{"id":7308,"date":"2026-07-17T11:25:05","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T09:25:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pspi.ch\/?p=7308"},"modified":"2026-07-17T11:25:05","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T09:25:05","slug":"precious-stones-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pspi.ch\/en\/precious-stones-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Precious Stones in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Where does the market for exceptional gems currently stand?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Blue diamonds, jadeite, pink diamonds\u2026 these natural precious stones rank among the rarest and most expensive in the market. For several years now, these gems and other precious stones have established themselves as genuine collector’s treasures, highly coveted by private investors, family offices, and major fortunes.<\/p>\n

Five years ago, the precious stones market remained relatively discreet, driven mainly by seasoned collectors and luxury houses. Today, it attracts a far broader audience, fuelled by online sales and innovation within the sector \u2014 compounded by political and economic tensions that are accelerating the scarcity of natural and geological resources.<\/p>\n

At PSPI, we follow this evolution closely. We take care to study this fast-changing sector of exceptional natural assets, with particular attention to the key considerations involved in securing them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Precious Stones: Between Natural Rarity and Jewellery Craftsmanship<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Timeless Signatures of the Gem World<\/em><\/p>\n

For centuries, four precious stones have dominated fine jewellery: the diamond, the emerald, the sapphire, and the ruby. This “Big Four” forms the historical bedrock of the market. In 2026, they remain at the heart of the industry’s finest creations and its most established benchmarks.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Their appeal rests on well-established quality criteria. Born from diamond grading, the famous “4Cs” \u2014 carat, colour, clarity, and cut \u2014 have gradually shaped standards across the entire market. Each stone reveals its own distinctive character, from the intense green of the emerald to the deep blue of the sapphire and the red of the ruby. Certain rare gems defy market standards altogether; their extreme scarcity calls for case-by-case valuation, as is often true of the rarest diamond varieties.<\/p>\n

Beyond these criteria, these stones retain a singular power: they embody a form of timelessness and prestige. Linked to haute joaillerie and centuries of tradition, they remain enduring references, deeply woven into the collective imagination. These stones draw a clientele in search of lasting value, offering both aesthetic and patrimonial dimensions.<\/p>\n

The Rise of Exceptional Gems<\/em><\/p>\n

At the summit of the precious stones market, beyond the Big Four, certain exceptional gems stand out for their absolute rarity. They rank among the most sought-after in the world and command the highest price levels. The most discerning investors pursue these assets precisely for their patrimonial dimension.<\/p>\n

Only a few years ago, natural fancy-colour diamonds were the preserve of a knowledgeable few. By 2026, they have become genuine trophy assets. The pink diamond has grown scarcer still following the closure of its major deposits, now reaching close to $1.19 million per carat. The blue diamond has reached even more extraordinary levels, trading around $3.93 million per carat.<\/p>\n

Imperial jadeite, highly prized across Asia, can command up to $3 million per carat.<\/p>\n

From Exceptional Stones to Haute Joaillerie<\/em><\/p>\n

Beyond these figures lies a complementary dimension: the transformation of these stones into jewellery. While the gem carries intrinsic value, jewellery craftsmanship enhances both its perception and its worth.<\/p>\n

The artisan’s hand, the precision of the cut, and the choice of setting all work to elevate the stone. In haute joaillerie, each piece becomes unique \u2014 at times, a genuine work of art. The hours devoted to its creation, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, contribute to bringing out its full brilliance.<\/p>\n

To this is added an intangible, sentimental value. A piece of jewellery is never simply a stone: it carries a story and a patrimonial weight. Rarity creates value; jewellery amplifies its allure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Precious Stones Market in Transformation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Growing Scarcity Reshapes Demand<\/em><\/p>\n

Today’s natural precious stones market is defined by a structural scarcity of supply. The closure of major mines, such as the Argyle mine in Australia<\/a>, has sharply reduced the availability of coloured diamonds. At the same time, new discoveries remain limited, and developing a new deposit can take more than a decade.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

This decline in production has created lasting pressure on supply. High-quality rare stones are increasingly sought after by investors, and certain provenances remain especially prized \u2014 Colombian emeralds, for instance, remain a benchmark, with their origin strongly underpinning their value.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, global demand is shifting rapidly. Historically dominated by Europe and the United States, the market is now turning toward Asia. China, Hong Kong, and Singapore account for a growing share of buyers, mirroring the rise of great fortunes across the continent.<\/p>\n

Jadeite perfectly illustrates this trend. Highly sought after for its cultural significance, it enjoys strong momentum in Asian markets, where buyers now increasingly influence prices at international auctions. Other stones, such as Colombian emeralds, continue to stand apart as well \u2014 provenance remains a key valuation criterion, reinforcing their position within this segment of investment-grade stones.<\/p>\n

On the macroeconomic front, today’s climate \u2014 inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, financial market volatility \u2014 is fuelling growing interest in tangible assets. Precious stones are emerging as a compelling tool for wealth diversification, particularly for investors seeking assets uncorrelated to traditional markets.<\/p>\n

A World Demanding Rigorous Expertise<\/em><\/p>\n

Investing in precious stones calls for specialist expertise. The market remains largely unstandardised, with asymmetric information and significant price variation depending on quality, origin, and certification.<\/p>\n

Rigorous selection is therefore essential \u2014 this is not an asset class suited to a generalist approach or short-term speculation.<\/p>\n

Authenticity remains the central concern. Several fundamental criteria must be verified:<\/p>\n