Top 10 Most Expensive Gemstones in the World

Gemstones have a way of captivating our gaze with their radiant colors and brilliant sparkling flashes. Did you know that the price of these stunning stones can skyrocket up to millions, even billions of dollars, for just a single carat? Our blog post today sheds light on the world's top 10 most expensive gemstones, unraveling their unique features, origins and breathtaking prices.

Get ready to embark on this dazzling journey that will leave your eyes glittering!

Understanding Gemstones Pricing Factors

The value of gemstones is determined by several key factors including rarity, size, quality, and origin. Rarity refers to how common or uncommon a particular gemstone may be in nature.

Size is another significant factor as larger gemstones are usually more valued than smaller ones due to their eye-catching appearance and increased visibility of color and clarity.

Quality encompasses elements such as clarity, color intensity, and cut while origin pertains to the geographical location where the stone was mined which can significantly impact its market value.

Rarity

Rarity contributes significantly to the value of gemstones. Gems become rarer due to limited availability and high demand, which causes their prices to skyrocket. For instance, blue diamonds are among the most expensive gemstones globally, fetching up to $3.93 million per carat chiefly because they're found in few locations worldwide and their supply is dwindling.

Similarly, pink diamonds can reach astounding prices of about $1.5 million per carat due to their rare occurrence in nature. Some gems like Painite were once considered the rarest in existence with only three known specimens available for purchase at incredible prices of $60,000 per carat or more!

Size

Gemstones come in a wide array of sizes, and this factor plays a significant role in determining their value. The size of a gemstone is usually measured in carats, with one carat equivalent to 200 milligrams.

Larger gemstones are rarer than smaller ones, prompting an increase in their prices. For instance, the Blue Diamond holds the record for being the most expensive per-carat gemstone at $3.93 million.

However, it's not always about sheer size; proportions matter too when evaluating a gemstone's worth. Jewels are often cut to enhance their innate brilliance and color while eliminating flaws or inclusions that may lower their quality and value.

This process can sometimes reduce the overall dimensions but significantly increase the visual appeal and market price. Thus—a lesson shared by both jewelers and Gemstone Lovers—it can be more rewarding to prioritize balance between size, beauty, and rarity than merely focusing on large-scale pieces.

Quality

 

The quality of a gemstone plays a vital role in determining its market value. Gemologists assess this based on a stone's color, cut, and clarity. Unique hues and strong colors can increase a gemstone's worth significantly.

Blue diamonds like the Oppenheimer Blue diamond or colorful gems such as the Pink Star Diamond are perfect examples that demonstrate this principle. The remarkable clarity of these stones is another factor contributing to their high quality.

Minute imperfections or inclusions can decrease value, while flawless stones fetch top prices at auctions like Christie's and Sotheby’s. Furthermore, how well the stone has been cut influences its brilliance; good cuts enhance color dispersion and improve sparkle whereas poor cuts dull the stone’s appearance leading to compromised radiance—which subsequently affects the gemstone's overall quality.

Origin

Gemstones bear tales of their geographical birthplace, adding another layer to their allure. For instance, blue diamonds typically originate from the Cullinan mine in South Africa. Red and pink diamonds are mainly mined in Australia’s Argyle Diamond Mine, while emeralds often hail from Colombia or Zambia.

Painite was once considered the rarest mineral on earth with only two specimens known; it originates from Myanmar. Grandidierite is found mostly in Madagascar. Rare jadeite has been traced back to Guatemala and also Myanmar.

The ultra-rare Serendibite comes exclusively from Sri Lanka while Taaffeite too primarily sources its existence there but can be occasionally found in Myanmar as well. Lastly, Alexandrite appears predominantly in Brazil's Minas Gerais mines but is originally a Russian gemstone discovered in the Ural Mountains.

Blue Diamond – The Most Expensive Gemstone

Steeped in allure and mystery, the Blue Diamond is renowned as the priciest gemstone known to man; its mesmerizing blue hues, rare occurrence, and exceptional quality catapult it to an unprecedented level of value.

This tantalizing jewel, celebrated for its unbeatable luster and transparent appearance not only encapsulates elemental beauty but also carries a unique historical significance. Let's delve into the rich world of Blue Diamonds - their characteristics, origins and what precisely makes them such sought-after pieces in the gemstone market.

