Heat treatment is common in the coloured gemstone market, but what does it mean for quality and value? Explore the difference between heated and unheated rubies and sapphires and what buyers should consider.

Gemstone certification can reveal crucial details about a ruby or sapphire, including treatment, origin and identification. Discover what to look for in a laboratory report before choosing a fine coloured gemstone.

Not all sapphires are equally rare. SICO International explains how colour, origin, treatment, size and natural character combine to shape the desirability and value of an exceptional sapphire.

Choosing a loose gemstone first gives collectors and jewellery clients greater control over quality, rarity and design. SICO International explains why the stone should often come before the setting.

A gemstone’s journey can shape its rarity, value and story. SICO International explores why provenance, traceability and trusted sourcing matter when buying exceptional coloured gemstones.

Building a gemstone collection requires more than choosing beautiful stones. SICO International explains how quality, rarity, certification and balance can create a collection with lasting appeal.

Red spinel and ruby can appear strikingly similar, yet they differ in mineral composition, rarity and market history. SICO International explains how specialists distinguish them and why both deserve attention.

Gemstone treatments can improve colour or clarity, but disclosure matters. SICO International explains how heat, filling and other enhancements affect rarity, certification and long-term value.

Sapphire engagement rings offer colour, strength and timeless individuality. Discover how hue, cut, origin and certification shape the value and beauty of a fine sapphire ring.

Fine rubies are prized for vivid colour, rarity and lasting appeal. SICO International explains what defines an investment-grade ruby, from origin and treatment to cut, certification and long-term collectability.

July's birthstone, the ruby, is one of the rarest and most coveted gemstones in the world. SICO International explores the history, quality factors and enduring appeal of this fiery red gem — from ancient symbolism to its growing status as a serious investment.

Sapphire is famous for its rich blue, but the gemstone also occurs in pink, yellow, padparadscha and beyond. SICO International explores the growing appeal of fancy coloured sapphires, what gives them their hues, and why collectors are increasingly looking past blue.

Coloured gemstones have overtaken diamonds as the defining trend in luxury jewellery. SICO International examines why rarity, individuality, investment appeal and ethical sourcing are driving demand for rubies, sapphires and emeralds in 2026.

June is the only month with three birthstones — pearl, moonstone and alexandrite. SICO International explores the beauty, symbolism and rarity of each, from the timeless elegance of pearls to the remarkable colour-changing wonder of alexandrite.

The Rising Demand for Fine Sapphires & Rubies in 2026: What Retail Jewellers Need to Know The global gemstone market is shifting and fast. In 2026, retail jewellers are seeing a surge in consumer demand for high‑quality coloured stones, particularly sapphires and rubies. These timeless gems are no longer niche alternatives to diamonds; they are now centre‑stage in engagement rings, bespoke jewellery, and luxury collections.

When it comes to rare and precious gemstones, sapphires have long captivated royalty, collectors, and connoisseurs alike. At Sico International, based in London’s prestigious Hatton Garden, sapphires are not just a speciality — they’re a passion. With over 26 years of global experience, and sourcing offices in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Chantaburi, Thailand, we offer clients access to some of the rarest and most valuable natural sapphires in the world.

SICO International, nestled in the heart of London's renowned Hatton Garden, stands as a beacon for connoisseurs and collectors seeking the world's most exquisite gemstones. With over 26 years of experience, this family-run enterprise has cultivated a reputation for sourcing and supplying rare, certified gemstones that epitomise luxury and authenticity.

The demand for rare colored gemstones – especially rubies and sapphires – is surging in 2025. Global market research predicts the colored gemstone sector will more than double by 2035, growing from about $1.9 billion today to $5.7 billion.

In the heart of London, SICO International stands as a beacon for connoisseurs and collectors seeking the world's most exquisite rare gemstones. Specialising in precious colored stones—predominantly rubies and sapphires—SICO International has built a reputation for sourcing and supplying gems of unparalleled quality and authenticity.

Nestled in the heart of London’s Hatton Garden, SICO International stands as a beacon for connoisseurs of rare and exquisite gemstones. With over 26 years of unparalleled expertise, we specialise in sourcing and supplying the finest Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds and other precious gems to a discerning global clientele.