Today, jewelry remains a popular fashion accessory around the world. Although people everywhere enjoy wearing beautiful gemstones in rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets and brooches, nations differ significantly in terms of the most popular stones. Certain precious minerals predominate in some locations more than others. Since China today has become by far the most populous nation on the planet, Chinese consumers largely control the global popularity levels of different gem quality stones.
The Chinese Gem Industry
Although strong evidence exists that shoppers in China might enjoy purchasing a wide variety of gemstones, including stones mined in distant places, fine jewelry imports carry a very high tax as luxury items. During the Maoist Period, for instance, the Communist government severely limited the ability of citizens to import precious gemstones into China.
According to GemsNY, “taxes that still apply today to some luxury imports restrict the ability of lower and middle income households to purchase these products.” Consequently, locally mined precious gems and synthetic stones enjoy the widest popularity on the Chinese mainland. Four precious stones stand out as very popular among Chinese consumers today:
Jade
For centuries, fine jade and jadeite stones have commanded enthusiasm from consumers in China as widely available gems. Many gradations of jade products exist. High quality polished stones remain very attractive to buyers today. Some reports indicate prices for fine jade products have increased in recent years.
Pearl
Pearls, gems produced by oysters and not technically mined, also continue to enjoy great popularity in China, as well as other countries. Pearls differ widely in quality, but high grade pearls remain in high demand around the world.
Diamond
After the expansion of global trade, some diamond mining firms began exporting diamonds into China. The popularity of using diamonds in wedding bands increased substantially. Some diamond suppliers note that many consumers in the PCR view diamond jewelry as an important investment, and they tend to place a strong emphasis upon high quality, well-cut stones. In both the USA and China, consumers prize nature’s most brilliant gemstone, the diamond.
Corundum
Although still difficult for many Chinese consumers to obtain due to luxury taxes and import regulations, imported rubies, sapphires, emeralds and other colorful hard corundum-based gemstones have recently grown in popularity among Chinese jewelry buyers. China also produces synthetic diamonds and corundum, for instance.
Popular Gems
Beautiful jewelry has held appeal for people around the world for centuries. Even during ancient times, gemstones often held significance as items of personal adornment. Jade, pearl, diamond and corundum stones all hold value for talented fine jewelry designers and their customers.
Although Chinese consumers today still face challenges accessing imported gemstones sometimes, the public has in recent years demonstrated a willingness to purchase fine jewelry manufactured by foreign as well as domestic jewelry companies.