Features of Blue Diamond

Blue diamonds are beyond ordinary; they are rare treasures coveted for their extraordinary brilliance and unparalleled beauty. With hues ranging from sky blue to deep oceanic blues, these precious gemstones captivate with their mesmerizing color.

The Blue Diamond is the ultimate elemental symbol of royalty, creating a stir among gemstone enthusiasts, collectors, and investors alike due to its scarcity and unique aesthetic appeal.

Their remarkable luster is born out of an arbitrary molecular structure that allows for an almost transparent appearance. Every stone tells a story - none more so than the famed Oppenheimer Blue Diamond which broke records as the largest vivid blue diamond ever auctioned.

Yet it is not solely about size; even smaller stones retain high market value due to intense demand driven by both rarity and cultural significance attached to this particular hue in the world of precious stones.

Blue Diamond Price Per Carat

The staggering value of a Blue Diamond is largely determined by its weight, with every single carat costing approximately $3.93 million. This makes the Blue Diamond not just an alluring piece of mineral for gemstone enthusiasts but also the most expensive one available in today's market.

With each increase in size, there is a proportional escalation in pricing that can even reach tens of millions for truly exceptional stones. As such, purchasing just one carat demands significant financial commitment and appreciation for this rare beauty.

Pink Diamond – The Second Most Expensive Gemstone

The Pink Diamond, bathed in a captivating hue of romance and rarity, is the second most expensive gemstone on our list with its price per carat setting records at auctions. Immerse yourself further in the intriguing world of this extraordinary gem as we explore its unique features, origins and why collectors are willing to spend millions just to have it in their possession.

Features of Pink Diamond

Pink Diamonds possess an exquisite hue that sets them apart from other gemstones. These rare gems are formed deep within the earth under extreme temperature and pressure conditions, a process that transforms pure carbon into an awe-inspiring pink diamond.

Each stone's natural pink color is unique, varying in intensity from faint blush tones to rich, intense pinks. Renowned for their beauty and rarity, Pink Diamonds often feature prominently at Christie's Auctions and Sotheby's Auctions where they fetch extraordinary prices.

Clarity, cut and carat weight also play significant roles in determining each gemstone's ultimate value. A noteworthy source of these astonishing stones is the Argyle Mine in Australia, contributing significantly to the availability of Pink Diamonds on the Gemstone Market.

Pink Diamond Price Per Carat

Pink diamonds carry a hefty price tag that reflects their rarity and charm. On average, these dazzling stones command $1.5 million per carat, cementing their status as a luxurious gemstone.

This value can significantly increase depending on the size, color intensity, and quality of the diamond.

High-grade pink diamonds like the Pink Star Diamond have fetched astronomical prices at auctions worldwide. Notably, this exquisite gem was sold for an astounding $71.2 million at Sotheby's auction in 2017, setting a new record for any jewel ever sold at auction.

These figures demonstrate why pink diamonds remain one of the most coveted gemstones among collectors and aficionados around the globe.

Red Diamond – The Third Most Expensive Gemstone

Known for its captivating, rich hue and unparalleled rarity, the Red Diamond holds an esteemed position as the third most expensive gemstone in the world. Explore more about this mesmerizing marvel's unique traits and market value in our detailed analysis.

Features of Red Diamond

Known as one of the rarest gemstones in the world, red diamonds boast an extraordinary fiery hue. The unique color can range from a deep, rich red to variations with brownish or purplish undertones.

Their appeal extends beyond their mesmerizing appearance; these beauties contain incomparable brilliance and luster that places them in high demand among gemstone collectors and investors.

These sought-after treasures are used primarily in luxurious jewelry pieces due to their monumental value. Significant factors driving their cost include size, color intensity, clarity, and cut quality.

Striking symbols of wealth and grandeur, red diamonds often fetch per-carat prices reaching into the millions. As such immense worth suggests, owning a piece featuring this magnificent stone reflects not only excellent taste but also significant affluence.

Red Diamond Price Per Carat

The Moussaieff Red Diamond, one of the rarest diamonds in the world, holds a record-breaking price per carat at almost 1.6 million dollars. Due to its scarcity and stunning lush color, it commands a staggering market value.

