What are some of your favorites, SB?
Traditionally everyone is sold sapphire, ruby and emerald as the big three because historically these have always been emphasied as a serious investment and rarity.
In-fact some of the best looking stones are things like Tanzanite (Zoizite) - this comes from one place in the world so far and comes in huge sizes. In my business i trade alot of Tanzanite and have even had eye and loop clean 100 carat pcs. Tanzanite is often said to be the stone Sapphire wishes it was - as the color is insane in the right light and the stone is often free of any inclusions unlike sapphire. It is however a much softer stone.
I also like Green garnet or Tsavorite which is another beautiful stone and too me has far superior color to emerald.
These are still known as semi-precious stones but Tanzanite AAAA color retails for well over $500 per carat. Green garnet comes in smaller sizes and it is hard to find nice clarity piece, the price of this stone is often based on size and clarity of the piece.
Other stones which are being promoted big is red spinel right now, this is the same stone in Queen Elizabeth's crown jewel is not a ruby but a 361 carat red spinel.
