Going Green

It is difficult to pinpoint one particular reason why green gemstones like peridot, demantoid, sapphire, tourmaline, emerald, and diamond are currently popular, as there are likely multiple factors at play. It could be a general trend towards sustainability and eco-friendliness or tried and true celebrity influence, such as JLo’s green diamond engagement ring. On the other hand, green is a color that is often associated with growth, renewal, and prosperity, which could be especially appealing given the recent challenges of the pandemic. TJC wanted to get the word on the street, so we reached out to dealers, miners, and designers, to help unpack why the other gems are green with envy.

Lotanna Amina Okpukpara, Creative Director at Mina Stones, a vertically integrated social enterprise focused on Africa, is of the opinion that the popularity of green gems “may be tied to the idea that green is associated with nature and symbolizes life. Perhaps a more ‘earth conscious’ color choice”, while Rebecca Shukan, Director of Sales and Development for Omi Privé and based in California, reminds us that “greens popularity in fashion goes back as far as 2021 when green was featured by Bottega Veneta. Green symbolizes growth and abundance which we are ready for post pandemic. Plus, there is a shade of green that looks good on everyone!”. In San Diego, Latoya Boyd, GIA G.G., International Award Winning & Published Jewelry & Fashion Designer, believes “although there are several celebrities that are wearing green diamond and gemstone jewelry, I believe that it’s truly coming from the public educating themselves on alternative gemstones.”

Whatever the reasons, and there seem to be plenty, Amina warns “there is a high demand for green beryls and tourmalines from Nigeria, with the preferred setting being yellow gold. However, the supply seems to be greater than the demand for the quality and quantity required”. At Omi Privé, Rebecca remarks that “green tourmalines are always a favorite of ours to mix with alexandrite accents (for a nice contrast at night!). Many of our pieces are produced in platinum, some with black rhodium or 18K yellow gold accents. However, some of our pieces with green stones are set in all 18K yellow gold.” Latoya prefers “mixing metals and my favorite to use with these particular gems is solid 18K Yellow Gold bezels. It’s something about green and gold that feels bold, confident, and oozes sophistication and confidence.”

By all accounts, demantoid from Madagascar has exploded on the scene in recent years, and Rebecca confirms that it “has clients excited.” Rarer than the extraordinary demantoid garnet, Omi Privé has “another rare green that has had some traction recently” called grandidierite. “Rarely seen in gem quality, we have made a few select collector pieces with this unique gemstone. With that said, we can’t forget the enduring passion for emeralds, which are consistently sought after by fine jewelry consumers.” Rebecca explains whereas Latoya shares that “I have been selling a lot of emerald alternatives like, Chrome Diopside, Chrome Tourmaline, and Tsavorite Garnet.

Sounds like green is a “GO” in the colored gem world and I’m willing to bet some beautiful shade of green will be selected as the next Pantone color of the year.