Are coloured gemstones a good investment?

High-quality, untreated coloured gemstones can actually be a solid long-term alternative investment, and many of them do climb in value over time. Still, this is really only true for scarce, top-tier stones such as untreated rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, but strictly when their origin is clear and their certification can be verified.

The gemstone world runs on supply and demand, and as the availability of unheated, intensely hued stones from premier sources keeps shrinking, prices often move higher. In contrast, stones that are commercial grade or heavily treated tend not to behave like investments. Successful gemstone investing requires real market know-how, patience, and buying gems that come with reports from respected gemmology institutes like the GIA, SSEF, or Gübelin.