Most Expensive Birthstones: A Guide to Nature’s Most Luxurious Gems

Birthstones have long been cherished as personal and symbolic gemstones, each associated with a particular month of the year. While some are relatively common and affordable, others command astronomical prices due to their rarity, beauty, and desirability. In this guide, we’ll explore the most expensive birthstones, revealing why these gems are so highly prized.

1. Diamond (April) – The Eternal Classic

Arguably the most famous and luxurious birthstone, diamonds are the birthstone for April. These stunning gems are renowned for their brilliance, hardness, and timeless appeal. While small diamonds can be relatively affordable, high-quality large diamonds can fetch millions per carat, especially rare colored diamonds such as blue, pink, and red.

• Price Range: $2,000 to over $2,000,000 per carat
  
  
• Most Expensive Diamond: The Pink Star, a 59.6-carat pink diamond, sold for $71.2 million in 2017.

2. Emerald (May) – The Green Treasure

Emeralds, known for their mesmerizing green hues, have been prized since ancient times. The finest emeralds come from Colombia and can be worth more than diamonds of similar size due to their rarity and demand. Their rich color and natural inclusions (called "jardin") make them uniquely valuable.

• Price Range: $500 to $100,000 per carat
  
  
• Most Expensive Emerald: The Rockefeller Emerald, an 18-carat Colombian emerald, sold for $5.5 million in 2017.

3. Ruby (July) – The King of Gems

Rubies are among the rarest and most expensive gemstones, particularly those with a deep “pigeon blood” red color from Myanmar. High-quality rubies often surpass diamonds in price per carat due to their exceptional color and rarity.

• Price Range: $1,000 to over $1,000,000 per carat
  
  
• Most Expensive Ruby: The Sunrise Ruby, a 25.6-carat Burmese ruby, sold for $30.3 million in 2015.

4. Sapphire (September) – The Royal Blue Jewel

Sapphires are commonly associated with their deep blue hue, though they also come in other colors, including pink, yellow, and green. Kashmir and Burmese sapphires are the most valuable, often fetching higher prices than diamonds.

• Price Range: $500 to over $250,000 per carat
  
  
• Most Expensive Sapphire: The Blue Belle of Asia, a 392-carat sapphire, sold for $17.3 million in 2014.

5. Alexandrite (June) – The Color-Changing Rarity

Alexandrite is a unique and highly valuable birthstone for June, famous for its remarkable color-changing ability - from green in daylight to reddish in incandescent light. Due to its extreme rarity, high-quality alexandrite is one of the most expensive gemstones in the world.

• Price Range: $3,000 to over $100,000 per carat
  
  
• Most Expensive Alexandrite: A 21.41-carat alexandrite sold for $1.4 million in 2014.

6. Opal (October) – The Fiery Wonder

While most opals are relatively affordable, black opals from Lightning Ridge, Australia, are exceptionally rare and valuable. Their play-of-color effect makes them one of the most visually stunning gemstones.

• Price Range: $50 to over $20,000 per carat
  
  
• Most Expensive Opal: The Virgin Rainbow Opal, valued at over $1 million.

Final Thoughts: Are Expensive Birthstones Worth It?

Expensive birthstones are not only stunning but also excellent investments due to their rarity and timeless appeal. Whether you're drawn to the fire of a ruby, the brilliance of a diamond, or the mystique of alexandrite, these gems hold both financial and sentimental value.

When choosing a high-value birthstone, ensure you buy from reputable sources and consider factors like cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Owning one of these luxurious birthstones means carrying a piece of history, nature, and unparalleled beauty.

FAQs About the Most Expensive Birthstones

What makes a birthstone expensive?

The value of a birthstone is determined by several factors, including rarity, color, clarity, carat weight, and historical significance. Some stones, like diamonds and rubies, are naturally rare, while others, such as alexandrite, have unique properties that make them highly sought after.

Which is the most expensive birthstone?

Diamond, the birthstone for April, is generally considered the most expensive due to its high demand and brilliance. However, some rare rubies, sapphires, and emeralds can surpass diamonds in price per carat, especially if they exhibit exceptional color and clarity.

Why are some birthstones more valuable than diamonds?

Certain birthstones, like fine-quality rubies, Kashmir sapphires, and Colombian emeralds, can be more valuable than diamonds per carat because they are extremely rare and have unique color qualities. The presence of natural inclusions and deep, vivid hues can also increase their worth.

What is the rarest birthstone?

Alexandrite, the birthstone for June, is considered one of the rarest gemstones due to its color-changing properties. High-quality alexandrite, which shifts from green in daylight to red under incandescent light, is highly valued and can be more expensive than diamonds.

Are expensive birthstones a good investment?

Yes, high-quality birthstones can be a great investment. Rare gemstones, such as Burmese rubies, untreated Kashmir sapphires, and flawless emeralds, tend to appreciate in value over time. However, their resale value depends on market demand, certification, and authenticity.

What factors determine the price of a birthstone?

The key factors influencing the price of a birthstone include:

• Rarity – How scarce the gemstone is in nature.
  
  
• Color – The richness and saturation of the hue.
  
  
• Clarity – The number and visibility of natural inclusions.
  
  
• Carat Weight – Larger stones are generally more valuable.
  
  
• Origin – Certain locations (e.g., Burma for rubies, Colombia for emeralds) produce more valuable gemstones.

Which birthstone has had the highest auction price?

The Pink Star Diamond, a 59.6-carat pink diamond, holds the record for the most expensive birthstone ever sold, fetching $71.2 million at auction in 2017. Among non-diamond birthstones, the Sunrise Ruby, a 25.6-carat Burmese ruby, sold for $30.3 million in 2015.

Do synthetic versions of expensive birthstones exist?

Yes, lab-created versions of expensive birthstones, including diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, are available at a fraction of the price. These stones have the same physical and chemical properties as natural ones but lack the rarity that makes natural gems valuable.

Can expensive birthstones be worn daily?

It depends on the stone’s hardness. Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies (rated 9-10 on the Mohs scale) are highly durable and suitable for everyday wear. However, softer stones like opals and emeralds (rated 6-7.5) require extra care to avoid scratches or damage.

Where should I buy expensive birthstones?

Always buy high-value birthstones from reputable jewelers or auction houses. Look for certification from respected gemological labs such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America), GRA or AGS (American Gem Society) to ensure authenticity and quality.