Young Indians are increasingly  turning to colored gemstones like tanzanite, paraiba tourmaline and morganite for their jewellery collections. The trend, amplified by Bollywood celebrities flaunting vibrant stones on social media, is transforming India’s jewelry market and creating new opportunities in a sector that has traditionally been dominated by gold. Gemstone-studded jewelry typically uses 14- or 18-karat gold, compared with the 22-karat gold required for traditional Indian jewelry, making pieces more affordable for younger consumers.

India’s colored gemstone market generated an estimated $825 million in revenue during the fiscal year ending March 2025, up from $770 million the previous year and $600 million in 2020, according to Tehmasp Printer, MD-IGI.

The broad price range of colored gemstones—from 1,000 rupees ($12) per carat for lower-grade stones to more than 100,000 rupees ($1,200) for premium specimens—appeals to consumers across income levels. Paraiba tourmaline, among the most prized colored gemstones, can command up to 500,000 rupees ($6,000) per carat, while natural diamonds typically cost 250,000-300,000 rupees ($3,000-$3,600) per carat.

The global colored gemstone market is projected to grow from approximately $1.9 billion in 2025 to $5.7 billion by 2035, representing an 11.3% compound annual growth rate, according to industry forecasts.

The shift toward colored gemstones represents a notable evolution in Indian jewelry preferences, traditionally dominated by gold’s cultural significance and investment appeal. As prices for traditional precious metals and diamonds continue climbing, colored gemstones are providing an accessible entry point into luxury jewelry for India’s growing middle class.