The Most Underrated Gemstones That Could Skyrocket in Value: Hidden Treasures Worth Investing In

Move over, diamonds and rubies—there’s a new crew of dazzling gemstones sneaking into the spotlight, and they’re packing serious investment potential. At Robinson's Jewelers, we’ve got our eyes on the underdogs of the gem world, the ones that make collectors whisper and jewelers grin. These stones aren’t just pretty; they’re like the quiet kid in class who ends up ruling the world. Ready to meet your next jewelry crush? Let’s dive into the most underrated gemstones that could make your jewelry box (and wallet) very happy.

Forget playing it safe with the usual suspects. The real magic lies in the unexpected—the gems that haven’t yet hit mainstream madness but are quietly gaining steam among insiders. Whether you’re hunting for a showstopper engagement ring or a statement necklace that’ll leave everyone asking, “What IS that?”, these stones are your golden ticket.

1. Tanzanite: The One-Hit Wonder

Found only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, tanzanite is like that limited-edition sneaker that sells out in minutes. Its electric blue-violet hue shifts with the light, and here’s the kicker: experts predict the mines could run dry in the next 20-30 years. Snag a piece now, and you might just own a relic. Pro tip: Look for stones with deep saturation—the richer the color, the bigger the bragging rights.

2. Tsavorite Garnet: Emerald’s Feisty Cousin

Imagine an emerald, but with more fire and zero drama (emeralds are notoriously fragile). That’s tsavorite garnet, a vivid green stunner discovered in the 1960s. Rarer than diamonds and mined in just a few locations, tsavorite’s value has climbed steadily. Pair it with white gold for a modern twist, or go full glam with yellow gold—either way, it’s a showstopper.

3. Spinel: The Imposter That Outshines the Original

Historically mistaken for rubies (even ending up in royal crowns!), spinel is finally getting its due. Available in neon pinks, fiery oranges, and even cobalt blues, spinel is durable, brilliant, and still relatively affordable. The cherry on top? Major auction houses have started tracking spinel prices separately—a sure sign it’s going places.

4. Demantoid Garnet: The Green Fireball

This isn’t your grandma’s garnet. Demantoid boasts a dispersion rate higher than diamond, meaning it throws rainbows like a disco ball. Its signature “horsetail” inclusions (tiny golden threads) actually increase its value. Rare, Russian-mined demantoids can fetch prices rivaling fine sapphires. Talk about a glow-up!

5. Moonstone: The Celestial Sleeper Hit

Don’t let its ethereal glow fool you—moonstone is having a moment. Designers from Vera Wang to Roman & Jules are using it in everything from engagement rings to hoop earrings. High-quality blue moonstone (the kind with that liquidy “adularescence”) is becoming increasingly scarce, making it a smart buy for boho-chic investors.

6. Chrome Diopside: The Siberian Secret

Often called “the poor man’s emerald,” chrome diopside is anything but. Mined in remote Siberia, its intense green rivals the finest Colombian emeralds—at a fraction of the price. The catch? Large, clean stones are rare (most top out at 2 carats), so a well-cut specimen could skyrocket as awareness grows. Slip one into a toi et moi ring for instant intrigue.

7. Rhodolite Garnet: The Berry Beautiful Bargain

A cross between ruby and raspberry jam, rhodolite garnet delivers big color without the big price tag. Its popularity in vintage jewelry (especially Art Deco pieces) has sparked renewed interest. Look for stones with a pure, saturated purple-red hue—they’re the ones most likely to appreciate.

8. Mexican Fire Opal: The Sunset Stone

Unlike its delicate Australian cousin, Mexican fire opal is tough enough for daily wear and comes in jaw-dropping shades of tangerine, scarlet, and honey. The best pieces glow like molten lava—perfect for cocktail rings that’ll have everyone reaching for their sunglasses. With Mexico tightening mining regulations, premium material is getting harder to find.

9. Alexandrite: The Color-Changing Chameleon

Already prized by collectors, alexandrite takes the cake for rarity. Natural stones that shift from emerald green to ruby red under different lighting can cost more per carat than diamonds. Lab-created versions make this magic accessible, but natural Russian alexandrite? That’s the holy grail. Pair it with Roberto Coin’s signature goldwork for maximum wow.

10. Paraiba Tourmaline: The Electric Dream

Discovered in Brazil in the 1980s, Paraiba tourmaline looks like someone bottled Caribbean sunlight. Its neon blue-green hue is unmatched, and mines are nearly exhausted. Prices for top-quality stones have jumped 300% in the last decade—making early buyers very happy campers. Even Tiffany & Co. has embraced its glow.

How to Invest Like a Pro

Love a gem but not ready to drop five figures? Start small with earrings or a pendant—quality over size always wins. Work with experts (hi, we’re Robinson's Jewelers!) who can verify origins and treatments. And most importantly: buy what makes your heart race when you see it. The best investments are the ones you’ll never want to sell.

Ready to hunt for hidden treasure? Browse our estate collection for vintage rarities or explore new arrivals featuring these rising stars. Your future self (and your future net worth) will thank you.