Joining the 800 booths in the coloured stone section was a special tanzanite pavilion sponsored by the Tanzanite Foundation. Among the exhibitors specializing in tanzanite was U.S.-based AG Color. Company president Hemant Phophaliya indicated sales were satisfactory, given the current economic climate, adding the brand focused on American buyers at the show.
Elsewhere, every conceivable stone and pearl imaginable could be found from alexandrite to zircon, along with more uncommon gems, such as blue amber, fossilized opal, and unusual dendritic agate. Paraiba tourmaline was a standout, with its neon-blue colour a favourite of many buyers. “Everyone is asking for Paraiba,” said Germany-based Constantin Wild, adding buyers from China and the United States were particularly looking for the blue gem. Wild also offered green sphene, which he calls “a sparkling miracle of colour that is iridescent in yellow and green when seen from different angles.”
Still in the green theme, Hong Kong firm Olynthos filled its showcases with attractive chrysoprase and imperial chrysoprase in rough, faceted, and bead forms. Also seeing a good response to green stones—this time prasiolite and mint-green dendritic agates—was Clement Sabbagh of Brazil-based Sabbagh Bros. “We have also been doing well with Madeira citrine and morganite,” he said. “Chinese buyers seem to appreciate these colours, too.” As for prices, Sabbagh noted the downward trend, especially for tourmaline. Green cats-eyes were on the menu—along with some unusual aquamarine and beryl cats-eyes—at Brazil-based Tavares Gems. Osorio Tavares reported demand for the larger stones was slow, but that small and medium-size gems (up to 10 carats) were selling better.
