Birthstone jewelry has long held a special place in tradition, representing a connection to one’s birth month and believed to bestow good fortune upon the wearer. While each gemstone possesses its own unique beauty, significant variations exist in their value, driven by factors such as rarity, quality, and the skill required to craft them into exquisite jewelry. This article explores the most expensive birthstones, detailing their properties, historical significance, and the reasons behind their high market value, based on available data.
History and Lore of Birthstones
The practice of associating gemstones with specific months dates back to the late 1800s, evolving from earlier traditions linking gemstones to the zodiac signs. Throughout history, gemstones have been prized not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their perceived metaphysical properties. Birthstone jewelry became a popular and sentimental gift for birthdays and wedding anniversaries, with each gem carrying symbolic meaning. While all gemstones within the birthstone chart are beautiful, certain stones command significantly higher prices due to their exceptional color, quality, and scarcity.
The Most Expensive Birthstones
Several gemstones consistently rank among the most valuable. Diamonds, rubies, and emeralds are traditionally considered “precious stones” due to their rarity and exceptional beauty. However, alexandrite also holds a prominent position in the hierarchy of gemstone value.
Diamond: April’s Birthstone
Diamonds are widely recognized as the most valuable birthstone, and the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. Composed of pure carbon, diamonds symbolize purity, eternal love, and strength. Their price per carat typically ranges from $3,000 to $11,000, though this can vary significantly based on the “Four Cs”: carat weight, cut, clarity, and color.
The most expensive diamonds are colorless, possessing a high rating of color (D through F) and clarity (Internally Flawless). A “D-color” diamond exhibits the highest degree of colorlessness, appearing transparent even under magnification. “Internally Flawless” diamonds lack any inclusions beneath the surface. Type IIa diamonds, free of nitrogen and boron impurities, are also highly coveted.
Beyond colorless diamonds, “fancy color” diamonds – those exhibiting hues like red, green, purple, orange, pink, and blue – are even rarer and, consequently, more expensive. These are graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) based on the intensity of their color, with “Fancy Intense” and “Fancy Vivid” grades commanding the highest prices due to their saturated hues.
Ruby: July’s Birthstone
Rubies, the birthstone for July, are renowned for their vibrant red color, a result of their chromium content. Second only to diamonds in hardness, fine rubies are transparent with minimal inclusions that do not affect their clarity. Rubies symbolize passion, love, vitality, energy, courage, and protection. Their price per carat generally falls between $3,000 and $10,000.
Emerald: May’s Birthstone
Emeralds, associated with May, are another highly prized gemstone. Their value ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 per carat. Like diamonds and rubies, emeralds are considered a “precious stone” due to their rarity.
Alexandrite: June’s Birthstone
Alexandrite, one of June’s birthstones, is arguably the most surprising entry on the list of expensive gemstones, often surpassing even diamonds in price. It is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl and is known for its remarkable color-changing properties. Alexandrite appears bluish-green in daylight and transforms into a purplish-red hue under incandescent light, leading some jewelers to describe it as an “emerald by day and a ruby by night.” Its price per carat ranges from $15,000 to $70,000.
The discovery of alexandrite in 1830 in the Ural Mountains of Russia coincided with the birthday of Czar Alexander II, leading to its naming in his honor. The gemstone’s red and green hues also mirrored Russia’s military colors, establishing it as the national stone of Russia.
Sapphire: September’s Birthstone
Sapphires, the birthstone for September, are valued between $1,000 and $3,500 per carat. While often associated with blue hues, sapphires actually occur in a variety of colors.
Aquamarine: March’s Birthstone
Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is valued between $800 and $1,000 per carat.
Less Expensive, Yet Beautiful, Birthstones
While the aforementioned gemstones represent the higher end of the price spectrum, several other birthstones offer beauty and affordability. These include:
- Peridot: August’s birthstone, typically found in a single lime-green color, symbolizing strength, protection, and healing. ($400-$650 per carat)
- Garnet: January’s birthstone, available in various colors, with red being the most popular, symbolizing passion, energy, and good health. ($500-$600 per carat)
- Topaz: December’s birthstone, occurring in a range of colors including blue, yellow, pink, and clear, representing love, affection, and strength. ($100-$400 per carat)
- Tourmaline: October’s birthstone, also available in a wide spectrum of colors, including pink, green, and bi-color options, symbolizing creativity, love, and healing. ($100-$400 per carat)
- Amethyst: February’s birthstone, a deep, rich purple gemstone, once considered as valuable as ruby and sapphire, symbolizing peace, clarity, and spiritual growth. ($50-$90 per carat)
- Citrine: November’s birthstone, available in yellow and orange shades, symbolizing joy, abundance, and prosperity. ($10-$50 per carat)
Factors Influencing Gemstone Value
The price of a birthstone is determined by a complex interplay of factors. Rarity is a primary driver, with gemstones found in limited quantities commanding higher prices. Quality, encompassing color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, also significantly impacts value. The craftsmanship involved in cutting and polishing a gemstone further contributes to its overall cost. Market fluctuations and demand also play a role in determining the price of birthstones.
Rarity Chart
The three rarest birthstones are Diamond, Ruby, and Emerald.
Conclusion
The world of birthstones offers a captivating blend of beauty, history, and symbolism. While diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and alexandrite represent the most expensive options, a wide range of other gemstones provide stunning alternatives at more accessible price points. Understanding the factors that influence gemstone value allows enthusiasts and buyers to make informed decisions when selecting a birthstone that resonates with their personal style and budget. The enduring appeal of birthstone jewelry lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in the deeply rooted traditions and beliefs associated with each precious gem.