The Most Popular Gemstones
for Luxury Jewelry
2026 Report
for Luxury Jewelry
2026 Report
This comprehensive report illuminates the most popular gemstones that define luxury in today's sophisticated market, offering data-driven insights for discerning collectors and gift-givers alike.
The Sparkling State of the Jewelry Market
The American fine jewelry market continues to exhibit remarkable strength and dynamism. Valued at an impressive $78 billion, the industry is fueled by robust consumer spending, with Americans investing an average of $240 per person annually in jewelry.
This vibrant market is no longer solely defined by tradition; today's consumers are driven by evolving tastes that prioritize personalization, self-expression, and a broad spectrum of gemstones that go far beyond the classics.
This creates an exciting landscape where individual stories can be told through a dazzling array of colors, cuts, and styles. The modern jewelry consumer seeks pieces that resonate with their personal narrative, whether that's a timeless diamond solitaire or an exotic tanzanite that captures their unique spirit.
This shift toward individualized luxury has opened up unprecedented opportunities for both collectors and those seeking meaningful gifts.
$78B
Market Value
Total U.S. fine jewelry industry valuation
$240
Per Capita
Average annual jewelry spend per American
This report will explore the definitive list of America's most popular gemstones, analyze key seasonal buying trends, and provide a practical toolkit for making informed decisions. Understanding these market dynamics empowers consumers to make choices that balance aesthetic preference with investment value, ensuring that every purchase tells a story worth treasuring.
© 2025 Gems | All rights reserved
The Definitive List: The Top 25 Gemstones
Understanding the hierarchy of gemstone popularity is important for anyone looking to build a fine jewelry collection. The following ranking* represents the foundation of the modern market—a comprehensive view of gemstones in jewelry that have demonstrated timeless appeal and enduring value.
These are the stones that consistently captivate consumers and define the collections of the most prestigious jewelers, from heritage houses to contemporary designers.
*Rankings of gemstones are calculated from sales data from the period 2024 to 2025 from Gems' live shopping shows
Top Tier: 1 - 5
Diamond, Sapphire, Opal, Pearl, Tanzanite — the undisputed leaders commanding premium positioning
Classic Favorites: 6 -10
Ruby, Emerald, Tourmaline, Turquoise, Garnet — traditional stones with enduring appeal
Rising Stars: 11-25
Topaz through Spinel — versatile options gaining momentum in contemporary design
© 2025 Gems | All rights reserved
Spotlight on Excellence: Top 5 Gemstones
A deeper analysis of the top five gemstones reveals the qualities that secure their market dominance, from unparalleled brilliance to exotic rarity. These stones represent the pinnacle of desirability in the American market, each offering distinct characteristics that appeal to sophisticated collectors.
01
Diamond
Unrivaled in its position, the diamond remains the cornerstone of the fine jewelry industry. Its core appeal lies in its exceptional ability to disperse light, creating a signature sparkle that has captivated wearers for centuries.
02
Sapphire
Leading the powerful trend toward colored gemstones, sapphire holds a firm place as the most popular colored stone. Available in a spectrum from classic blue to sunny yellow and fresh green.
03
Opal
Opal's unique allure comes from its mesmerizing "play-of-color," a phenomenon that creates a kaleidoscopic dance of hues across the stone's surface, making each opal a one-of-a-kind work of art.
04
Pearl
Pearls have been dramatically reimagined for the modern era. No longer confined to classic strands, they now feature avant-garde designs celebrating organic and baroque shapes.
05
Tanzanite
Prized for its rarity and exotic beauty, tanzanite's singular origin and striking deep violet-blue hue have made it a highly sought-after gem for those desiring a meaningful and uncommon piece.
The Round Brilliant Cut
The most popular diamond cut is engineered specifically to optimize light dispersion and brilliance. This 58-facet marvel maximizes the diamond's fire and scintillation, creating the signature sparkle that has made it the quintessential choice for engagement rings and celebration pieces.
Its durability, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale, makes it perfect for everyday wear, symbolizing timeless commitment.
The Sapphire Spectrum
While renowned for its classic deep blue hue—a color that has long symbolized wisdom and loyalty—sapphires offer remarkable versatility.
