With so many different color stories happening in fashion, and so many more gemstones finding new appreciation (here’s looking at you, Rainbow moonstone), there are loads of color options with which jewelry manufacturers can get creative.

The high-end jewelry market including fashion brands and jewelry houses is doubling down on colored stones for their uniqueness and value compared to diamonds. Styles of choice include statement necklaces, Y necklaces, and chokers, as seen at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards. These looks will translate to everyday pieces by way of more widely available gems like white topaz, aquamarine, and mother of pearl, all options available at the Royal Chain Group.

Royal Chain

“We will continue to mix highly polished yellow gold with natural gemstones because customers still are requesting yellow metal in the pieces,” explains Phillip Gabriel Maroof, creative director and designer.

Mixed colors in mosaics and linear designs are also popular, styles which LALI Jewels and Samuel B. both have—the former in karat gold and the latter in sterling silver. And though some say minimalist styles are out, others remain committed to the easy-to-buy, layer, and gift looks.

“In addition to our new stackable rings, we recently added daintier and more affordable lab-grown luxury pieces at the request of our retailers,” explains Monica McDaniel, vice president and marketing director for Chatham, which makes lab-grown gemstone jewelry.

“These smaller pieces are a perfect way to get more first-time luxury jewelry buyers. They also work well with the popular layering trend as they complement our larger jewelry pieces”, continues McDaniel.

While the lab-grown diamond sector is facing challenges based on its explosive growth, McDaniel is confident about increasing demand in the lab-grown color category. Her company saw growth last year that it expects to continue.

“Plumb Club’s most recent ‘Plumb Club Industry and Market Insights ’ research shows that today’s jewelry buyers are more aware of lab-grown gems and more open to buying them than ever before,” she adds. “In fact, findings reveal that 83% of consumers surveyed are open to buying lab-grown gemstones once they learn that they are the same chemically, physically, and optically as their mined counterparts. We think this momentum will continue to grow throughout 2026.”

To that end, Chatham has added 24 new statement rings, cluster designs, and huggie-style earrings.

New styles at ODI/Original Designs include solitaire rings and pendants in Big Three gems, and reversible, multicolor numbers in other varieties.

“We are continuing to expand Precious Crush [collection],” says Valerie Fletcher, vice president of design and product development.

ODI/Original Designs

The effect? A darker, more intense color on one side, and a lighter, softer color on the other.

And important for every maker—and merchant—is the story behind the stone; tell the tale well and the piece becomes a storied heirloom. To reinforce that momentum, educational giant GIA has updated its reports for colored stones to have “more of a story-telling vibe,” notes Fletcher. Also new? An expansion of its country-of-origin service.

“Knowing the history, provenance, and mythology surrounding gemstones is a great way to romance the stone and make the sale,” she confirms.