AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
Events & AwardsFeb 06, 2016
7 Market Updates from AGTA GemFair
The two-tier gemstone market, trending colors, and best-selling gemstones were all addressed by Richard Drucker of GemWorld International in a recent seminar at AGTA GemFair.
Tucson, Ariz.--As 2016 gets going and the colored gemstone industry takes over Tucson, it’s a good time to examine what trends shaped the gem market last year and what will affect it in the year ahead.
On Thursday morning, Richard Drucker of GemWorld International gave a market update at AGTA GemFair, outlining what he found when he recently surveyed AGTA member gemstone dealers on supply, demand and pricing trends as well as what stones sold best for them in 2015.
Highlights from his seminar are as follows.
1. The two-tier market. Colored gemstones are operating in a two-tiered market right now. The high end is doing well and there is a lot of demand for fine gems. At the same time, demand for rare and beautiful gems peaked in 2015, especially when it comes to the market for non-heated sapphires and rubies, as well as Paraiba tourmaline.
Drucker said in the lower price points, the “bread-and-butter” material are the gems weighing between 1 and 2 carats, but possibly up to 5 carats if price points are met. The middle tier, he said, “is dead.”
2. New buying habits. Consumer purchasing habits are changing, and shoppers today are looking for lab reports for gems more than ever before, he said. Customers also are asking for specific colors instead of specific stones, perhaps substituting popular, more expensive gems with affordable-yet- comparable stones, and are showing more concern about possible treatments.
3. Retailer gem knowledge. According to the survey Drucker did of gem dealers, many expressed concern over retailers not understanding color as well as they should. “There is so much opportunity to educate consumers in colors, but retailers need to be educated first,” he said.
4. Best-sellers. Here is what gem dealers reported as their best-selling stones: sapphire (blue is number one, with the other shades a distant second), rubies, fine emeralds, tanzanite, aquamarine, tourmaline, garnets, spinel and morganite.
5. Trending stones. Lately, there’s been a return to the classics--sapphires, emeralds and rubies--while rare and unusual stones still are selling because of their uniqueness and the design opportunities they provide. Rough crystals and minerals also are on-trend.
Alexandrite at the high end also is doing well, where prices for a 1-carat stone can go as high as $16,000 per carat. “Our caution here is what’s happening with nomenclature,” Drucker said, noting that there has been an increase in the number of stones being marketed as alexandrite
that don’t exhibit the classic color change.
6. Problems with lab reports. While everyone seems to understand and agree upon the value of a lab report, one issue gemstone dealers mentioned in Drucker’s survey is the inconsistency when it comes to the nomenclature used for gem varieties. For example, is Paraiba an origin or a “look?” What color exactly constitutes a padparadscha sapphire?
“There is absolutely no consistency,” Drucker said.
Color nomenclature is another issue that arose with the dealers who were surveyed. Demand for naming colors to describe gemstones started overseas, Drucker said, and is strongest there. The concern expressed by AGTA dealers is that, like nomenclature, labs all have their own standards for what makes a stone “pigeon’s blood” red, for example, or “cornflower blue.” This creates confusion on multiple levels.
“If we’re confused, where does that leave the consumer?” Drucker asked.
7. Future predictions. Drucker said there’s a lot of uncertainty ahead, especially as global markets remain in flux and as the United States faces an election year, raising the question, will consumers shy away from gems or will they move toward tangible assets?
6. Problems with lab reports. While everyone seems to understand and agree upon the value of a lab report, one issue gemstone dealers mentioned in Drucker’s survey is the inconsistency when it comes to the nomenclature used for gem varieties. For example, is Paraiba an origin or a “look?” What color exactly constitutes a padparadscha sapphire?
“There is absolutely no consistency,” Drucker said.
Color nomenclature is another issue that arose with the dealers who were surveyed. Demand for naming colors to describe gemstones started overseas, Drucker said, and is strongest there. The concern expressed by AGTA dealers is that, like nomenclature, labs all have their own standards for what makes a stone “pigeon’s blood” red, for example, or “cornflower blue.” This creates confusion on multiple levels.
“If we’re confused, where does that leave the consumer?” Drucker asked.
7. Future predictions. Drucker said there’s a lot of uncertainty ahead, especially as global markets remain in flux and as the United States faces an election year, raising the question, will consumers shy away from gems or will they move toward tangible assets?
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
