TREASURE
T
here’s no question that diamonds are forever. But their status as a girl’s best friend is more debatable, as coloured gemstones continue their ascent. In the UK, Google searches for ‘emerald ring’ have increased significantly over the past decade, with twice as many in October 2019 as there were in October 2013. Searches for ‘ruby ring’ follow a similar pattern. Women are drawn to the personality and character of vibrant coloured gemstones, and they appreciate the inherent value of these
rare feats of nature. Those values are rising at heady rates. In the late 1980s, the record price-percarat for a ruby was less than $200,000. A decade ago, for emeralds, the figure was $90,000. Now, the records stand at just shy of $1.2 million per carat, achieved by the 15.04ct, $18 million Crimson Flame ruby in 2015; and $305,516 per carat for the Rockefeller emerald, which sold for $5.5 million in 2017. Both eclipse the record price-per-carat for a white diamond, at $282,485. The rate at which prices for coloured gemstones have rocketed means connoisseurs see them as investments, just as coloured diamonds once were.
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