Birthstones have captivated humanity for millennia, evolving from symbols of mystical power to cherished emblems of personal significance. The tradition of associating specific gemstones with each month of the year gained widespread popularity in the late 19th century, largely due to the efforts of Tiffany & Co. in 1870. However, the roots of this practice extend far back into ancient civilizations – the Babylonians, Hindus, and Greeks all believed in the unique healing properties and symbolic meanings inherent in each stone. Today, birthstones remain a popular choice for jewelry, gifted to commemorate birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries, representing not only beauty but also a personal connection to the cosmos. While all birthstones possess inherent allure, some command significantly higher prices due to their exceptional color, quality, and rarity. This article explores the most expensive birthstones, delving into their history, geological origins, gemological properties, and the factors that contribute to their considerable value.
A History Rooted in Belief
The practice of attributing special qualities to gemstones dates back thousands of years. Ancient cultures believed these stones held mystical powers, capable of influencing health, fortune, and even the course of destiny. While modern gemology focuses on the scientific properties of gemstones, the enduring appeal of birthstones lies in the blend of aesthetic beauty and symbolic meaning. The modern birthstone list, while standardized relatively recently, reflects a long evolution of associations. The tradition wasn’t always fixed; different cultures and historical periods often assigned multiple stones to a single month. The standardization by Tiffany & Co. provided a more consistent framework, solidifying the popularity of birthstone jewelry.
The Rarest and Most Valuable
Several gemstones consistently rank among the most expensive, commanding prices that can far exceed those of more common stones. These high values are driven by a combination of scarcity, exceptional quality, and unique gemological characteristics.
Alexandrite: The Emerald by Day, Ruby by Night
Topping the list of the most expensive birthstones is alexandrite, a remarkable variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. Its most defining characteristic is its color-changing ability. In daylight, alexandrite typically appears bluish-green, while under incandescent light, it transforms into a purplish-red hue. This phenomenon, known as the alexandrite effect, is highly prized by collectors and gemologists. Discovered in 1830 in the Ural Mountains of Russia, the gemstone was named in honor of Czar Alexander II, then heir to the throne. Its red and green hues also mirrored the colors of the Russian military, leading to its designation as the national stone of Russia. Today, alexandrite can range in price from $15,000 to $70,000 per carat, making it significantly more valuable than even the finest diamonds.
Diamond: A Timeless Symbol of Enduring Value
Diamond, the birthstone for April, consistently ranks as the second most expensive. The value of a diamond is determined by the “Four Cs”: carat, cut, clarity, and color. The most expensive diamonds are colorless (graded D through F) and internally flawless, meaning they have no inclusions visible even under intense magnification. These diamonds, known as Type IIa, are also free of nitrogen and boron impurities. High-quality diamonds typically cost between $3,500 and $10,000 per carat. However, “fancy color” diamonds – those exhibiting hues like red, green, purple, orange, pink, and blue – are even rarer and can command significantly higher prices. The intensity of color, graded by the Gemological Institute of America, directly impacts value, with “Fancy Intense” and “Fancy Vivid” diamonds being the most coveted and expensive.
Emerald: A Verdant Treasure of Ancient Origins
Emerald, the birthstone for May, is a variety of the mineral beryl. Its rich green color has been prized for centuries, with the first known emeralds being mined in ancient Egypt, where they were reserved for royalty and the nobility, symbolizing strength. Today, the primary sources of emeralds include Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, with the Puerto Arturo mine in Colombia being a particularly significant producer. Emeralds often contain natural inclusions, referred to as jardins (French for “gardens”), which resemble moss or plant foliage. These inclusions are often accepted as part of the stone’s character, and sometimes, the fissures are filled with oils or resins to improve transparency. The most valuable emeralds exhibit a rich, vivid green color with intense saturation. Colombian emeralds are particularly renowned and can reach prices of up to $100,000 per carat, while high-quality emeralds generally range from $3,000 to $5,000 per carat.
Sapphire: A Spectrum of Blue and Beyond
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is most commonly recognized for its vibrant blue hue. However, sapphires actually come in a wide range of colors, known as “fancy color” sapphires. The most prized blue sapphires originate from the Kashmir Valley in northern India, known for their intense, medium-dark blue color and velvety appearance, often compared to the color of cornflower. Kashmir sapphires are considered a status symbol within the gem trade. Other significant sources include Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), Myanmar, and Thailand, as well as more recent sources in Madagascar, eastern Africa, and Australia. Sapphires can range in price from $2,000 to $10,000 per carat.
Ruby: The King of Colored Gemstones
Ruby, the birthstone for July, is a variety of the mineral corundum, known for its intense red color. The most valuable rubies exhibit a vivid, saturated red hue, often referred to as “pigeon’s blood” red. Rubies are formed in metamorphic rocks and are found in various locations around the world, including Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. The quality of a ruby is determined by its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
Tanzanite: A Recent Discovery with Rapid Appreciation
Tanzanite, one of December’s birthstones (along with turquoise), is a relatively recent discovery, found in the hills of Merelani in northern Tanzania in 1967. Remarkably, Tanzania remains the only source of tanzanite on Earth. Introduced to the market by Tiffany & Co. in 1968, tanzanite is a transparent variety of the mineral zoisite that exhibits pleochroism, meaning it displays different colors depending on the viewing angle. Tanzanite typically displays violetish blue to bluish violet hues, with deeper color saturation being more valuable. High-quality tanzanite can cost up to $1,500 per carat, and larger stones (over five carats) are particularly prized. In 2024, a 703.4-carat tanzanite sculpture, named L’Heure Bleu (“blue hour” in French), broke records as the largest cut tanzanite.
Factors Influencing Value
Several factors contribute to the high cost of these exceptional birthstones. Scarcity is a primary driver, as limited supply increases demand. Quality, encompassing color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, also plays a crucial role. Unique gemological properties, such as alexandrite’s color-changing ability or Kashmir sapphire’s velvety appearance, further enhance value. Historical significance and provenance can also contribute to a gemstone’s worth, particularly for stones with a documented history or association with notable figures.
Conclusion
The world of birthstones is a fascinating intersection of geology, history, and cultural belief. While all birthstones hold personal significance, certain gemstones stand out for their exceptional beauty, rarity, and value. Alexandrite, diamond, emerald, sapphire, ruby, and tanzanite represent the pinnacle of gemstone desirability, commanding prices that reflect their unique qualities and enduring appeal. Understanding the factors that contribute to their value allows enthusiasts, buyers, and students of gemology to appreciate these treasures not only for their aesthetic brilliance but also for their remarkable geological origins and rich historical legacies.