Tucson 2025: The Gem Show That Had Us Seeing (and Buying) in Color
Vlad Yavorskyy and Elizabeth Wahler
If you’ve ever wanted to see a multi-million dollar Paraiba tourmaline nestled next to a $25 strand of beads, welcome to the Tucson Gem Show—where treasure hunting meets a test of self-restraint.
This year’s show had one very clear theme: Color. Is. Everything.
Gold is Still King, But Color is the Crown
With gold pushing past $2,900 an ounce (when we started Elyzian, it was a mere $1,673—sigh), fine jewelry continues to be an investment in every sense. And in response to the diamond market’s ongoing existential crisis (thanks, lab-growns), more collectors and designers are turning to the rich, nuanced world of colored gemstones. The result? Prices are up. Way up.
Once upon a time, Tucson was the place to unearth a screaming deal. Not this year. Prices on colored stones have jumped 30-40%, and they’re unlikely to come back down. If you’ve been eyeing that one-of-a-kind emerald, ruby, or sapphire—my advice? Don’t wait.
The Zircon Glow-Up
With rarity and price in mind, I scoured the show for gems that still felt like a smart buy. The winner? Zircons. Yes, those zircons—the ones that predate diamonds in engagement rings. They’re fiery, rich, and available in an astonishing range of hues. If you’ve been sleeping on zircons, consider this your wake-up call.
Warm is the New White
Among diamonds, warmer tones are having a moment. The industry is marketing them as chic, but let’s be real—part of the appeal is that they signal natural over lab-grown. Stones that once sat unloved for being “too warm” are suddenly covetable, proving that trends (and taste) are fluid.
A Conversation With the Industry
I spent much of the show catching up with my dealers and longtime friends in the trade, and we all agreed—this is a tricky time to make money in jewelry. With gold and gemstones climbing, the cost of producing truly special pieces has never been higher.
The Smartest Buy Right Now? Finished Jewelry.
If you love Elyzian’s designs, now is the time to buy. Whatever I have in stock at this moment is priced before the latest spike in gold and gemstone costs—meaning these are the best prices you’ll see for a while. Moving forward, the rising cost of raw materials means new pieces will be 30-40% higher to reflect market realities.
So, whether you’re a collector, a casual admirer, or someone who’s just waiting for the right piece to find you—if you love it, get it. Because if this year’s show proved anything, it’s that the best stones (and the best deals) won’t be waiting around.
—E.