Radiance of Colour: Inside Australia’s Growing Gemstone Market
As the global jewellery landscape continues to evolve, Australia’s appetite for coloured gemstones is reaching vibrant new heights. Driven by shifting consumer values, a disrupted diamond market, and a desire for individuality, the demand for natural coloured stones is reshaping how jewellers design, source, and sell their pieces in 2025.
A Colourful Surge: What’s Driving Demand?
Across the board, Australian gemstone suppliers are seeing an undeniable surge in interest for coloured stones — particularly sapphires, emeralds, opals, and tourmalines. The emergence of lab-grown diamonds has pushed some consumers toward coloured stones, as they seek a natural, valuable alternative that stands apart.
“With the introduction and publicising of the lab-grown diamond as a competitor to natural diamonds, coloured gemstones — especially sapphires — have increased in popularity,” says The Gem Monarchy. “Australian sapphires move fast, not only due to price but because Australians love supporting locally sourced gemstones.”
Similarly, O’Neils reports a strong consumer shift: “Consumers who can’t afford natural diamonds and don’t want a lab-grown alternative — due to the rapid decline in their value — are turning to coloured stones. Natural options offer better value for money and a unique look, especially in colours and patterns like teal and parti sapphires.”
Hamid Bros, a trusted name in gems for over 70 years, also notes a strong appetite for individuality. “There’s been an enormous increase in demand, driven by a greater appreciation for the natural beauty and uniqueness of coloured stones. Blue Sri Lankan and Madagascan sapphires, teal and parti sapphires, emeralds, and aquamarines are all seeing strong demand.”
Supply Chains, Pricing & Sourcing Realities
While interest is booming, global supply chains haven’t fully stabilised post-pandemic — and the impact on availability and pricing is significant.
“Supply chains and mining have been disrupted, limiting availability of fine-quality gems,” notes Hamid Bros. “High demand is also driving prices up. Fortunately, our long-standing relationships with suppliers help us maintain access to top-grade stones.”
The Gem Monarchy, which operates as a vertically integrated “mine to jeweller” business, says their model allows them to stay agile in a complex market.
“We source directly from over 12 countries, including Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Australia and Mozambique. Our in-house cutting ensures precision and polish, which adds value beyond just availability.”
In contrast, Soklich & Co. highlights the benefits of long-term, trusted supplier relationships — while also being open to unexpected local finds. “We’ve sourced from the same partners for decades but stay alert to new opportunities. Recently, a local farmer introduced us to a batch of pale green tourmalines — a beautiful surprise, and we’re hoping they’ll keep supplying us.”
Ethical Sourcing: Transparency in Focus
With consumer awareness growing around ethics and sustainability, gemstone suppliers are being asked to do more to ensure transparency.
The Gem Monarchy leads the way in traceability: “We are a true mine-to-jeweller business, so transparency is embedded in our model. We’re ethically accredited members of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), the American Gem Society, and the Jewellers Association of Australia.”
Hamid Bros, also a member of ICA, takes a thoughtful view of ethics in the coloured gemstone trade. “Most coloured stone mining is done by artisanal miners — individuals and families working independently. While issues like child labour are extremely rare, there’s a broader discussion to be had about what ethical sourcing really means across cultures and mining types.” O’Neils focuses on consumer trust through communication.
“We inform customers of a gemstone’s geographical origin where possible, and provide certification for high-value stones. It’s about giving the buyer peace of mind.”
Looking Ahead: Trends to Watch in 2025
So what’s next for the coloured gemstone market? According to Hamid Bros, consumer education and desire for uniqueness will continue driving growth. “Demand for fine quality and cut remains strong. Clients want individuality — the charm of a one-of-a-kind gemstone.”
O’Neils agrees: “We believe the preference for natural, uniquely coloured stones will only strengthen in 2025.”
At Soklich & Co., the outlook also includes a revival of earthy tones: “Champagne diamonds, particularly in the C4 to C7 range, are aligning beautifully with this year’s mocha-toned Pantone colours. Natural gemstones never go out of style.”
Meanwhile, The Gem Monarchy sees itself not just responding to trends — but setting them. “Many times, a stone from our collection becomes the centerpiece of a piece that sets off a new trend across the trade. It’s gratifying to see our gems become part of that story.”
A Vibrant Future for Colour in Australia
Whether driven by style, sustainability, or affordability, coloured gemstones are finding their place at the heart of Australian jewellery. From the jeweller’s bench to the consumer’s collection, these vibrant stones offer stories, provenance, and beauty that go beyond the sparkle — connecting Australia to a global network of trade, tradition, and transformation. As Hamid Bros puts it, “The future of the coloured stone market is bright — and beautifully individual.”
1. What is driving the increase in demand for coloured gemstones in Australia? The demand is surging due to several factors: a desire for individuality, a strong consumer shift away from lab-grown diamonds (due to their rapid decline in value), and a growing appreciation for the natural beauty and uniqueness of coloured stones like sapphires, emeralds, and opals.
2. Why are Australian consumers choosing coloured stones instead of natural or lab-grown diamonds? Consumers are seeking a valuable, natural alternative to diamonds. Those who can’t afford natural diamonds but don’t want the depreciating value of a lab-grown alternative are turning to coloured stones because they offer better value for money and a unique look.
3. What types of coloured gemstones are most popular in the Australian market right now? Australian gemstone suppliers are seeing the highest interest in sapphires (especially Australian, Sri Lankan, Madagascan, teal, and parti sapphires), emeralds, opals, aquamarines, and tourmalines.
4. How have global supply chains affected the price and availability of fine-quality gemstones? Post-pandemic supply chain and mining disruptions have limited the availability of fine-quality gems. High demand, coupled with limited supply, is driving up prices for popular stones.
5. What does the term “mine-to-jeweller” mean in the coloured gemstone industry? “Mine-to-jeweller” describes a vertically integrated business model where the supplier manages the entire process from sourcing the rough stone directly from mines (often in over 12 countries), to in-house cutting, and finally selling to the jeweller, which ensures transparency and control.
6. What is the current approach to ethical sourcing and transparency in the coloured gemstone trade? Transparency is a key focus. Suppliers are ensuring traceability, becoming members of ethical accreditation bodies like the ICA, informing customers of a gemstone’s geographical origin where possible, and providing certification for high-value stones to build consumer trust.
7. How does the rise of lab-grown diamonds impact the popularity of natural coloured sapphires? The introduction and publicizing of lab-grown diamonds as a competitor to natural diamonds has directly increased the popularity of coloured gemstones, particularly sapphires, as consumers look for a natural and valuable stone that truly stands apart.
8. What are the key gemstone trends to watch for in 2025? Key trends for 2025 include a continued strong preference for natural, uniquely coloured stones, a high demand for fine quality and cut, and a revival of earthy tones like champagne diamonds (C4 to C7 range) that align with mocha-toned colours.
9. Are ethical issues like child labour common in the artisanal coloured stone mining industry? Most coloured stone mining is done by artisanal miners (individuals/families). While suppliers note that issues like child labour are extremely rare, the industry recognizes a broader discussion is needed about what ethical sourcing means across different cultures and mining types.
10. Why is individuality and uniqueness driving gemstone purchases in Australia? Clients are increasingly looking for a “one-of-a-kind” piece. Coloured gemstones naturally offer this individuality, as each stone has a unique cut, colour, or pattern (like the teal and parti sapphires), allowing the consumer to own a piece that tells a distinct story.