Introduction: Why Gemstone Jewellery is the New Smart Investment

In the UK, investment jewellery is emerging as a smart alternative to traditional assets. With global uncertainty and rising demand for ethically sourced luxury goods, high-quality gemstone jewellery is not only beautiful — it’s bankable.

Whether you’re an experienced collector or looking for your first high-value piece, this guide explores the top 5 gemstones that are appreciating in value, especially in the UK luxury jewellery market.

1. Ceylon Sapphires (Sri Lankan Blue Sapphires)

Why It’s a Top Investment:
Ceylon sapphires are known for their stunning brilliance, vivid cornflower blue tone, and superior clarity. These sapphires—mined ethically in Sri Lanka—are highly sought after in the UK market, especially when untreated and certified.

Investment Highlights:

  • High liquidity and resale value

  • Historically used in royal jewellery (Princess Diana’s engagement ring)

  • Rarity increases with size (2+ carats), unheated status, and GIA certification

Tip: Look for unheated stones with GIA or SSEF reports, especially in custom rings or pendants.

GIA Guide

2. Colombian Emeralds (and Zambian Alternatives)

Why It’s a Top Investment:
Colombian emeralds are the most valuable emeralds in the world, thanks to their vibrant green hue and rarity. With increasing demand and limited supply, their value has been steadily rising across UK and EU auction markets.

Investment Highlights:

  • Minor or no oil treatments increase value

  • Popular with vintage and Art Deco collectors

  • Performs well in both the luxury retail and resale space

Tip: Choose emeralds with rich saturation and minimal inclusions, set in timeless ring or pendant designs.

GIA Guide

3. Burmese or Mozambique Rubies

Why It’s a Top Investment:
Rubies are among the “big three” investment gemstones (along with sapphires and emeralds). Burmese rubies, particularly unheated ones with pigeon-blood red colour, command premium prices at auction.

Investment Highlights:

  • Highest price-per-carat increases among coloured gemstones in 2023–2024

  • Unheated rubies over 2 carats are extremely rare

  • Popular with collectors and antique jewellery investors

Tip: Always verify the ruby’s treatment status and request GIA or SSEF certification for high-value pieces.

GIA Guide

4. Padparadscha Sapphires (Rare Pink-Orange Sapphires)

Why It’s a Top Investment:
Padparadscha sapphires are one of the rarest gemstones in the world, combining pink and orange hues in a unique, sunset-like tone. Originating mainly from Sri Lanka, these stones are highly desirable and hard to find.

Investment Highlights:

  • Strong demand from luxury buyers and collectors

  • Stones over 1.5 carats with no heat treatment fetch high premiums

  • Popular for bespoke engagement rings and private collections

Tip: Ensure the stone is certified as a true padparadscha by GIA or SSEF, as many stones are falsely labelled.

GIA Guide

5. Fancy-Coloured Diamonds (Pink, Yellow, and Blue Diamonds)

Why It’s a Top Investment:
While white diamonds are widely available, fancy-coloured diamonds are far rarer and more valuable. Argyle pinks, vivid yellows, and fancy blues have seen significant appreciation — especially after the closure of the Argyle mine in Australia.

Investment Highlights:

  • Pink diamonds have increased in price by over 500% in 20 years

  • Yellow diamonds offer high brilliance at relatively lower price points

  • Fancy colours are increasingly popular among UK collectors

Tip: Buy stones with official GIA colour grading, and look for pieces in secure settings (e.g. bezel-set rings or halo earrings).

GIA Guide

Final Thoughts: How to Start Your Investment Jewellery Journey in the UK

As interest in alternative investments continues to rise, gemstone jewellery offers an ideal mix of beauty, rarity, and value retention. Whether you’re diversifying your portfolio or buying a family heirloom, start by choosing natural, untreated, and certified gemstones.

At our online boutique, we specialise in:

  • Ethically sourced Ceylon sapphires and padparadscha sapphires

  • Transparent pricing with full certification

  • Custom jewellery design services in the UK

👉 Explore our Ceylon Sapphire Investment Collection Today
👉 Book a Free Gemstone Consultation with Our Experts