Birthstones, as the name implies, are precious colored stones that hold symbolic affiliation to our birth, or more precisely, to our birth month. These gemstones are evaluated not only on the traditional “four Cs” – cut, color, clarity, and carat weight – but also on rarity and exclusivity, factors that significantly determine their worth. Throughout history, and continuing to the present day, birthstones have been treasured as gifts, incorporated into jewelry, and believed to bestow fortunes and strengthen fortitude upon those born in their corresponding month.
History and Origin
The practice of associating specific gemstones with birth months has ancient roots, though the modern system evolved over time. While the origins are somewhat obscured, the tradition gained prominence in the late 1800s, becoming a popular way to personalize jewelry and gift-giving. Today, birthstones remain a widely celebrated custom, particularly for birthdays and wedding anniversaries. More recently, a shift towards unique and personalized engagement rings has seen gemstones, including birthstones, gaining popularity as alternatives to traditional diamonds.
The Most Expensive Birthstones
Several birthstones command particularly high prices due to their exceptional color, quality, and scarcity. While price ranges vary dramatically based on these factors, some consistently rank among the most valuable.
Diamond: A Symbol of Enduring Value
The April birthstone, diamond, is among the most expensive and coveted gemstones. High-quality colorless diamonds, characterized by exceptional color (D through F) and clarity (Internally Flawless), fetch significant prices, ranging from $3,500 to $10,000 per carat. The most prized diamonds are those that are transparent even under intense magnification and free of nitrogen and boron impurities (Type IIa).
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 representing the most saturated and valuable specimens. The Koh-I-Noor, an oval-shaped diamond weighing 105.6 carats, stands as a particularly prestigious example, renowned for its size and storied history.
Alexandrite: A Rare Color-Changing Gem
Alexandrite, one of June’s birthstones, consistently surpasses even diamond in price, reaching values of $15,000 to $70,000 per carat. This remarkable gemstone is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl and is celebrated for its unique color-changing properties. In daylight, alexandrite typically appears bluish-green, while under incandescent light, it transforms to a purplish-red hue – a phenomenon often described as “emerald by day, ruby by night.”
The first alexandrite was discovered in 1830 in the Ural Mountains of Russia, coinciding with the birthday of Czar Alexander II, hence its name. Its red and green hues also resonated with Russia’s military colors, leading to its designation as the national stone of Russia.
Emerald: A Stone of Strength and Beauty
May’s birthstone, emerald, is a variety of the beryl mineral species. Historically mined in ancient Egypt, emeralds were once exclusive to royalty and the nobility, symbolizing strength. Today, primary sources include Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, with the Puerto Arturo mine in Colombia being a significant producer.
Emeralds are often characterized by jardins, French for “gardens,” which refer to their natural inclusions resembling moss or plant foliage. These inclusions are common and, while sometimes detracting from clarity, are considered a natural part of the stone’s character. To improve transparency, emeralds are frequently treated with oils like cedarwood or polymer resins to fill fissures. The most valuable emeralds exhibit a rich green to bluish-green color with intense saturation; darker shades, even with high saturation, are generally less valuable. A 18.16-carat Columbian emerald, enhanced with a minor amount of oil, sold for $808,000 in 2023. Emeralds typically range from $3,000 to $5,000 per carat, though exceptional Colombian specimens can reach $100,000 per carat.
Sapphire: A Gem of Luxuriance
September’s birthstone, sapphire, typically ranges in price from $2,000 to $10,000 per carat. While most commonly known for its rich blue hues, sapphires actually occur in a variety of colors.
Other Notable Birthstones and Their Symbolism
Beyond these exceptionally expensive stones, other birthstones hold cultural and symbolic significance.
Garnet: A Stone of Peace and Friendship
The January birthstone, garnet, has been popular throughout history as a symbol of peace, health, and deep friendship. It is considered a passionate stone, believed to contribute to love, relationships, and friendships. Some historical beliefs even suggested that gazing at a red garnet could inspire passionate, even reckless, behavior. Garnets were also thought to enhance karma, rewarding good deeds with further blessings, and were believed to have healing properties for depression and the heart. However, it was also believed that a garnet’s power could only be harnessed if it had been properly cut and polished.
Amethyst: A Stone of Royalty and Spirituality
February’s birthstone, amethyst, is also steeped in history and symbolism.
The Enduring Appeal of Birthstones
The enduring popularity of birthstones stems from their blend of beauty, history, and personal significance. The tradition of gifting birthstones continues to thrive, offering a unique and sentimental way to celebrate life’s milestones. The increasing interest in personalized jewelry, particularly among millennials, has further fueled the demand for birthstones as alternatives to traditional gemstones in engagement rings and other significant pieces.
Conclusion
Birthstones represent a fascinating intersection of geology, history, and cultural belief. From the enduring value of diamonds and the rare color-changing properties of alexandrite to the symbolic significance of garnets and amethysts, each gemstone holds a unique allure. Their continued popularity reflects a timeless appreciation for the beauty and mystique of these precious stones, making them treasured gifts and enduring symbols of personal connection.