A New Report Confirms: Colored Gemstones Are Rising in Value — and Becoming More Desired Than Ever

For generations, diamonds have held the reputation as the ultimate jewel of desire. But in recent years, that narrative has begun to shift. New data from 2025 shows that prices for colored gemstones continue to rise — and that the demand for rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and more unique treasures like tourmaline, spinel, and Paraíba has never been higher.

At Nangi, this development comes as no surprise. As the demand for genuine rarity grows, colored gemstones are finally taking the place they deserve — as nature’s most vibrant expression of beauty and individuality.

Above: Green Sapphire Ring with Pavé Diamonds

Colored Gemstones – Rarer Than Diamonds

While diamonds still symbolize eternal love, experts point out that many colored gemstones are, in fact, far rarer in nature. A high-quality ruby, a sapphire with a unique hue, or a deep green Colombian emerald are not only breathtaking — they are truly scarce.

This scarcity is one of the main reasons behind the price increase. Reports show that colored gemstones have appreciated by 10–20% over the past decade, with an explosive surge during the pandemic years. At the same time, supply remains limited. Small-scale mining, such as in Sri Lanka — where many of our gemstones originate — means that extraction happens gently, by hand, and with respect for the environment. Each gem becomes a rare discovery, not a mass-produced resource.

Above: Blue Sapphire Ring stacked with Diamond Band

Why More People Are Choosing Color

The new report points to several reasons for the surge in popularity of colored gemstones:

Uniqueness and individuality – No two sapphires or tourmalines are ever the same. When you choose a colored gemstone, you choose an expression that belongs only to you.

Investment in rarity – Many now view larger rubies, sapphires, and emeralds as reliable long-term investments in an uncertain world.

Ethical and sustainable value – While the diamond industry continues to face controversy, colored gemstones are increasingly tied to transparency, small-scale mining, and responsible sourcing.

Above: Expolore Our Collection Of Unique Sapphire Rings

Conscious Luxury – A New Definition of Value

Today, luxury is no longer defined by price, but by purpose (Gardetti 2020). The record-breaking sale of a 16.5-carat Brazilian alexandrite for $1.9 million at a New York auction in December 2024 is a spectacular example — but the deeper meaning lies elsewhere: in choosing something genuinely rare, responsibly sourced, and built to be passed down through generations.

At Nangi, we work with gemstones from Sri Lanka, mined through regulated small-scale operations. After mining, the land is filled and restored, often transforming into fertile farmland — a reminder that true value can never be mass-produced.

Learn more about small-scale mining in Sri Lanka here.

Colored Gemstones and the Future of Love

In the world of bridal and engagement jewelry, colored gemstones are quickly gaining ground. Recent data shows that they represented 15% of the market in 2024, a share expected to keep growing. Sapphires in blue, green, and teal tones are particularly sought-after, while tourmalines, spinels, and garnets are becoming rising stars.

When you choose an engagement ring with a colored gemstone, you’re choosing more than a piece of jewelry. You’re choosing a love story — unique, personal, and as rare as the stone itself.

See our beautiful gem stones here

Above: Eearrings and Necklaces & Pendants with Colored Gemstones

A Rarity Worth Protecting

The global market is showing us something clear: colored gemstones are not just beautiful — they are becoming increasingly rare. And with rarity comes responsibility: to source them in ways that empower local communities, protect nature, and preserve traditional craftsmanship.

When you wear a ruby, sapphire, or tourmaline from Nangi, you carry more than color from the earth’s core. You carry a piece of history — shaped by nature, culture, and care — one that will continue to grow in value, both emotionally and economically.

The Nangi Values

Colored gemstones are the future of luxury. Not because they are new, but because they have always been rare. And now, the world is beginning to recognize what we have known all along: true beauty lives in what is unique, responsible, and meaningful.

Read more about sapphires with a conscience