This second-hardest gemstone (ranking 9 on the Mohs scale) comes in vibrant yellows, elegant pinks, and sophisticated greens, making it both durable and expressive. Its hardness makes sapphire ideal for rings intended for daily wear, explaining its consistent high ranking just behind diamond.
© 2025 Gems | All rights reserved
12 Seasonal Favorites: Gems for Holiday Jewelry
The holiday season (October to December) is the most critical sales period for the jewelry industry, accounting for an impressive 24% of all annual sales. During this time, consumer preferences sharpen, focusing on gemstones that convey a sense of celebration, timelessness, and heartfelt sentiment.
Understanding these seasonal patterns empowers luxury shoppers to select pieces that resonate with the festive spirit while maintaining investment value.
24%
Holiday Sales
Percentage of annual jewelry revenue during the holiday season
3
Gift Leaders
Diamond, Sapphire, and Opal dominate seasonal preferences
Top 12 Gemstones for Holiday Jewelry
1
Diamond
Timeless sparkle for enduring celebration
2
Sapphire
Regal elegance in vibrant color
3
Opal
Unique play-of-color artistry
4
Pearl
Contemporary sophistication
5
Tanzanite
Exotic violet-blue rarity
6
Ruby
Passionate crimson intensity
7. Emerald
Lush green vitality and renewal
8. Tourmaline
Rainbow spectrum versatility
9. Turquoise
Sky-blue serenity and protection
10. Amethyst
Royal purple sophistication
11. Aquamarine
Tranquil oceanic clarity
12. Garnet
Deep burgundy warmth
Diamond's brilliant sparkle captures the festive spirit, making it the ultimate choice for a memorable and enduring present that signifies timeless affection and celebration.
© 2025 Gems | All rights reserved
Gems of Affection: Top 14 Valentine's Selections
Valentine's Day represents a significant peak in the jewelry sales calendar, driving 18% of the industry's annual revenue. This occasion is intrinsically linked with expressions of love and commitment, and the most popular gemstones are those that best symbolize these powerful emotions. The romantic gift-giving season demands pieces that convey depth, passion, and lasting devotion.
Top 14 Gemstones for Valentine's Day Jewelry
1. Diamond
Eternal Love. The diamond's eternal sparkle and strength make it the ultimate symbol of unbreakable, lasting love.
Its clarity and brilliance are seen as a reflection of a pure and devoted commitment, making it the quintessential Valentine's gift.
2. Sapphire
Deep Devotion. The deep blue hue of sapphire is often associated with fidelity, sincerity, and trust.
Its regal and timeless quality makes it a sophisticated choice for a romantic gift that signifies a deep and meaningful connection.
3. Tanzanite
Rare Romance. The exotic rarity and unique violet-blue color of tanzanite make it a perfect gift for expressing a one-of-a-kind love.
Its singular origin story adds a layer of exclusivity, ideal for a deeply personal gesture.
The Valentine's Day selection extends beyond the top three of Diamond, Sapphire, and Tanzanite to include a comprehensive array of romantic options. Opal and Pearl offer contemporary sophistication, while Ruby delivers classic passionate intensity. Emerald symbolizes renewal and growth in relationships, while Tourmaline and Turquoise provide colorful versatility. Amethyst, Aquamarine, Garnet, Topaz, and Coral round out the selection, each offering unique symbolic meanings that resonate with different aspects of romantic love.
This diverse palette ensures that every relationship can find its perfect gemstone expression, whether the preference leans toward traditional symbolism or modern interpretation.
© 2025 Gems | All rights reserved
Celebrations: Mother's Day & Graduations
The spring season, marked by Mother's Day and graduations, is another key period for the jewelry industry, with Mother's Day alone accounting for 12% of the market's annual sales. Jewelry chosen for these occasions often serves to celebrate important milestones and honor the influential women in our lives. These moments call for pieces that convey appreciation, achievement, and the promise of bright futures ahead.
