MARKET INTELLIGENCE 市场情报 GEMSWORLD | 53 | 2025 approach to jewellery is creating sentimental pieces that hold significance for the wearer and become part of her personal story. This is why I incorporated ornamental stones in The Eternal Dragon Collection.” Turquoise, for instance, carries a profound meaning for Shafie whose father is Persian. In Persia, now known as Iran, turquoise is called “firoozeh,” which means victory in Farsi, and is celebrated for its beauty as well as its various properties, Shafie added. Distinct beauty According to Wong Chunpiu, sourcing manager of Hong Kong gem and jewellery manufacturer Yee On Gems & Jewellery Fty Co Ltd, turquoise, which is marketed both as a gemstone and an ornamental piece, is one of the most popular opaque stones. A hydrated phosphate mineral composed of copper and aluminium, turquoise bears colours that range from sky blue to subdued greens, depending on the amount of iron and copper it contains. Wong said Yee On is expanding its offerings of turquoise jewellery to meet rising market demand, which now include beads, cabochons, fancy shapes and carvings. Meanwhile, Austria-based Iran Türkis casts the spotlight on its extensive selection of green turquoise. First discovered 25 years ago in Turkmenistan and then subsequently in Iran, green turquoise is rare and has exceptional hardness, according to company manager Christoph Meister. Green turquoise is also favoured for its unmatched colours, he added. While demand is increasing, the supply of green turquoise remains limited. Prices range from EUR 70 (around US$75) to EUR 150 (around US$160) per gram, based on the quality of the stone – specifically its colour and purity. “Turquoise is challenging to carve as it is a relatively soft material. We work with top carving companies in Germany to produce our hand-carved turquoise featuring motifs such as snakes, leaves, butterflies and seahorses,” said Meister. Evolving trends Wong of Yee On and Daniel Tong, director of Hong Kong based gemstone dealer San Wai Gems & Jewellery Fty Co Ltd, observed that the market for opaque gemstones has remained relatively stable over the years. However, prices are on the rise while buyers increasingly prioritise the quality of the gemstones. “Prices of opaque gemstones are consistently increasing because of the cost of materials and labour,” said Tong. “Buyers from the US and Europe tend to require larger quantities of stones but often prioritise lower quality. By comparison, Southeast Asians purchase in smaller quantities but have a strong preference for quality gems.” Wong also noted that Chinese buyers, in particular, demand higher-quality gemstones. Shafie, for her part, said turquoise and lapis lazuli are popular in Western countries and the Middle East. In Asia, onyx and mother-of-pearl are preferred while red jasper and jade are also in high demand. Meanwhile, Carlo Muniz, co-founder of Singapore-based Alta California & Co, and Stefan Weinz, CEO of Germanbased Günther Weinz GmbH, both attested to the desirability of red opaque materials such as fire agate and fire opal among Chinese buyers as red is considered an auspicious colour in Chinese culture. This reflects a broader trend of embracing cultural heritage. Shafie said black gained popularity in 2024 with the emergence of onyx or stones with darker tones in high-end jewellery collections. “Onyx is incredibly versatile. I see onyx jewellery pieces being worn in various occasions, from elegant evenings to relaxed outings,” said Shafie. Theresa Ling from Hong Kong jewellery manufacturer Omnia Jewellery agreed, adding that the combination of onyx with diamonds is quite trendy. “Onyx and diamonds create a striking contrast without overshadowing each other. The deep black colour of onyx enhances the brilliance of the diamonds, exuding a sense of elegance. Our clients respond positively to our onyx and diamond necklaces and rings,” said Ling. Fruity Juicy ring with melon-cut chrysoprase, onyx and diamonds from Cartier's Libre Tuttitutti Collection 卡地亚Libre Tuttitutti 系列的Fruity Juicy戒指 ， 镶嵌瓜形切割绿玉髓、 黑玛瑙和钻石 Golestan Mirror Maze set with turquoise, coloured gemstones and diamonds from the Palace Voyages Collection of Boghossian Boghossian Palace Voyages高级珠宝系列的 Golestan Mirror Maze首饰套装 ， 镶嵌绿松石、彩宝和钻石
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