As lab-grown diamonds become increasingly ubiquitous and gold prices continue to climb, the fine jewelry landscape is shifting and reshaping how consumers define value and luxury. In 2026, jewelry lovers are gravitating toward something more personal and expressive: rare, colored gemstones are poised to take center stage, with eye-catching pieces chosen by those who want to stand apart. 

Which colored gemstones are trending for 2026, and how can you incorporate these standout hues into your collection?

Color of the Year Reports from the Industry

The “Big Three”—emeralds, sapphires, and rubies—remain a timeless way to introduce bold color into fine jewelry. Stuller recently unveiled its 2026 Color of the Year, a striking contrast to Pantone’s Cloud Dancer airy pastels. Their choice, Signature Red, highlights rich red rubies, Mozambique garnets, red jasper, and rubellite tourmaline as defining tones for the year ahead. Stuller’s annual selection draws from broader fashion and interior design trends, paired with real-time jewelry industry sales data, drawing on influences across all areas of design.

Gemstones Trending in Pop Culture and Fashion

Vibrant sapphires and emeralds have also taken center stage on the red carpet this year. At the Golden Globes, Miley Cyrus defined her look with a dramatic platinum necklace featuring an unenhanced emerald of over 15 carats, while Priyanka Chopra complemented her strapless navy gown with a statement sapphire choker and an array of diamond and sapphire rings.

‘Color Season’ Gemstones

Mimicking the fashion industry, gemstone trends are also increasingly aligned with personal color seasons, making it easier than ever for conscious consumers to select colored gems that complement their natural coloring. Spring types favor warm, light, and clear gemstones with a golden-hour glow. Think peridot, yellow sapphire, and peachy morganite. 

Summer seasons are flattered by cool, soft hues like aquamarine and amethyst. Autumn palettes are all about a rich, earthy glam with citrine, spessartite garnet, and golden topaz. Winter types own high-contrast gems like rubies, emeralds, and deep blue sapphires. Choosing gemstones based on your personal season makes every look feel intentional, elevated, and effortlessly you.

Moonstones

For minimalist consumers and fans of Pantone’s milky, neutral palette for the year, moonstones are predicted to have a moment of their own in 2026, following the pearl craze of the early 2020s. Moonstone’s soft, ethereal glow catches the light beautifully, shifting from silvery white to subtle flashes of blue and peach. While reminiscent of pearls, moonstones feel distinctly modern, an effortless, organic alternative that embodies quiet luxury. Their natural luminosity pairs seamlessly with everything from denim to silk.

Alexandrite

For a bolder break from tradition, alexandrite, famous for its mesmerizing color change, is rising in popularity as a sought-after, rare investment gemstone. Shifting from lush green hue in daylight to a plum-red shade under warm light, alexandrite perfectly reflects the growing demand for colored stones that feel expressive, modern, and truly one of a kind. With its natural scarcity and dramatic personality, it appeals to collectors seeking both individuality and long-term value.

Colored Gemstones and Engagement Rings

While colored gemstones have been used in engagement rings and betrothal jewelry for centuries, they move in and out of fashion. Perhaps due to the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, there seems to be a push towards real and unique, which is now reflected in the engagement ring market.

2026 sees renewed interest in engagement rings with vintage and retro styles, influenced in part by long-standing references such as Tiffany & Co. These styles have been relevant for years, but are now gaining a fresh surge of interest. Engagement ring trends include a strong focus on hand engraving, fabrication, and approachable gemstones, tying craftsmanship closely to design. Craftsmanship is on the upswing and is being fully embraced by multiple generations, roughly from ages 14 up to 30 years. This shift reflects a broader appreciation for detail, technique, and individuality.

Color plays a major role in this renewed interest. Colors do not have one all-encompassing definition; similar to fashion, trends evolve and shift. The rainbow of colored gemstones is being used across a wide range of styles.

Durability remains essential. Saturated and nuanced colors are abundant in durable materials such as sapphire and ruby, which continue to be go-to choices due to their hardness, strength, and longevity.

Mid-century modern design is currently very popular and continues to have strong support. Alongside it, mid-century minimalism and Art Deco remain influential. Art Deco, in particular, has retained a loyal following for decades and will continue into 2026, appreciated for its natural structures, geometry, and frequent use of colored gemstones.

Expect to see colored gemstones used by a wide range of designers and expressed through many different styles, blending tradition, craftsmanship, and modern interpretation.

Select a Colored Gemstone You’ll Love for a Lifetime

With the largest colored gemstone show in North America taking place in Tucson this February, the team at Christopher Duquet will be sourcing some of the finest colored gemstones available.

According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the most exceptional colored gemstones possess a combination of beauty, rarity, and durability. As graduate gemologists, Christopher and Villi are uniquely qualified to seek out the best of the best, gems that feel expressive, individualistic, and enduring. 

When shopping for your perfect colored gemstone piece, remember that there is something for every style and every level of investment. The most important rules are simple: stay true to your personal taste, prioritize quality, and the best color is the one you fall in love with.