Appetite for luxury jewellery and exceptional pieces are fuelling demand in the trade, with buyers setting their sights on provenance, quality and distinctive designs.

Monto Badhalia, founder of Taiwan-based Rare Gems Co Ltd, said buyers are gravitating towards extremely high-end pieces, led by unheated blue sapphires, unheated “Pigeon’s Blood” Burmese rubies and no-oil emeralds.

“Interest in these gems is quite strong now. These high-value items are high in demand even during challenging times,” noted Badhalia. “I am quite optimistic about business prospects this year since buyers are increasingly opting for fine coloured gemstones.”

In particular, consumers are turning to high-value items like unheated, top-quality coloured gemstones as investments, the company official said.

Rare Gems recently unveiled a statement necklace adorned with Sri Lankan blue sapphires of 188 carats in total and diamond accents. The piece comes with a matching ring and pair of earrings. The jeweller is also offering a necklace embellished with a 200-carat-plus no-heat Santa Maria aquamarine.

High-end jewellery designer Viktor Moiseikin, meanwhile, recently unveiled new collections that appeal to consumers’ aspirations for exceptional and meaningful pieces. One example is the Minara Collection, which takes inspiration from the rich Arabic culture.

"Minara means light. It is also a homage to a minaret, which in Arabic, means beacon and is a symbol of Arabic architecture,” shared Viktor. The jewellery pieces feature amethyst or blue topaz stones.

Response to the new collection has been positive so far since it resonates with buyers who are on the lookout for something unique and culturally relevant. The market's desire for beauty and yearning to celebrate occasions could fuel continued interest in one-of-a-kind pieces, noted Viktor.