Most Expensive Gemstones in the World

Some of the world’s most valuable gemstones might surprise you. While diamonds are highly prized, many other gemstones are found naturally around the world. These gems are admired not only for their beauty but also for their symbolic and healing properties.

When we think of valuable gemstones, we often think of diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds – the four precious gems. These stones are indeed valuable, but the priciest gemstones can sometimes be less well-known. In fact, some rare gems are even more expensive than diamonds, showing just how diverse and fascinating the world of gemstones can be.

Today's Most Valuable Gemstones Around the World

• Diamond

A typical natural 1-carat diamond, made of pure carbon, usually costs between $5,000 and $8,000. However, rare diamonds can be much more expensive. Red diamonds, for instance, can cost up to $1,000,000 per carat, with fewer than 30 in the world. Blue diamonds are even pricier, reaching $3.93 million per carat. An example is the 14.62-carat Vivid Blue diamond, known as "The Oppenheimer Blue," which sold for $57.5 million at a Christie’s auction in 2015.

Diamonds always stay in demand, as recent sales show. In 2022, the 15.10-carat De Beers Blue diamond, which is flawless inside, sold for $57.4 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong. The same year, the 11.15-carat Williamson Pink Star diamond sold for $57.73 million. Without auction fees, it was valued at $49.9 million, or nearly $4.5 million per carat—about $1 million more per carat than the Oppenheimer Blue.

These high prices highlight the lasting demand and rarity of these unique gems. When buying a diamond, factors like carat, color, clarity, and cut greatly affect the price. The rarer the diamond, the higher the cost, making these gems true treasures.

• Tanzanite Gemstone

Tanzanite, discovered in 1967, is a rare gemstone found only in northern Tanzania near Mount Kilimanjaro. It is known for its deep blue-violet color and became popular in 1968 when Tiffany & Co. began using it in their jewelry.

Tanzanite is mined in a very small area, just 4.3 by 1.2 miles. Because of this limited supply, its tanzanite value is expected to keep rising.

In 2020, miners in Tanzania found two large Tanzanite stones. One weighed 20.4 pounds and the other 11.3 pounds. These stones were sold to the Tanzanian government for $3.3 million. This shows how rare and valuable Tanzanite is.

Tanzanite is unique because it can change color. It looks blue in one type of light and violet in another. This makes it a popular choice for engagement rings, earrings, and other fine jewelry. As the supply of Tanzanite decreases, owning a piece of Tanzanite jewelry will become even more special and unique.

• Black Opal Gemstone

Black opals are some of the most prized and valuable opals because of their stunning colors and rarity. Most black opals come from Lightning Ridge in New South Wales, Australia. One famous black opal is the "Royal One," a 306-carat gem worth $3 million. In March 2020, an even larger black opal, weighing 819.50 carats and owned by Medici Collection, LLC, was verified. High-quality black opals can cost over $10,000 per carat, making this huge gemstone worth about $8.2 million.

Black opals are special because they show bright colors like blues, greens, and reds. They are made from silica and water and take millions of years to form. Because of their beauty and rarity, black opals are highly sought after by collectors and jewelry lovers.

• Musgravite Gemstone

Musgravite is a rare gem first found in 1967 in Australia's Musgrave Ranges. It is made from beryllium aluminum oxide with iron, zinc, and magnesium. By 2005, only eight gem-quality stones had been found, confirming its unique status.

Valued at around $35,000 per carat, musgravite comes in colors from translucent olive green to greyish purple. Its sparkle makes it highly sought after. With a hardness of 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale, musgravite is very durable. Top-quality natural musgravite can be as valuable as diamonds.

Musgravite's rarity adds to its charm. Lab-grown musgravite is more affordable, making it a good choice for those wanting the look without the high cost.

If you want a unique and stunning gem, musgravite is an excellent choice. Its rarity and beauty make it a special addition to any jewelry collection.

• Red Beryl Gemstone

Red beryl is a unique gemstone made of beryllium, aluminum, and silicate. It is naturally colorless, but it gets its bright red color from trace elements. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, red beryl is very durable. It is related to other beryl stones like green emerald, blue aquamarine, pink morganite, and yellow heliodor.

High-quality red beryl is mainly found in Utah’s Wah Wah Mountains. This gem is extremely rare and valuable. The Utah Geological Survey says red beryl is 1,000 times more valuable than gold and 150,000 times rarer than diamonds. The largest known faceted red beryl is about 8 carats, according to the British Gem Association.

Small red beryl stones, under 1 carat, can cost between $1,600 and $24,000 per carat. Larger stones, over 1 carat, can cost more than $50,000 per carat. Because of its rarity and beautiful color, red beryl is highly prized by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

• Alexandrite Gemstone

Alexandrite is a unique type of chrysoberyl that changes color based on the light. In sunlight, it looks emerald green, but in dim light, it turns ruby red. This gem has trace elements like titanium, chromium, and iron. Founded first in 1833, alexandrite is mainly from Russia but also comes from India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar, and Tanzania.

