Top-quality, exceptional coloured gemstones alongside online jewellery auctions will gain further momentum in 2021 on the back of sustained consumer demand, according to Bonhams.

The company expects strong market appetite for rare, unheated gems, owing to the depletion of some mines. Spinels, for instance, proved quite promising based on their performance at Bonhams auctions, and their popularity will likely continue in 2021. 

Pink diamonds are also seen to attract extra attention throughout the year, with the closure of the Argyle mine resulting in fewer pinks in the market.

Citing a significant shift towards online sales in 2020, the auction house anticipates continued market support for digital initiatives.

Bonhams’ Head of Jewellery in Hong Kong Leslie Roskind commented, “While undoubtedly there will still be a place for traditional auctions in the saleroom, the fast-tracked digital route in 2020 has already changed and will continue to change the way in which jewellery collectors spend.”

As such, the company expects an increase in “online-only” sales in 2021 – such as its Luxury Online programme launched in May last year – to support its offline offerings.