Rare colored gemstones are no longer just beautiful heirlooms — they’re fast becoming some of the most compelling assets in luxury investment-grade gemstones. From alexandrite and spinel to Paraíba tourmaline, these rare colored gemstones are gaining traction for both their rarity and their rising market value.
As collectors become more discerning and the luxury market begins leaning towards uniqueness and color, the spotlight is shifting to vividly hued stones with exceptional origin stories. The biggest shift came last December when a 16.53-carat Brazilian alexandrite sold for $1.9 million, shattering records at Sotheby’s — and signaling a new era for gemstone investing.
Wondering about your Paraíba tourmaline value? Or if an alexandrite gemstone investment is a smart move to make? Contact Joshua Kodner’s team of appraisal and auction experts for personalized guidance today!
Why Are Colored Gemstones Outpacing Diamonds?
In recent years, rare colored gemstones have seen a significant surge in both market demand and investment potential — outpacing diamonds at auctions. While diamonds still account for the majority of global jewelry sales, their dominance is no longer as absolute as it once was.
According to seasoned stone dealers, much of this shift can be attributed to the mounting pressures facing the diamond industry, including oversupply, price volatility, and the rise of lab-grown alternatives.
At the same time, investment grade gemstones offer something diamonds increasingly cannot — authentic rarity and individuality. With natural, untreated stones like alexandrite, spinel, and Paraiba tourmaline, no two are exactly alike. Their unique hues, geological origins, and often limited supply appeal to collectors who are seeking both beauty and long-term value.
In a market driven by consumer desire for the extraordinary, colored gemstones stand out not just as adornments, but as one-of-a-kind assets in an evolving luxury economy. Buyers want something that feels exclusive and holds its value — and in many cases, that means rare colored gemstones.
The Rise of Rare Colored Gemstones
The world of gemstones is a fascinating blend of geology, history, and human desire. For centuries, the spotlight has been on the classics (sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds), known as the reigning monarchs of fine jewelry.
But beyond these familiar names lies a treasure trove of lesser-known gems, each with its own story, color magic, and investment potential. Due to factors like geography, changing trends, and cultural shifts, many of these stones have stayed under the radar — until now.
Thanks to a new generation of collectors who value uniqueness and narrative as much as rarity, these once-overlooked gems are enjoying a vibrant comeback, sparking a true renaissance in the rare colored gemstone market.
Alexandrite: The color-changing wonder
Alexandrite is truly one of nature’s most extraordinary gemstones, renowned for its mesmerizing ability to change color depending on the light source. By day, it dazzles with a rich green hue while under incandescent light or candlelight, it transforms into a deep, fiery red, evoking the warmth of a glowing ember. Discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains, this gem carries an air of mystery, elegance, and transformation.
What truly sets alexandrite apart is its rarity. High-quality stones of significant size are exceptionally scarce, contributing to its desirability and investment potential. Its combination of rarity, captivating color change, and storied provenance has made alexandrite gemstone investments a big draw among connoisseurs and collectors worldwide.
Paraíba tourmaline: The neon gem lighting up the market
Paraíba tourmaline, renowned for its vibrant neon blues and greens, has rapidly become one of the most coveted and fastest appreciating colored gemstones in the world. Once relegated to the “semi-precious” category, this gem’s striking copper-based luminescence and extraordinary rarity have transformed it into a highly sought-after treasure among collectors and investors alike.
Discovered relatively recently in 1989 in the Paraíba region of Brazil, this gemstone’s unique electric glow quickly captured the attention of the luxury market. Its scarcity, combined with the intense and vivid coloration that seems to glow from within, has driven prices upward year after year, punctuated by remarkable spikes — most notably in 2022, when the market saw a record surge in value.
Today, Paraíba tourmaline value consistently outperforms many other colored stones in terms of appreciation, making it a standout performer and a beacon for investors seeking both beauty and exceptional market growth in their gemstone portfolios.
Tanzanite: The modern classic
Discovered relatively recently in the 20th century, tanzanite has rapidly earned its status among the world’s most celebrated rare colored gemstones. Found exclusively in a small region near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, this gem’s vibrant blue-violet hues are unique and captivating, offering a fresh and alluring alternative to traditional sapphires.
Tanzanite’s striking color ranges from deep indigo to lighter violet shades, appealing to collectors and designers alike for its versatility and brilliance. Its geographic exclusivity means supply is naturally limited, and ongoing mining restrictions have further constrained availability.
At the same time, demand continues to grow steadily as more collectors and investors recognize its beauty and rarity as an investment grade gemstone. These factors combine to position tanzanite as a true modern classic in the colored gemstone market, with significant potential for long-term value appreciation.
Diversify Your Investment Portfolio with Rare Colored Gemstones at Joshua Kodner
As demand for rare colored gemstones continues to surge in 2025, these exquisite stones offer a unique opportunity to diversify and strengthen your investment portfolio. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the luxury gemstone market, Joshua Kodner’s expertise and curated selection can help you discover exceptional gems with lasting value.
Explore our collection and start investing in the vibrant world of rare colored gemstones. Your next great gemstone investment at Joshua Kodner awaits!