Indians ditch gold for gemstones as sales jump 40%; stones cost Rs 5 lakh

The growing preference for premium coloured gemstones as against gold is also translating into higher prices. Paraiba tourmalines, among the rarest gemstones, sell for around Rs 5 lakh per carat in India. Demand for these stones is particularly strong among high-net-worth buyers in Mumbai, followed by customers in Delhi and South India.