From the blood red of rubies to the pastel blue of aquamarines, coloured gemstones represent a sparkling show of nature's palette of colours.
The June Hong Kong Jewellery & Watch Fair will feature about 240 gemstone exhibitors. Traditional precious stones such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds have plenty of competition from other gemstones.
King's Mark Designer & Manufactory sees blue and green gemstones as summer favourites this year. 'Blue topaz, green peridot and green amethyst are popular,' marketing manager Olivia Ma Shuk-kuen said.
Pink stones such as pink sapphire, pink tourmaline and pink amethyst are in demand, along with black diamonds. 'Black diamonds only cost about a third of the price of white diamonds,' Ms Ma said. Another trend is pairing pink or red stones with pink gold settings.
Supplies of most gemstones have been good, and prices have increased slightly since last year. 'For semi-precious stones, prices have gone up about 5 per cent,' Ms Ma said.
Less costly coloured gemstones continue to appeal to women in their 20s and 30s. 'They want colour and a design that matches their personality and their outfits, rather than expensive stones,' she said.