Stuart Robertson, president of Gemworld International and publisher of GemGuide, anticipates a positive end to the year despite a current slowdown in the colored stone trade typical for summer. He believes the market will improve post-election, attributing the current sluggishness partly to economic uncertainty and the distraction of the election cycle.
Robertson notes that while demand remains strong, particularly for higher-end stones, selling them requires more effort due to cautious consumer sentiment. He emphasizes that gemstones differ significantly from diamonds in consumer appeal, driven more by emotional connections than by standardized reports.
Regarding market trends, Robertson highlights a shift in consumer interest since the Tucson gem shows, with a rise in demand for unusual stones like agates and sunstone, alongside consistent interest in peridot and blue zircon. He predicts pastel tones will dominate this holiday season, with blue hues particularly favored due to their versatility.
On the supply side, Robertson reports challenges including high production costs and limited supply growth, impacting prices despite steady demand stability since the Tucson shows earlier this year.
Looking forward, Robertson suggests that zircons, garnets, and certain feldspars like moonstone offer good value this fall. He expects market activity to improve post-election, buoyed potentially by interest rate adjustments benefiting consumer spending habits.
In summary, while the colored stone market faces temporary challenges, Robertson remains optimistic about its resilience and future prospects, driven by evolving consumer preferences and strategic market adjustments.