Top 10 Gemstones for Mother's Day and Graduation Jewelry
The spring celebration gemstone selection includes Diamond, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Opal, and Pearl as the leading choices, followed by Ruby, Emerald, Turquoise, Tourmaline, and Amethyst. Each stone carries meaningful symbolism appropriate for honoring mothers and celebrating graduates.
1. Diamond
For both Mother's Day and graduation, a diamond is a powerful symbol of enduring appreciation and future brilliance. Its durability makes it a perfect heirloom-quality gift to mark a major life event.
2. Sapphire
A sapphire is an excellent choice for celebrating a milestone with elegance. Its association with wisdom makes it a fitting tribute, while its deep blue represents the depth of accomplishment and promise.
3. Tanzanite: a symbol of new beginnings, resonates particularly well with graduation ceremonies
4. Opal: unique character speaks to individuality and personal achievement
5. Pearl: contemporary reimagining makes it perfect for modern celebrants who appreciate classic beauty with a fresh perspective
These selections balance traditional sentiment with contemporary aesthetics, ensuring that milestone gifts remain both meaningful and fashionable for years to come.
2. Sapphire
3. Tanzanite
4. Opal
5. Pearl
6. Ruby
7. Emerald
8. Turquoise
9. Tourmaline
10. Amethyst
1. Diamond
© 2025 Gems | All rights reserved
A Buyer's Toolkit: Understanding the Cut
Choosing the perfect piece of jewelry involves more than just selecting a beautiful gemstone. The cut of the stone is the most critical factor in determining its sparkle and visual appeal. Different shapes and faceting styles are designed to highlight a stone's best qualities, whether maximizing brilliance or emphasizing clarity and color. Understanding these distinctions empowers discerning buyers to make selections that align with both aesthetic preferences and practical considerations.
Round
Maximizes sparkle and brilliance through a precise 58-facet pattern. A timeless and popular choice that represents the pinnacle of light performance, engineered to create maximum fire and scintillation.
The round brilliant remains the most sought-after cut for engagement rings and celebration pieces.
Pear
An elegant teardrop shape that combines the brilliance of a round cut with a unique silhouette that elongates the finger.
This sophisticated cut offers both sparkle and distinctive character, making it ideal for those seeking something special yet classic.
Marquise
An elongated shape with pointed ends, designed to reflect the most light and offer maximum sparkle and perceived size.
Due to its vulnerable points, a well-crafted setting with protective v-prongs is essential for this dramatic cut.
Emerald
A rectangular step-cut with chiseled corners that highlights a gemstone's clarity and enhances its color.
Originally developed for emeralds to reduce pressure during cutting and prevent chipping, its elegant gallery-like effect is now popular across all gems.
Cushion
A square or rectangular shape with gently rounded corners that maximizes a gem's luster for a soft, classic look.
This romantic cut bridges vintage appeal with modern brilliance, offering a warm glow that complements colored gemstones beautifully.
© 2025 Gems | All rights reserved
Metals & Settings:
The Foundation of Fine Jewelry
The Foundation of Fine Jewelry
The precious metal and setting of a jewelry piece provide the foundation for its overall aesthetic, durability, and light performance. These elements work in concert with the gemstone to create a complete work of wearable art. Understanding the interplay between metal choice and setting style enables sophisticated buyers to optimize both beauty and function in their selections.
The Metal: Choosing Your Perfect Finish
Gold remains a dominant choice, prized for its warm glow and workability. It is most commonly available in three colors: classic yellow gold, which offers traditional warmth and timeless appeal; modern white gold, which provides a contemporary cool tone that complements diamonds beautifully; and romantic rose gold, which has surged in popularity for its vintage-inspired blush hue.
Platinum, a naturally white metal, is valued for its exceptional durability and resistance to tarnish. Denser and more precious than gold, platinum settings provide superior security for valuable gemstones while maintaining their lustrous finish over decades of wear.
A major trend in today's market is the chic practice of mixing metals, such as pairing gold and silver pieces together to create a personalized, fashion-forward look that reflects individual style rather than adhering to outdated matching rules.
The Setting: Security Meets Style
Settings serve a dual purpose: they secure the gemstone while also defining the piece's style and brilliance. Designs typically prioritize either maximizing light performance or providing superior durability, though the finest examples achieve both through masterful craftsmanship.
