WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
OtherFeb 09, 2016
Rocks On: Color Predictions for the Tucson Gem Shows
In this month’s Rocks On, National Jeweler looks at which colored gemstones dealers expect to be most popular at the upcoming Tucson gem shows.
Pale pink hues, as seen in the morganite at the center of this Audrius Krulis ring, are expected to sell well at the upcoming gem shows in Tucson, Ariz.
New York--It’s about that time of year again.
Just as many areas of the country are hunkering down to get through the worst of winter, any and all involved in the colored gemstone market are heading out to desert to attend the Tucson gem shows, where an array of gems in all colors of the rainbow will be on display.
The hottest gems among buyers can be influenced by a number of factors, including trends that have carried over from the last year and the colors Pantone predicts will be popping up everywhere.
Here are the hues gemstone dealers and suppliers expect to be popular in Arizona this year.
Cotton candy colors
During last year’s shows, many exhibitors reported to National Jeweler that blues and pinks were selling well, and it seems like that will be a theme in Tucson again this year, with blue stones in particular expected to be in demand.
“I continue to see blue gemstones as being the most popular sellers for our customers,” said Richard Shull of gemstone dealer Out of Our Mines, adding that he expects to continue to see a demand for fine turquoise, indicolite, Peruvian blue opal and Paraiba tourmaline.
In fact, it seems like tourmaline stones in general could be one of the stars of the Tucson shows, offering up both saturated, stronger blues as well as blue-green and other even lighter hues.
Caesar Habib of Kaiser Gems, meanwhile, said that his company has been getting many inquiries for aquamarine since the end of the holiday season, which could be due to the fact that it is the March birthstone. He said that most of the customers looking for aquamarine center stones are requesting medium to medium-dark gems ranging in price from $200 to $300 per carat.
Similarly, gemstone dealer Kimberly Collins said she believes aquamarine, pale blue sapphires and the “sea foam/ocean colors of tourmaline” will be popular.
RELATED CONTENT: The Top Gems of 2015
Pantone’s colors of the year--Serenity and Rose Quartz--also will play a strong part in what is popular in Tucson. Not only will it help push the blues to the forefront, especially in softer hues, but the blush hue of Rose Quartz likely will boost demand for many light pink stones.
At the top of this list, not surprisingly, is the gemstone rose quartz as well as morganite. The latter stone has
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
been riding high for some time now. While it might not yet make up as large a percentage of sales as more well-known stones such as sapphires, it likely will continue to close that gap this year.
Habib said that in addition to aquamarine, the other stone they’ve been getting requests for almost daily has been for morganite valued at between $65 and $75 per carat, mostly in pear-shaped sets of two or three for earrings and a pendant.
The big three
For Diana Atieno at Porini Gems, it looks likely that sapphires, rubies and emeralds will maintain their in-demand status. At the same time, tsavorite garnet, a possible alternative to emeralds, is expected to be popular during the gem shows, she said.
“Its brilliance is unmatched and its green is very intense, giving it quite a sparkle,” she said. “Color is becoming quite a trend in engagement and wedding rings, and now people are looking for colored gems, especially tsavorite, for their center stones. I can say that tsavorites are the new diamonds.”
Meanwhile, while traditional blue sapphires will continue to reign, many dealers noted that they expect sapphires of all colors to sell.
With a variety of colors that can be applied to many trends, fancy sapphires seem to be a favorite when it comes to the new bridal market. Today’s young bride is looking for something that will set her apart, and as gemstone dealer Collins noted, “There is so much opportunity to do that when working with colored stones, specifically sapphires or spinel.”
She added that they provide even more size for the customer’s budget as well as a greater bottom line for the retailer. What’s more, she said, increased marketing of fancy colored diamonds is helping to boost interest in fancy sapphires.
Fine and rare stones
Today’s consumer, as has been discussed time and again, is looking for something different to express themselves, and in Tucson this could come in the form of buyers looking for that unusual or exceptional stone.
“This year I expect there to be a premium on fine and rare items,” said Bill Heher of gemstone company Rare Earth Mining, noting that he’s been seeing a rush on chrysocolla and Mexican jelly fire opal in unusual shapes, and expects to have a good show with fine rutilated quartz and cat’s eye stones.
For Boston Gems, moonstone tends to be particularly strong in Tucson, according to Paul Dragone. In fact, the company’s booth usually is comprised of 80 percent moonstone with five different varieties. But he also noted one new area that had opened up for them recently.
“The surprise stone for the holidays … that I feel will hold going forward into the summer is alexandrite,” Dragone said. “We had an unusually high volume of calls this season for matched pairs, melee and medium to large singles.”
Even as the finer material offering the best color-change characteristics has become increasingly difficult to source, pushing prices increasingly higher, consumer purchase history has shown us that there always will those willing to pay the price for that rarity.
More on Other
The Latest
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
