Coloured gemstones continue to acquire traction in the international jewellery industry as buyers become more discerning and expressive in their choice of jewellery – taking into account design, colour combination and overall appeal.

For centuries, the famed trio of rubies, sapphires and emeralds have been perennial favourites, easily infusing value and elegance into any jewellery piece. 

An array of non-conventional gemstones however is rising in prominence in the jewellery and gemstone world, driven by consumers’ ever-evolving preferences. 

According to the International Colored Gemstone Association, market demand for special gems like Paraiba tourmaline, spinel, rubellite and tsavorite is expected to stabilise in 2021 after a challenging 2020. 

Gemstones falling within Pantone’s colours of the year – Ultimate Gray and Illuminating – could also gain steam in the market.

These include gems in bright yellow hues for Illuminating such as yellow sapphire and opal, Imperial topaz and citrine. Yellow diamond, golden beryl (heliodore), chrysoberyl, garnet, tourmaline, jade, peridot (in yellow or lemon hues), amber, South Sea pearl and zircon can also be considered as Illuminating colours. 

Grey spinel, sapphire, smoky quartz, onyx, jade, labradorite, moonstone and even black and grey diamonds meanwhile fall under the Ultimate Gray category.