2025 Coloured Gemstone Market: Trends, Ethics and SICO International’s Expertise

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. Consumers and investors are eager for unique, high-quality gems, driving this boom. As one industry expert notes, “the market for colored gems in 2025 looks strong, with retail demand… particularly for rare and high-quality stones”. Partly, this reflects a shift away from traditional diamonds: buyers now seek novelty and reliable investment, and colored stones capture. These trends directly align with SICO International’s focus: as a London-based gemstone expert, SICO sources and supplies precisely these exceptional gems.

Surge in Demand for Rare Coloured Gemstones

Among the top names in coloured gemstones are rubies and sapphires. Dealers report that rare, rich rubies (e.g. from Mozambique or Burma) are top performers in 2024 and the momentum carries into 2025. In the bridal and luxury segments especially, jewellers note that vivid sapphires and rubies are “stealing the spotlight” this year. High-net-worth clients view such gemstones as a safe-haven investment: they offer a tangible asset and portfolio diversification. For example, investment-quality sapphires and rubies (often >10 carats) have become coveted ways to hedge against market uncertainty, complementing stocks or real estate.

This market shift plays to SICO International’s strengths. The firm is proud of its 28-year legacy and global sourcing network, with buying offices in Sri Lanka and Thailand. As SICO’s About page emphasises, with over two decades of experience it “procure[s] the finest, rarest and most precious gemstones, specialising in Rubies and Sapphires”. In fact, SICO International is one of London’s largest loose gemstone dealers, based in Hatton Garden, specialising in Rubies, Sapphires and other rare coloured gems. The team – led by gem expert Anthony Aziz – curates sizable, exceptional pieces (from 0.3 carat studs up to 10+ carats) that match exactly the high standards today’s collectors demand. Every stone is hand-selected and meticulously certified for quality, ensuring investors and designers receive genuine, top-tier gemstones.

Ethical Sourcing and Certification

Coinciding with demand for rarity, ethical sourcing is a rising priority in the gem trade. Consumers and brands alike now expect full transparency about a gem’s origin and treatment. Industry platforms note that ethical practices and sustainability “play pivotal roles in the gemstone industry, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain”. Buyers increasingly look for stones that come from fair-mining operations, with safe working conditions and minimal environmental impact. This trend is confirmed by market analysts: growing awareness of ethical sourcing is explicitly cited as fueling market growth.

SICO International mirrors this commitment. The company consistently provides world-renowned certificates with its gems – often two or three per stone – from labs like GRS, Gubelin and SSEF. These certificates verify attributes such as carat, clarity and origin. By partnering with established certification bodies, SICO gives clients confidence in both quality and ethical provenance. Furthermore, SICO’s long-term relationships in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Africa help ensure that each gemstone is mined and traded under responsible conditions. In short, SICO’s practice of certifying every gemstone directly supports the industry’s shift toward fairness and sustainability.

Recent trends in the supply of rare gemstones align perfectly with SICO International’s inventory. The company frequently stocks exotic, collectible specimens – for example, unheated rubies from Mozambique or rare sapphires from Madagascar – that many competitors lack. SICO’s catalogue already features a spectrum of precious gems and the firm can source special requests through its network. By staying ahead of demand for unique stones, SICO ensures clients have access to exactly these rising favourites.

To discuss your gemstone requirements, contact Anthony Aziz at SICO International today!