Extensive interest among collectors and enthusiasts propels its cost upwards as they compete to add this jewel to their collection. The high demand combined with limited availability sets its average price at an astronomical level.

For comparison purposes only, imagine paying for a lavish mansion but instead getting a gemstone weighing just about 5 grams!

Emerald – The Fourth Most Expensive Gemstone

Known for its lush green hue, the emerald is treasured by collectors and ranks fourth in the list of world's most expensive gemstones; delve deeper to understand more about this precious stone's unique traits, fascinating history, and impressive price per carat.

Features of Emerald

Emeralds boast a vibrant green color, ranking as the fourth most expensive gemstone worldwide. These precious jewels traditionally symbolize love and rebirth. They showcase an impressive hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, guaranteeing their long-lasting beauty and durability.

The allure of emeralds extends to their unique range in hues. From bluish-green to deep green shades, each stone encompassed within this family holds its individual charm and character.

Jewelers meticulously cut and polish these gems for use in high-end jewelry designs, adding unmatched elegance with every piece they grace.

Emerald Price Per Carat

Emeralds have a significant value in the precious gemstones market due to their vibrant green color and rarity. High-quality emeralds often fetch prices comparable, if not exceeding that of certain diamonds.

A popular example is the Rockefeller Emerald that set itself apart by selling for an astonishing $5.51 million at auction in 2017. Despite its size being less than 19 carats, this unique gemstone broke records by reaching an extraordinary price equivalent to about $305,000 per carat, showcasing how immensely coveted these beautiful gems are among collectors worldwide.

Painite – The Fifth Most Expensive Gemstone

Delve into the world of Painite, once considered the rarest mineral in the world, and discover its unique characteristics that make it one of the highest priced gemstones per carat.

Make sure you stick around to find out more about this fascinating gemstone.

Features of Painite

Painite holds the illustrious title of being the fifth most expensive gemstone in the world. This borate mineral is incredibly rare, with only three known stones in existence, which adds to its incredible value. Over the past number of years additional painites crystals and pieces have been retrieved, the majority of them cannot be shaped into facets.

It was first discovered in Myanmar during the 1950s and has captured attention ever since due to its stunning appearance. Painite can sell for up to a whopping $60,000 per carat! The fiery red, orange-red, and brownish-red hues of this gem are breathtakingly beautiful — so much so that many people compare it to rubies in terms of color and beauty.

Its rarity combined with its mesmerizing colors make Painite one of the most sought after gemstones among collectors worldwide.

Painite Price Per Carat

Painite holds a prestigious position among the world's costliest gemstones due to its significant price per carat. A single carat of high-quality painite sells for an astounding $60,000.

This staggering tag is greatly influenced by factors like size, quality, and the extreme scarcity of this elusive gemstone. The rarity of Painite drives its desirability in the market, pushing prices even higher than other famed gemstones.

However, it's essential to note that the exact monetary value isn't fixed but shifts depending on demand and specific attributes such as stone clarity and hue variations.

Grandidierite – The Sixth Most Expensive Gemstone

Discover the captivating beauty and astounding rarity of Grandidierite, a mesmerizing blue-green gemstone whose prices reach staggering heights due to its exceptional quality and scarcity.

Delve into its unique features, origin, and skyrocketing price per carat in our detailed overview. Keep reading to uncover more about this precious stone's intriguing tale!

Features of Grandidierite

Grandidierite shines in hues of bluish-green, pale turquoise, and striking green. This gemstone ranks sixth on the list of the world's most expensive gems due to its unique color palette and relative scarcity.

Categorized by a transparency that ranges from translucent to opaque, it is this distinct blend of characteristics that makes Grandidierite stand out among other precious stones. The largest recorded piece weighed an impressive 764 carats with a value standing at $15.28 million! With only one in every thousand qualifying as gem-quality, this stone definitely plays hard-to-get for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

From chunky beaded necklaces to intricate stone settings in jewelry pieces, the versatile Grandidierite brings an unbeatable luster to any adornment it graces.

