEO Simon Wolf
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. Expansion

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy