Colored Stone Market

Posted on May 1, 2020 by Stuart M. Robertson, GIA GG

The jewelry industry, like so many, has been severely impacted by the virus. Conflicting reports have some claiming sharp declines in prices, others no real change. Mining companies have mostly closed down. With no rough surplus to push prices lower, prices are not decreasing yet, but could if the situation does not improve soon. Social media selling has been successful as a backup to many companies. Designers and custom jewelers are still buying, even if lower price points.

Colored Stone Market

Colored Stone Market – January 2020

Posted on January 1, 2020 by Stuart M. Robertson, GIA GG

Young consumers continue to drive jewelry trends. Applying old marketing models to new consumers will miss the mark. Responsible sourcing continues to impact supply and demand. As large companies mine aggressively, some areas get exhausted rapidly. Sapphire remains king and expected to remain into this decade.

Colored Stone Market

Colored Stone Market – November 2019

Posted on November 1, 2019 by Stuart M. Robertson, GIA GG

The outlook for the holiday season is cautious. Colored stone price levels held firm during an otherwise lackluster Hong Kong show. Color outperforming other areas of the jewelry trade. Price points continue to shift in response tighter spending by millennials.

Colored Stone Market

Colored Stone Market

Posted on August 27, 2019 by Stuart M. Robertson, GIA GG

Challenges are affecting global appetite for gem products. Prices stable for finer quality natural gems. Bumpy road ahead but long-term outlook pretty positive. Mining sector fast to respond to current economic conditions. Confidence solidly behind…

Colored Stone Market

The Las Vegas Gem Shows and the Colored Stone Market

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Stuart M. Robertson, GIA GG

Optimistic expectations mostly missed the mark this year in Las Vegas. The new venue and size made navigating just too difficult in year one. Sourcing fine quality ruby at affordable prices has become very challenging…

Colored Stone Market

Colored Stone Market – May 2019

Posted on April 30, 2019 by Stuart M. Robertson, GIA GG

The colored stone market is experiencing improved demand ahead of the Las Vegas Shows. The big-3 lead demand but many gem varieties are selling well. Small designers and artists reshaping demand in the colored stone…

Colored Stone Market

Tucson Gem Shows 2019

Posted on March 1, 2019 by Stuart M. Robertson, GIA GG

Tucson sets expectations for 2019. Good demand for an array of colored stones. Two industries, one new and one old. Sapphires are king but everyone loves garnets. The emeralds of Ethiopia surprisingly scarce. Emerald disclosure or blunder? The…

Colored Stone Market

Colored Stone Market

Posted on December 31, 2018 by Stuart M. Robertson, GIA GG

Demand for colored gems met expectations with optimism for 2019. Sapphires remain the most sought after gemstone in color. Colored stone earrings were strong jewelry sellers. Young new artistic energy is generating strong business. As…

Colored Stone Market

Colored Stone Market – November 2018

Posted on October 31, 2018 by Stuart M. Robertson, GIA GG

Optimism increasing for holiday shopping season. In general U.S. gem trade experienced growth during first nine months of the year. Millennials emerging to be largest class of luxury consumers but source traceability more important factor…

Colored Stone Market

Colored Stone Market – Sept 2018

Posted on September 1, 2018 by Stuart M. Robertson, GIA GG

The market experiences seasonal business, while dealers working with unusual and nonconventional product see a surge in demand. Sapphire continues to dominate the colored stone market but tourmaline, beryl and spinel also quite popular. Imposition of rough…

Colored Stone Market