2026 Trending Gemstones
Published on May 6th, 2026 by HEFJ.
Moveover diamonds! In 2026, colored gemstones have become a strategic pillar of the luxury jewelry market — driven by scarcity, cultural shifts, and a growing demand for pieces that carry both aesthetic power and defensible value.
Today's buyer isn't just looking for something beautiful. They want something intentional — a stone with a story, a provenance, and a point of view. Colored gemstones deliver all three.
Below is a quick look at three stones defining the conversation this year in 2026.
EMERALDS
Emeralds have a personality that no other green stone can replicate. The depth, the warmth, the way they seem to glow from within — it's a combination of color and natural inclusions (called a "jardin") that actually gives each stone its character. Unlike sapphires, emeralds don't span a wide color range — their power is in how many variations of green exist within the stone itself. In 2026, emerald engagement rings are one of the fastest growing requests we're seeing, and it makes sense. It's a stone that feels both timeless and genuinely distinctive.
SAPPHIRES
Sapphires might be the most versatile stone in existence — and most people don't realize it. Sapphires remain one of the strongest performers in the colored gemstone market but what's shifting in 2026 is which sapphires clients want. Yellow and green sapphires are taking center stage, pulling attention away from the traditional royal blue. These hues in particular are driving bespoke commissions for clients who want something that reads as fine and considered without defaulting to the obvious. If you've ever thought sapphires weren't your thing, you likely just haven't met the right one yet.
PARAIBA TOURMALINES
Paraíba tourmalines have become increasingly present in high jewelry commissions and private sales, and the pricing reflects exactly how rare this stone has become. Utilized in high jewelry pieces designed by Tiffany & Co., Bulgari & many others, Paraíba tourmalines are for clients who want something genuinely rare and visually unlike anything else. This is the stone worth the conversation.
