For centuries, birthstones have captivated individuals with their connection to the month of one’s birth. Evolving beyond mere symbols, these gemstones have transformed into priceless collector’s items, gracing esteemed institutions like the Smithsonian. Amidst the plethora of gemstones, which ones command the highest value? Here’s a ranking of the most expensive birthstones:
5. Tanzanite – December Birthstone
Average Price: $1,000,000/kg | Most Expensive Tanzanite: ~$3.3 Million
Crafted from the mineral zoisite, Tanzanite adorns the month of December. Its distinctive purple hue sets it apart, though its softer nature, scoring 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, limits its use in jewelry. Instead, prized as collectible display pieces, natural, dark blue Tanzanite stones are particularly valuable. The gem’s rarity, found only in a specific region in Tanzania, contributes to its allure.
4. Sapphire – September Birthstone
Average Price: $1,750,000/kg | Most Expensive Sapphire: $6.7 Million
September’s birthstone, Sapphire, is the blue variant of corundum and rivals ruby in Mohs hardness. The gem’s value hinges on the depth and saturation of its color, with Kashmir sapphires, discovered along the India-Pakistan border, commanding a premium for their exceptional pigmentation. Other color variations, termed “fancy sapphires,” further enrich the allure of this sought-after gem.
3. Ruby – July Birthstone
Average Price: $3,500,000/kg | Most Expensive Ruby: $14.2 Million
July’s birthstone, the Ruby, boasts an intense red hue and impressive durability with a Mohs hardness of 9. These gems, variations of corundum like sapphires, derive their value from size, clarity, and color. Natural rubies, displaying star-like refractions of light, hold superior value over synthetic counterparts. The Jubilee Ruby, a pinnacle example, fetched $14.2 million in the U.S.
2. Alexandrite – June Birthstone
Average Price: $5,000,000/kg | Most Expensive Alexandrite: ~$100,000
June’s birthstone, Alexandrite, composed of beryllium, showcases remarkable hardness with a Mohs rating of 8.5. Renowned for its color-changing properties, shifting from greenish to reddish hues in different lighting, Alexandrite’s value escalates with the intensity of its color transition. The scarcity of large cut Alexandrites further contributes to their allure.
1. Diamond – April Birthstone
Average Price: $6,000,000/kg | Most Expensive Diamond: $71.2 Million
The crown jewel of birthstones, Diamond, representing April, is a symbol of unparalleled magnificence. Composed entirely of carbon, diamonds exhibit extraordinary hardness, though their brittleness poses challenges in cutting. Revered for their ability to refract light, colorless diamonds are the most common, while vibrant hues command the highest prices. The Pink Star diamond, sold in Hong Kong in 2017 for $71.2 million, stands as a testament to the rarity and prestige of this gem.
In the realm of birthstones, these five stand as beacons of opulence, each possessing unique qualities that contribute to their extraordinary value in the world of gemstones.
