FOCUS 焦点 GEMSWORLD | 8 | 2026 In the vast and highly complex world of jewellery and gemstones, colour now symbolises vigour and vitality more strongly than ever. Consumers are choosing colour, and in the gem trade, the enduring allure of rubies, sapphires and emeralds is driving robust demand for gems of exceptional quality and verified provenance. Dealers are also looking to inject stability in their inventories, venturing into coloured gems as difficulties prevail in the natural diamond business. Meanwhile, high jewellers increasingly incorporating top gems in their collections are further fuelling consumer appetite and cementing coloured gems’ status as luxury items. Other gems are also growth contributors. Apart from the Big Three, these are expected to gain momentum in 2026 while new markets such as India and the Middle East could also support growth. Amid ongoing headwinds such as supply constraints, hefty US tariffs and political and economic instability, the gem trade has reinforced its longterm potential, signalling a resilient and stable future. Shifting landscapes Gemstone traders are pointing to a growing interest in colour as a potential catalyst for growth. According to Damien Cody, president of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) and director of Cody Opal (Australia) Pty Ltd, this shift towards coloured gems is driven by multiple factors. He said a good deal of it is coming from the diamond segment, which has probably reduced in size over time with the influx of labgrown diamonds and the impact it has had on prices. “It can be consumer-driven too, but a lot of it is led by retailers possibly looking for a more stable product in their inventory line that will produce more reliable profit outlooks. That is certainly a big part of it,” revealed Cody. The gem sector improved notably in 2025, coming from a subdued environment marked by political, economic and social instability across the | Bernardette Sto. Domingo 杜明高 | The coloured gemstone trade is on the cusp of transformation, shaped by rising demand for colour and individuality, sustained appetite for opulent gems and the emergence of new, affluent markets. 彩色宝石行业正处于转型的关键时刻，其发展由三大趋势 推动：市场对色彩与个性化需求不断上升、买家对奢华宝石 的追求热潮，以及新兴富裕市场的崛起。 The future is colour 色彩定义未来
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