Colour Rush: Gemstones at LAPADA
For generations, diamonds dominated the jewellery conversation. Today, however, coloured gemstones are once again taking centre stage. From richly saturated emeralds and sapphires to vivid rubies and joyful combinations of coloured gems, collectors are increasingly embracing jewellery that celebrates individuality, craftsmanship and the unique character of each stone.
Of course, coloured gemstones are nothing new. Royal collections have long been built around exceptional emeralds, sapphires and rubies, while jewellers from Cartier and Bulgari to Van Cleef & Arpels have spent decades creating extraordinary pieces that use colour as both drama and design.
What has changed is the way we appreciate them. Rather than seeking perfect uniformity, today’s collectors are often drawn to jewels with personality—pieces where unusual cuts, sculptural settings and vibrant colour create something truly distinctive.
This year’s LAPADA Fair reflects that growing appreciation, with exhibitors bringing together jewellery spanning more than two centuries, from nineteenth-century masterpieces to bold twentieth-century designs.
Italian Boldness
Few jewellers embraced colour with the confidence of Bulgari. This spectacular ring centres on a beautifully carved emerald, framed by vivid rubies and brilliant-cut diamonds in a sculptural gold setting. Rather than allowing the gemstones to compete, the design celebrates the unique character of each one, creating a jewel that feels unmistakably Italian in its exuberance. It is a wonderful example of how colour became a defining element of twentieth-century jewellery design.
Koopman Rare Art (Jewels), Stand A23
The Elegance of Sapphire
Art Deco jewellery is celebrated for its clean geometry and refined sophistication, and these sapphire and diamond drop earrings perfectly capture the period’s glamour. Dating to around 1930, the two shades of blue sapphires provide a striking contrast against bright white diamonds, while the elegant elongated silhouette reflects the era’s fascination with symmetry and movement. Nearly a century later, they remain as wearable as they are timeless.
Moira Fine Jewellery, Stand B32
Mid-Century Glamour
Created by renowned Parisian jeweller Sterlé, these ruby and diamond earrings demonstrate why rubies have remained among the world’s most coveted gemstones for centuries. Their vivid crimson colour is enhanced by flowing goldwork and sparkling diamonds, creating a design that is both dramatic and unmistakably elegant. Sterlé’s imaginative, sculptural approach helped define post-war French jewellery, and these earrings beautifully capture that distinctive style.
Morelle Davidson, Stand A19
A Celebration of Colour
Not every exceptional jewel relies on a single gemstone. This late nineteenth-century necklace delights in combining an array of coloured gems into one harmonious design, showcasing the craftsmanship and creativity of the period. Pieces such as this remind us that Victorian jewellers often embraced colour with remarkable confidence, creating jewels that feel every bit as joyful and expressive today as when they were first made.
Koopman Rare Art (Jewels), Stand A23
Discover More
Visitors to this year’s LAPADA Fair will discover an exceptional selection of jewellery celebrating the beauty of coloured gemstones. Whether you’re drawn to the deep blue of sapphires, the rich green of emeralds, the fiery brilliance of rubies or vibrant multi-gem designs, colour has never looked more timeless.