For Maximum Sparkle
Settings like the classic Prong (or solitaire) and the Cathedral use minimal metal to elevate the gemstone, allowing light to enter from all angles and enhancing its brilliance and fire.
This makes them the quintessential choice for engagement rings, where sparkle is often the highest priority. The prong setting lifts the stone above the band, creating dramatic light performance that showcases the gem's full potential.
For Security and Durability
For those with active lifestyles, settings like the Bezel, which encircles the stone with a protective metal rim, or the Flush setting, where the stone is set directly into the band, offer superior protection against damage or loss.
These contemporary settings have gained favor among professionals and active individuals who require jewelry that can withstand daily wear while maintaining its elegance and security.
© 2025 Gems | All rights reserved
Finding the Gemstone That Tells Your Story
The modern fine jewelry market offers a rich and diverse palette for personal expression. From the timeless, brilliant allure of the diamond to the vibrant personality of colored gemstones like sapphire, tanzanite, and opal, the choices available today empower consumers to find pieces that resonate on a deeper level. This comprehensive guide has illuminated the data-driven preferences that shape America's luxury jewelry market, revealing both enduring classics and emerging trends.
Whether selecting a piece for a special occasion—be it the festive celebration of the holidays, the romantic devotion of Valentine's Day, or the milestone recognition of Mother's Day and graduations—understanding the most popular gemstones and their seasonal significance provides a strategic advantage.
The interplay of cut, metal, and setting transforms a beautiful stone into a masterpiece of wearable art, while market knowledge ensures that your investment maintains both emotional and financial value.
The ultimate goal of selecting fine jewelry is to find a piece that is not just beautiful, but also meaningful. A well-chosen gemstone becomes more than an accessory; it becomes a tangible expression of memory, emotion, and personal narrative.
We encourage you to use this guide as a starting point to explore the vast world of gemstones and discover the perfect piece that tells your unique story—one that will be treasured for generations to come.
Know Your Gemstone
Understand the top 25 most popular choices and their unique characteristics
Consider the Occasion
Match your selection to seasonal trends and symbolic meanings
Master the Fundamentals
Choose the right cut, metal, and setting to maximize beauty and durability
Tell Your Story
Select pieces that resonate with personal meaning and lasting value
"A gemstone is more than a beautiful object—it is a keeper of memories, a symbol of milestones, and a legacy of stories waiting to be told across generations."
© 2025 Gems | All rights reserved
Discover Your Wow at Gems
Gems is the premier live television shopping destination dedicated to bringing the world's most exquisite fine jewelry and gemstones directly into your home.
With a over 1 million pieces sold, and a 27 year legacy built on trust and passion, we offer a unique experience that combines education with unparalleled access to rare and beautiful pieces.
Our mission is to provide a live experience while democratizing access to high-quality jewelry, making it possible for collectors and enthusiasts alike to acquire authentic, stunning gemstone jewelry and expertly crafted designs from the comfort and convenience of their living rooms.
What Makes Gems Different?
Convenient Live Shopping Experience
Enjoy the ease of shopping 24/7 via our live broadcasts, online platform, and mobile applications, bringing a curated selection of fine jewelry right to your fingertips.
Expert Hosts & Certified Gemologists
Benefit from the knowledge of our passionate hosts and in-house certified gemologists who provide in-depth information, history, and insights into every piece.
Competitive Pricing
Through our direct sourcing relationships and efficient operating model, we are able to offer exceptional jewelry at competitive prices, ensuring outstanding value for our customers.
Our Commitment to You
At Gems, our commitment extends beyond sales. We pride ourselves on unwavering dedication to authenticity, unparalleled quality, and complete customer satisfaction. All jewelry sold is rigorously inspected to meet the highest standards, ensuring you receive nothing less than perfection.
The exquisite live shopping experience can be discovered across various platforms, including traditional television broadcast, our website, dedicated streaming apps, Youtube and social media, providing seamless access to our dazzling collections wherever you are.
This isn't just jewelry, its the Wow you've been looking for.
This isn't just jewelry, its the Wow you've been looking for.
