Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
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.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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.
More on Other
The Latest
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
