Reflections: The Holiday Gem Trends to Have on Your Radar

The holiday jewelry season in the United States and Canada continues to evolve beyond traditional diamonds and the classic Big Three – ruby, emerald and sapphire. Today’s consumers are increasingly drawn to jewelry that feels personal, expressive and one-of-a-kind. Over the past eight years, demand for colored gemstones has expanded dramatically, reaching far beyond conventional fine jewelry into more creative and design-driven categories. This holiday season, expect to see trends defined by bold color, unusual gemstone pairings, distinctive cuts, and an appreciation for individuality.

A tale of two markets 

For many years, colored-gemstone demand centered around a narrow group of materials and traditional jewelry designs. Today, the market looks remarkably different. The exponential growth in both visibility and demand for certain stones and qualities has continued steadily year after year, and two distinct colored-gemstone markets have emerged.

The first remains rooted in fine luxury and traditional color, focusing on higher-end materials and classic gemstone varieties. The second is driven by self-expression and creativity. Here, designers are embracing a wider range of gem species, combining faceted and opaque materials, and experimenting with unexpected colors and textures. Younger consumers in particular are responding positively to these new design directions.

Bold palettes  

The first holiday trend to watch for is a growing desire for bolder and more personalized color combinations. In addition, bicolor stones have been gaining momentum across nearly every gem variety, and their popularity is expected to continue through the holiday season. Designers today are also reimagining the toi et moi ring. Rather than pairing just two stones, many contemporary interpretations feature multiple gemstones grouped together in unexpected combinations of color, shape and texture.

These more expressive arrangements naturally lend themselves to asymmetrical and artistic compositions that move away from traditional silhouettes. As designers continue to experiment, three color palettes are emerging: ombré palettes that softly transition between shades, muted tonal combinations that offer understated elegance, and vibrant “color explosion” designs that celebrate bold contrasts.

New takes on vintage styles 

Another trend expected to continue this season is the use of vintage-inspired elements with a modern twist. This may look like hammered bezels, detailed engraving, or antique textures. These details have become increasingly popular among designers, and this extends to stone cuts as well. Intaglios, rose cuts and cabochons are also stepping back into the spotlight, particularly in phenomenon gemstones such as star sapphires and cat’s-eye gems. These materials celebrate optical effects and natural character, bringing an organic quality to modern jewelry designs. The growing interest in these styles suggests they may become one of the season’s standout trends.

The natural look 

At the same time, imperfection itself has become desirable. “Misty” and included stones – materials that would have been rejected 20 years ago in favor of perfect clarity – are finding a new audience, and one that’s here to stay. Consumers and designers alike now appreciate the natural, “from the earth” appearance and the individuality they bring to a piece of jewelry.

Likewise, consumers are embracing opaque and translucent materials rather than avoiding them. Texture, inclusions, and varying degrees of transparency are no longer shortcomings in their view, but characteristics that contribute to a gemstone’s personality. For many customers, character and uniqueness have become just as important as the traditional standards of perfection.

Organic and playful jewelry styles are also set to continue their rise this holiday season. Bead strands pairing opaque and translucent gem varieties with dangling charms have become increasingly popular, offering a relaxed, layered aesthetic that feels both approachable and highly personal.

This trend also reflects a broader appreciation for craftsmanship. Unusual cuts and carved gemstones, some from American cutters, are attracting renewed attention as consumers seek pieces that showcase artistry and handwork. Jewelry that tells a story – through an unusual cut, a hand-carved detail, or an unexpected material combination – continues to resonate strongly.

Earthy hues and soft tones 

From a color perspective, nature-inspired palettes remain influential. Earthy greens and teals continue to gain momentum thanks to the popularity of organic motifs and a growing appreciation for natural aesthetics. At the same time, softer luxury colors are emerging as important players for the season. Lavender, pink and padparadscha-inspired hues offer a romantic and contemporary alternative to more traditional holiday colors.

These softer tones lend themselves particularly well to gifting, pairing beautifully with both classic and contemporary jewelry styles. Their versatility and understated elegance suggest they will remain popular throughout the fall and into the holiday season, which is shaping up to be one of the most colorful and expressive yet.

Eric Braunwart is president and CEO of Columbia Gem House. 

Main image: Star-shaped faceted Montana sapphires. (Columbia Gem House)