Birthstone jewelry represents more than just aesthetic appeal; it embodies a personal connection to one’s birth month, believed to bestow good fortune and unique qualities upon the wearer. The value of these gemstones, however, varies significantly, influenced by rarity, quality, and the artistry involved in their presentation. This article provides a detailed overview of birthstones ranked by value, drawing upon current market estimations and historical context.
History and Lore
The tradition of associating specific gemstones with birth months stretches back to ancient civilizations, including the Babylonians, Hindus, and Greeks. These cultures attributed mystical healing powers and special meanings to gemstones. While the modern practice of standardized birthstone lists gained prominence with Tiffany & Co. in 1870, the underlying belief in the inherent qualities of gemstones has endured for millennia. Today, birthstones are not only visually appealing but also carry sentimental value, frequently gifted to commemorate significant life events.
The Most Expensive Birthstones in Order
The most valuable birthstones are often referred to as “precious stones” due to their exceptional rarity and beauty. The following ranking, based on price per carat, provides a guide to understanding the relative value of each gemstone. It is important to note that these prices are estimates and can fluctuate based on market conditions and specific stone characteristics.
1. Diamond (April): $3,000 - $11,000 per carat
Diamonds, the birthstone for April, are renowned for their unparalleled hardness and brilliance. As the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, diamonds symbolize purity, eternal love, and strength. Their value is determined by the “Four Cs”: carat, cut, clarity, and color. Colorless diamonds, graded D through F, with Internally Flawless clarity and classified as Type IIa (free of nitrogen and boron impurities), command the highest prices. Fancy color diamonds, such as red, green, purple, orange, pink, and blue, are even rarer and can be significantly more expensive.
2. Ruby (July): $3,000 - $10,000 per carat
Rubies, the birthstone for July, are celebrated for their vibrant red hue, a result of their chromium content. Second in hardness only to diamonds, fine rubies are transparent with minimal inclusions. They symbolize passion, love, vitality, energy, courage, and protection.
3. Emerald (May): $3,000 - $7,000 per carat
Emeralds, the birthstone for May, are prized for their lush green color. They are considered among the rarest and most valuable gemstones. Emeralds symbolize love and rebirth.
4. Sapphire (September): $1,000 - $3,500 per carat
Sapphires, the birthstone for September, are most commonly known for their blue variety, but they occur in a wide range of colors.
5. Alexandrite (June): $2,500 - $3,000 per carat
Alexandrite, one of the birthstones for June (along with pearl and moonstone), is a unique variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. It is famed for its color-changing properties, appearing bluish-green in daylight and purplish-red under incandescent light. Discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830, it was named after Czar Alexander II. Its red and green hues also hold significance as the colors of the Russian military, making it the national stone of Russia.
6. Aquamarine (March): $800 - $1,000 per carat
Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is a beautiful blue-green gemstone.
7. Peridot (August): $400 - $650 per carat
Peridot, the birthstone for August, is unique in that it is typically found in only one color: lime green. It symbolizes strength, protection, and healing.
8. Garnet (January): $500 - $600 per carat
Garnets, the birthstone for January, are available in several colors, with red being the most popular. They symbolize passion, energy, and good health.
9. Blue Topaz (December): $100 - $400 per carat
Blue Topaz, one of the birthstones for December, comes in a variety of shades of blue. It represents love, affection, and strength.
10. Tourmaline (October): $100 - $400 per carat
Tourmaline, the birthstone for October, is known for its diverse range of colors, including pink, green, and bi-color options. It symbolizes creativity, love, and healing.
11. Amethyst (February): $50 - $90 per carat
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is a deep, rich purple gemstone. Historically, it was considered as valuable as ruby and sapphire. It symbolizes peace, clarity, and spiritual growth.
12. Citrine (November): $10 - $50 per carat
Citrine, the birthstone for November, is available in yellow and orange hues. Its warm color makes it a popular choice for minimalist jewelry designs. It symbolizes joy, abundance, and prosperity.
The Rarest Birthstones
Beyond price, rarity also contributes to a gemstone’s value and desirability. The three rarest birthstones are diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, often referred to as “precious stones” due to their scarcity. Alexandrite and Tanzanite are also considered exceptionally rare.
Factors Influencing Birthstone Value
Several factors contribute to the price of a birthstone:
- Rarity: The more difficult a gemstone is to find, the higher its value.
- Quality: Clarity, color, cut, and carat weight all impact a gemstone’s price.
- Origin: Certain locations are known for producing higher-quality gemstones, which can increase their value.
- Demand: Market trends and consumer preferences influence the demand for specific gemstones.
- Treatment: Gemstones that have undergone treatments to enhance their color or clarity may be less valuable than untreated stones.
Affordable Options
While some birthstones command high prices, several beautiful and meaningful options remain affordable. Topaz, tourmaline, amethyst, and citrine, valued between $10 and $400 per carat, offer both beauty and accessibility. These gemstones are ideal for those seeking stunning birthstone jewelry on a budget.
Conclusion
The world of birthstones is rich in history, symbolism, and geological wonder. From the unparalleled brilliance of diamonds to the vibrant hues of rubies and emeralds, each gemstone holds a unique allure. Understanding the factors that influence their value allows enthusiasts and buyers to make informed decisions and appreciate the enduring beauty and significance of these precious stones. The ranking of birthstones by value provides a useful guide, but ultimately, the most valuable gemstone is the one that resonates most deeply with the individual wearer.