Gemfields’ first-ever report on coloured gemstones in China reveals that now is the time to seize the opportunity of meeting Chinese consumers’ expectations of corporate responsibility and sustainability. Titled ‘Sustainability: The Future of Coloured Gemstones in China’, the report also presents that up to 35% of Chinese jewellery owners plan to purchase rubies, and 25% wish to acquire emeralds in the near future, pointing to an opportunity for the coloured gemstone industry, if pieces are correctly marketed.
Based on extensive qualitative and quantitative research among gemstone owners across China’s different regions, city tiers and levels of affluence, the findings provide a set of clear conclusions as to the preferences and behaviours of gemstone owners in China across diverse demographics and geographies.
Sean Gilbertson, CEO of Gemfields, commented, “China is a very important market to Gemfields, and integral to our company’s growth. It is highly positive that 97% of jewellery owners are willing to pay a premium for responsibly mined gemstones. We expect responsible sourcing will continue to receive ever-increasing attention, and become progressively more important to Chinese jewellery buyers.”
Emily Dungey, Marketing and Communications Director of Gemfields, highlights, “The research also indicated that an overwhelming number of consumers are specifically seeking coloured gemstones set in more contemporary jewellery designs.”