Color Coming Soon
This year is shaping up to be a truly colorful one. Colored gemstones have never before been in such demand; diamonds have always been top dog in the U.S.! De Beers made sure of that. But now colored gems are creeping into diamond territory for fashion and engagement rings, and merchants find themselves in unfamiliar new territory: They’re stocking more color.
Original Designs / ODI
From media reports of increased color sales to PANTONE declarations, pop culture phenomena, and new collections from makers, there’s clear proof that consumers are buying more colored stone jewelry. Types include birthstone numbers, bypass rings, oversize gold jewels, and one-of-a-kind and limited-edition collections. There’s a style and color for every season and shopper, confirms SHEFI Diamonds’ Marketing Director Surbhi Jain.
“For fall-winter, bold statement jewelry like chandelier earrings and cocktail rings take center stage, with rich gemstones such as garnet and emerald reflecting the season’s elegance,” she observes. “Spring-summer collections feature lightweight, breezy designs with dainty chains, charm bracelets, and vibrant gemstones like aquamarine and pink sapphire.”
And PANTONE’s Mocha Mousse for 2025? She suspects it will be a hit.
“It’s a refined and sophisticated color that blends earthy brown tones with timeless elegance. Its warm, neutral palette makes it highly versatile and a subtle yet elegant alternative to bolder colors—ideal for customers who prefer a more understated, sophisticated style. In casual wear, bridal jewelry, or even bold statement pieces, Mocha Mousse elevates any design, ensuring it remains a sought-after choice in 2025.”
Given the steady stream of media reports about the rising importance of colored gemstones, it’s no surprise that manufacturers are beefing up options. Trend watchers from National Jeweler spied plenty of color on the trade show floors during the 2024 Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
SHEFI Diamonds is also loading up on sapphires for 2025, particularly shades of blue.
One of the biggest takeaways from the article? If you want it, buy it ASAP. Stuart Robertson, president of Gemworld International Inc., issued a stern warning in the piece: After items sell, dealers are having to buy replacement goods at prices “higher than what they sold for.”
In a JCK article this fall, another industry exec declared that “Colored gemstones will dominate in 2025.” His proof?
Among those who’re paying attention? Original Designs / ODI—it recently debuted a Peacock collection comprising playful motifs of the bird outfitted in super joyful colored gemstone combinations. Think blue topaz that looks like Paraíba tourmaline, multicolor sapphires, Ethiopian opals, and plenty of the Big Three. Brothers and company co-owners Arun and Adam Bassalali have always strived to produce “modern jewelry focusing on bright and bold gemstones,” they tell followers on their @lali.jewels Instagram account.
“They’ve consistently been among our top-performing gemstones,” says Jain. Also trending? Emeralds. “We see them taking center stage this year,” she adds.
The brand will use these gems in lightweight designs for value seekers as well as sentimental styles. “There’s a growing demand for meaningful designs—pieces that tell a story or hold a personal connection,” says Jain. “Seasonal inspirations also play a significant role, with designs reflecting the beauty of nature, current trends, and the unique energy of each time of year.”
At Original Designs / ODI, Valerie Fletcher is expanding its Precious Crush collection to include new gems and colors like peridot and citrine.
“Crushed gems are used to create a layered, multi-tone gemstone surface that is rich, vibrant, and affordable,” explains the vice president of design and product development.
Meanwhile, Ostbye is bringing back the oval shape for center stones in birthstone pieces. They’ll be different colors, all with diamond accents.
“They’re a nod to the 1980s,” says Theresa Namie, merchandise manager.
Customers have been asking for other rad silhouettes like marquise and elongated cushions set in bold
LALI Jewels
gold and two-tone styles.
New fun gold styles will be big (like shoulder pads) but affordable, and clients recently got a peek since the brand had just released a spring catalog.
“People are looking for larger centers, for statement jewelry,” she adds. “They want to understand the emotion behind the stones, the inspiration for pieces. If they can wrap their brains around those stories, jewels are easier to sell. Everything new is inspired by the 1980s and retro fashion, but we’re leaving those ’80s hairdos behind.”