Grandidierite Price Per Carat

Grandidierite holds a prestigious position in the gemstone world with its eye-watering price per carat. The high-grade variety of this striking blue-green mineral can command prices up to $20,000 per carat, making it a sought-after treasure for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

This value places Grandidierite amongst the most expensive gemstones on earth.

The pricing of Grandidierite is not just about its enchanting appearance but also its rarity.

Whether you are an investor or simply have a passion for beautiful stones, acquiring Grandidierite comes with a significant financial commitment due to its exorbitant cost.

Jadeite – The Seventh Most Expensive Gemstone

Jadeite, primarily known for its deep and vibrant green color, holds a significant place in ancient culture and history - paired with its extreme rarity, it ranks as the seventh most expensive gemstone in the world.

Discover more about this captivating gemstone's features, origin story, and current market value per carat.

Features of Jadeite

Highly prized for its stunning green color, Jadeite holds the prestigious title as the seventh most expensive gemstone globally. This mesmerizing stone exhibits an intense and vibrant shade of green that is capable of captivating even the most discerning eyes.

Often transformed into exquisite pieces of jewelry, it commands impressive prices in auctions, with standout items like the Hutton Mdivani necklace fetching a staggering $27.44 million.

Adding to its charm beyond aesthetics, Jadeite also boasts a dense structure which contributes to its excellent durability. The exceptional hardness makes it robust against daily wear and tear when fashioned into accessories or ornaments.

Its high demand among gemstone collectors serves as testimony to its desirability and value in today's robust market.

Jadeite Price Per Carat

Jadeite carries a hefty price tag due to its rarity and high demand, especially in Asian markets. The value can swing widely based on various factors like color, quality, and transparency.

For instance, prices per carat for lower grade Jadeite may be just a few hundred dollars. However, exceptional pieces - those with vibrant colors and excellent transparency - fetch several thousand dollars per carat.

Nevertheless, it is the seventh most expensive gemstone in the world.

Serendibite – The Eighth Most Expensive Gemstone

Discover the exceptional allure and astronomical value of Serendibite, a truly mesmerizing gemstone that's lauded for its rich blue color hues and rarity. Dive deeper into this intriguing stone's unique properties, history, and how it commands such a high price per carat!

Features of Serendibite

Serendibite is a gemstone treasured for its rarity and captivating beauty. This luxurious stone boasts a peculiar deep blue or greenish-blue color, depending on the angle of light refraction.

With such unique hue combinations, it stands out among other precious gems and showcases an exclusive appeal.

Its value springs from several factors such as quality, size, demand in the market but most significantly its scarcity. Extracted in limited quantities primarily from Sri Lanka and Myanmar, Serendibite deposits are few which elevates its worth exponentially.

Despite being challenging to spot in traditional jewelry outlets due to low supply volumes, this gemstone has gained prominence among collectors owing to its singular characteristics.

Serendibite Price Per Carat

Serendibite, an ultra-rare gemstone, carries a substantial price tag due to its extreme scarcity. A highly sought-after stone among collectors and enthusiasts alike, it commands an average price per carat of €15,571 ($18,000).

This staggering cost reflects not only the rarity of Serendibite but also its unique blue-green coloration and undeniable allure. Bragging rights for owning such a rare gem contribute significantly to this robust market value.

Taaffeite – The Ninth Most Expensive Gemstone

Taaffeite is a dazzling gemstone discovering its own spotlight in the world of precious stones; explore this scarce mineral's elegant pink to lavender hues and get caught up in its fascinating background alongside its esteemed market value.

Are you ready to discover why collectors everywhere covet Taaffeite?

Features of Taaffeite

Taaffeite holds the title of the ninth most expensive gemstone in the world, prized for its scarcity and breathtaking colors. This precious stone possesses an ethereal assortment of hues, ranging from pale green to violet to pink with beguiling purple undertones.

Often mistaken for spinel until tested, Taaffeite stands out due to its extraordinary clarity and luster that make it a jewelers' dream. Even with only around 50 known stones available globally, it commands prices upwards of $35,000 per carat.

This exclusivity fuels its appeal amongst high-end jewelry designers and avid gem collectors alike.

Taaffeite Price Per Carat 

Taaffeite, the ninth most expensive gemstone worldwide, secures its high price tag due to its extreme rarity. This scarcity not only contributes to its allure but also significantly raises its value in the market.