The price of alexandrite depends a lot on the size of the stone. Russian alexandrite stones that weigh between 1 and 2 carats can cost up to $20,000 per carat. Stones around 3 carats can be priced at $35,000 per carat. Larger stones can be extremely valuable, selling for $50,000 or even over $100,000 per carat.

Alexandrite is not only rare but also highly valued for its beauty and unique color-changing ability. It is often used in fine jewelry and is a favorite for collectors. This gemstone's value and allure make it a truly special find for anyone lucky enough to own it.

• Emerald Gemstone

Emeralds are some of the most valuable gemstones, with prices reaching up to $305,000 per carat. Their beautiful green color makes them very popular. While many emeralds have small flaws, perfect ones can be extremely valuable.

One famous emerald, weighing 18.04 carats and once owned by John D. Rockefeller’s wife, sold for $5.5 million at a Christie’s auction. The Chalk Emerald, a well-known gem, originally weighed 38.4 carats but now weighs 37.8 carats. The 34-carat Stotesbury Emerald sold for $1 million in 2017. Catherine the Great’s emerald necklace, weighing 75.61 carats, fetched $4.5 million at a Christie’s auction in Geneva.

Elizabeth Taylor's Bulgari Emerald Suite, made up of five pieces, set a record at Christie’s in 2011, selling for an incredible $24,799,000. This suite includes a necklace, emerald earrings, a emerald ring, a brooch, and a bracelet, showing the timeless beauty and high value of emeralds.

Emeralds are prized for their color and rarity. They are a favorite choice for high-end jewelry, symbolizing luxury and elegance.

• Ruby Gemstone

In 2015, a rare Burmese ruby sold for $1.18 million per carat, totaling $30.3 million for its 25.59 carats at a Sotheby’s auction. This record was broken in 2023 when a 55.22-carat ruby sold for $34.8 million, making it one of the most expensive gems in the world.

Ruby is loved for their bright red color, which ranges from pink to deep red. They symbolize passion and energy. Most rubies come from Mozambique, where a large deposit was found in 2009. This discovery boosted the demand for these beautiful stones. The largest known ruby originally weighed 101 carats.

Ruby is not just pretty; they are also very durable, making them perfect for all types of jewelry. Whether set in ruby rings, ruby bracelet, or earrings, rubies always stand out. Their rich color and sparkle make them a favorite for special occasions and treasured gifts.

Conclusion: World Most Expensive Gemstone

The world of gemstones is diverse, with many gems more valuable than diamonds. While diamonds are highly prized, stones like tanzanite, black opals, musgravite, red beryl, alexandrite, emeralds, and rubies offer unique beauty and high value. Their rarity significantly influences their prices, often surpassing diamonds. For instance, red diamonds can reach $1,000,000 per carat, and blue diamonds nearly $4 million per carat.

Its most expensive gemstones are cherished not only for their stunning appearance but also for their unique stories and exceptional qualities, making them true treasures in fine jewelry.

FAQs: Most Expensive Gemstone

Q.1 What is the most expensive gemstone in the world?

Ans.The priciest gemstone ever sold is a pink diamond, which fetched $71.2 million at auction. Other extremely valuable gems include rare blue and red diamonds.

Q2. Why are some gemstones more expensive than others?

Ans. Gemstone prices depend on rarity, size, quality (cut, color, clarity, and carat), and historical significance. Rare blue and pink diamonds are often pricier due to their unique colors and scarcity.

Q.3 How much does a blue diamond cost per carat?

Ans. Blue diamonds can range from $3.14 million to $4 million per carat. Some well-known blue diamonds have sold for over $57 million at auction.

Q.4 What makes pink diamonds so valuable?

Ans. Pink diamonds are highly valued for their large size, vivid color, and flawless clarity. These features make them rare and very desirable.

Q.5 Are there gemstones more expensive than diamonds?

Ans. While diamonds are among the most expensive gemstones, rare stones like red diamonds and some large blue diamonds can be even more costly. Certain pink diamonds have also surpassed the value of most other diamonds.

Q.6 Where can I buy the most expensive gemstones?

Ans. High-value gemstones are usually sold through prestigious auction houses and specialized jewelers that cater to collectors worldwide.

Q.7 What are some famous expensive gemstones?

Ans. Notable expensive gemstones include famous pink, blue, and red diamonds, which have set records at auctions for their rarity and exceptional quality.

Q.8 How is the price of a gemstone determined?

Ans. Gemstone prices are based on the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Rarity and market demand also play significant roles, with unique historical significance further increasing a gemstone's value.

Q.9 What is the most expensive colored gemstone?

Ans. The most expensive colored gemstone ever sold is a pink diamond. Other costly colored gemstones include certain red and blue diamonds and rare rubies.

Q.10 Can I insure expensive gemstones?

Ans. Yes, you can insure expensive gemstones. It's important to get an appraisal from a certified gemologist and choose an insurance policy that covers loss, theft, and damage.