Diamonds vs. Colored Gemstones
Diamonds have long been seen as the ultimate symbol of value and longevity in fine jewelry. They are expensive, timeless, and widely considered a smart investment. But when it comes to value retention, are diamonds truly unmatched — or are colored gemstones beginning to challenge that reputation?
When investing in fine jewelry, many ask the question: do gemstones hold value the same way diamonds do? The answer depends on a few factors, including rarity, market demand, and origin. If you are considering investing in fine jewelry, or simply want to make sure your pieces hold long-term value, it is worth exploring how colored gemstones compare to diamonds — and what makes them increasingly attractive to collectors and investors alike.
Understanding Value
People have trusted diamonds for generations. They have earned a reputation for being both, timeless and valuable. For many, diamonds are the top choice for engagement rings, heirlooms, and investment pieces. While diamonds do hold their value better than many other consumer goods, their worth in the secondary market is often less than what you may expect. The reasons for that can be the difference between retail pricing and what buyers are willing to pay when reselling, as well as the competitive nature of the market. High-quality, certified diamonds tend to do better, but they are not guaranteed to appreciate.
Colored gemstones, on the other hand, follow a different path. Their value is driven by rarity, natural origin, vivid color, clarity, and whether the stone has been treated. In fact, some rare colored gems have outpaced diamonds in both appreciation and demand. Examples are:
- Kashmir sapphires
- Burmese rubies
- Paraíba tourmalines
- Untreated Colombian emeralds
While not every colored gem holds its value, the best ones can be exceptional investment pieces.
The Allure of Colored Gemstones
Colored gemstones are evaluated differently than diamonds. Instead of the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight), colored stones are judged by factors like uniqueness and hue. Vibrant gemstone colors like rich sapphires, deep rubies, and brilliant emeralds have fascinated civilizations for centuries. In Hawaiian tradition, green stones like peridot and jade are often associated with healing and renewal. While gem-quality peridot used in fine jewelry is sourced from outside Hawai‘i, the cultural connection to the stone adds meaning and historical significance. Other gemstones have special meanings too, adding to their allure and upping their values.
Green Gemstones Rising in Popularity
Among the many colors of gemstones, green colored gemstones have grown in popularity in the recent years, especially in Hawaiian jewelry. From Tsavorite garnets to emeralds and green tourmaline, green gemstones offer a vivid, natural alternative to traditional diamonds, reflecting the lush landscapes of the islands. Their rising appeal and somewhat rare nature have led to them performing well in the secondary market, especially when the stones are untreated and of high quality.
Do Colored Gemstones Hold Their Value?
To put it simply, colored gemstones can hold their value, especially when they meet key criteria. Gemstones with strong, natural color, few inclusions, minimal treatment, and a well-documented origin tend to perform best over time. Unlike diamonds, which are graded on a universal scale, colored gems are prized more for their uniqueness and rarity. In fact, some of the rarest examples — like Kashmir sapphires or unheated Burmese rubies — have, in many cases, appreciated more than diamonds. Their extreme scarcity and collector demand have pushed their value well beyond what most people might expect.
It is important to note that the colored gemstone market is more nuanced than the diamond market. Values vary widely between different types of gems and even within the same type of gem due to differences in quality. Unlike diamonds, there is no standardized or global pricing index for colored stones, which can make assigning a value to the stones more subjective.
Gemstone Jewelry at Na Hoku
At Na Hoku, we carry a variety of colored gemstones which we incorporate into our creations. Every piece we offer reflects the warmth and spirit of Hawai‘i, with carefully selected gemstones that tell a story and add to the beauty of the piece. Shop online or visit any of our retail stores for a beautiful selection of Hawaiian jewelry and a bit of the Aloha spirit.
When choosing gemstone jewelry, let its story, color, and energy speak to you. Whether you are you are drawn to the lush greens of peridot or the bold reds of garnet, follow your instincts.
Final Thoughts: Are Colored Gemstones a Good Investment?
While diamonds have long been prized for their perceived value stability, colored gemstones are finding their place in the world of fine jewelry. By understanding what makes a gemstone valuable and choosing pieces that not only look beautiful but also meet the criteria for being a quality piece, you can build a collection that is both meaningful and valuable.
In other words, colored gemstones can absolutely hold their value — when you choose wisely.
So whether you are drawn to them for cultural meaning, vibrant color, or long-term worth, colored gemstones are more than just beautiful — they’re meaningful, personal, and, in many cases, enduringly valuable.
Ready to explore? Visit your nearest Na Hoku store or shop online to discover stunning gemstone jewelry rooted in the warmth and spirit of Hawai‘i.