Adding up all these factors and considerations, the price per carat of Taaffeite can skyrocket up to an astonishing $35,000. Despite this lofty amount, gemstone collectors and enthusiasts remain eager for any opportunity to acquire such a prized treasure.

Alexandrite – The Tenth Most Expensive Gemstone

Captivating for its unique color-changing properties, Alexandrite is a gemstone cloaked in opulence and mystery. To unravel more about this stunningly rare and exponentially expensive gemstone, keep reading!

Features of Alexandrite

Alexandrite's captivating feature lies in its unique ability to change colors. Under the warm glow of incandescent light or a candle, the gemstone displays an entrancing purple hue with red undertones.

In contrasting daylight or fluorescent light, it reveals a sparkling blue-green color. This dramatic transformation is due to Alexandrite's uncommon chemical composition that absorbs certain wavelengths of light.

Another noteworthy attribute is its rarity; as one of the rarest gemstones worldwide, it holds immense attraction for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The Saur Alexandrite, with an immense uncut weight of 122,400 carats, holds the distinction of being the world's largest Alexandrite stone, and its value is incalculable.

Often incorporated into luxury jewelry pieces because of its unmatched beauty and unique features, Alexandrite exudes grandeur and elegance at every turn.

Alexandrite Price Per Carat

Alexandrite is an exceptional gem prized for its unique color-changing properties. Because of its rarity, it can command soaring prices in the market. Its price per carat is determined by factors such as size, quality, demand, and availability.

Alexandrite boasts extraordinary clarity and brilliance, which significantly add to its high per-carat cost.

Few locations around the globe yield this remarkable gemstone, contributing to both its scarcity and hefty price tag. An alexandrite stone's worth oscillates from a few thousands to tens of thousands of dollars per carat with variations largely based on these contributing factors.

Conclusion

The world of gemstones captivates us with astounding natural beauty and incredible worth. These top ten gems exemplify such allure with their rareness, unique attributes, and staggering prices.

Each stone has its own breathtaking story to tell, each fascinating in their rarity and appeal. The splendor of these stones continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts around the globe. As we marvel at these natural masterpieces, we are reminded of the world's hidden treasures and the myriad ways in which the earth unveils its beauty. In the end, while their monetary value is staggering, the true worth of these gemstones lies in their unparalleled beauty and the tales they tell of our planet's grand saga.

FAQs

1. What makes the Paraiba Tourmaline one of the most valuable gemstones?

The rare and mesmerizing blue-green color, weight, unprecedented brilliance, and few mines of a Paraiba Tourmaline gemstone increase its market value making it one of the most expensive.

2. How is a gemstone's quality determined?

Typically, a gemstone's quality is evaluated on its color hue, cut, availability in terms of rarity and demand in gemstone auctions.

3. Is ruby among the top 10 most expensive gemstones?

Yes! Rubies with their lush red color are considered among the top ten due to their historical value from being used by civilizations like Mayans and Aztecs and also for their scarcity.

4. Can I find these rare gems as part of antique jewelry?

Absolutely! Gems such as padparadscha sapphire or demantoid garnet could be found set within earrings or rings made from gold or platinum mounts as beautiful pieces of antique jewelry.

5. Why are some diamonds more expensive than others?

Diamonds vary in price based on factors such as carat weight, cuts that bring out brilliant hues (like white diamond or yellow), cultural value associated with them(like Kohinoor) . For example Graff Vivid Yellow Diamond & Tiffany Yellow Diamond are particularly famous!

6. Where can one find these exquisite high-value stones?

While the origins of these gemstones span diverse regions like Greenland, Tanzania, the Musgraves Ranges in South Australia, and even Antarctica, acquiring them is a more nuanced process. High-value gemstones can be viewed and purchased at world-renowned auction houses like Christie's and Sotheby's. Additionally, specialized gemstone dealers in major cities such as New York, London, Hong Kong, and Geneva often showcase these rarities. High-end jewelry boutiques may occasionally carry pieces set with these stones, and gem and mineral shows around the world sometimes feature rare gem specimens. It's always recommended to buy from reputable sources to ensure authenticity and fair valuation.