Birthstone jewelry carries a deeply personal significance, representing the month of one’s birth and believed by many to bestow good fortune upon the wearer. Each month is associated with a specific gemstone, and these stones vary considerably in rarity, beauty, and, consequently, price. This article provides a comprehensive overview of birthstones ranked by value, drawing upon current market estimations and historical context, to guide both jewelry enthusiasts and prospective buyers.
The valuation of birthstones, like all gemstones, is fundamentally based on the “4Cs”: Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat weight. However, rarity and demand also play crucial roles in determining a stone’s worth. The most prized birthstones—diamonds, rubies, and emeralds—are often referred to as “precious stones” due to their exceptional qualities and limited availability. Other stones, while beautiful and meaningful, fall into a more affordable range.
The Most Expensive Birthstones
At the apex of the birthstone price spectrum lies the diamond, April’s birthstone. Valued between $3,000 and $11,000 per carat, diamonds are renowned as the hardest natural substance on Earth, composed of pure carbon. Their exceptional sparkle, brilliance, and high refractive index contribute to their enduring popularity, symbolizing eternal love, strength, and purity. The most valuable diamonds are colorless, exhibiting a clarity that is transparent even under magnification and lacking any internal inclusions. However, “fancy color” diamonds—those displaying hues of red, green, purple, orange, pink, or blue—can exceed the value of their colorless counterparts due to their extreme rarity. These are graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) based on the intensity of their color, with “Fancy Intense” and “Fancy Vivid” hues commanding the highest prices.
Following closely behind is the ruby, the birthstone for July. Priced between $3,000 and $10,000 per carat, rubies are celebrated for their vibrant red color, a result of their chromium content. Like diamonds, the finest rubies are transparent with minimal inclusions. Rubies symbolize passion, love, vitality, energy, courage, and protection.
The emerald, May’s birthstone, occupies the third position in terms of value, ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 per carat.
Mid-Range Precious and Semi-Precious Stones
Sapphire, the September birthstone, falls into a slightly lower price bracket, typically valued between $1,000 and $3,500 per carat. Alexandrite, one of June’s birthstones, is also a significant investment, costing between $2,500 and $3,000 per carat. Alexandrite is particularly unique for its color-changing properties, appearing bluish-green in daylight and purplish-red under incandescent light. This remarkable characteristic, combined with its relative rarity—originally discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830—contributes to its high value. Legend connects its discovery to the birthday of Czar Alexander II, hence its name. Its red and green hues also mirrored the colors of the Russian military, establishing it as the national stone of Russia.
Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is valued between $800 and $1,000 per carat. Peridot, representing August, typically sells for $400 to $650 per carat. Garnet, the January birthstone, is priced around $500 to $600 per carat.
Affordable and Accessible Birthstones
Several birthstones offer beauty and symbolism without the substantial price tag of their more expensive counterparts. Blue Topaz, December’s birthstone, is relatively affordable, ranging from $100 to $400 per carat. Tourmaline, the October birthstone, also falls within this price range, at $100 to $400 per carat, and is notable for its wide spectrum of colors, including pink, green, and bi-color varieties.
Amethyst, the February birthstone, is a deep, rich purple gemstone historically considered as valuable as ruby and sapphire. Today, it is considerably more accessible, priced between $50 and $90 per carat. Citrine, the November birthstone, is the most affordable option, valued between $10 and $50 per carat, displaying warm yellow and orange hues.
Rarity and Market Considerations
The ranking of birthstones by price also reflects their rarity. Diamonds, rubies, and emeralds are consistently identified as the rarest among the twelve birthstones. Alexandrite and Tanzanite are also noted for their scarcity. The value of a gemstone is also influenced by factors beyond its inherent properties. The quality of the cut, which affects brilliance, and the setting—whether in noble metals like gold and platinum or in silver—can significantly impact the overall price.
Choosing a Birthstone: Style, Preference, and Budget
Selecting a birthstone is a personal decision influenced by individual style, preference, and budget. While choosing the stone associated with one’s birth month is traditional, many opt for stones based on their aesthetic appeal or symbolic meaning. For example, peridot’s unique lime-green color or tourmaline’s diverse range of hues might appeal to those seeking something distinctive.
Ultimately, the “best” birthstone is the one that resonates most with the individual. The wide range of available options ensures that there is a gemstone to suit every taste and budget.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Comparison
The durability of a birthstone is an important consideration, particularly for jewelry intended for daily wear. The Mohs scale of hardness provides a relative measure of a gemstone’s resistance to scratching.
| Birthstone | Month | Mohs Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond | Apr. | 10 |
| Sapphire | Sept. | 9 |
| Ruby | Jul. | 9 |
| Topaz | Nov. | 8 |
| Aquamarine | Mar. | 7.5–8 |
| Amethyst | Feb. | 7 |
| Garnet | Jan. | 6.5–7.5 |
| Peridot | Aug. | 6.5–7 |
| Opal | Oct. | 5.5–6.5 |
| Pearl | Jun. | 2.5–4.5 |
As the table illustrates, diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are exceptionally durable, while softer stones like opal and pearl are more prone to scratching and are best suited for less exposed settings or occasional wear.
Conclusion
The world of birthstones offers a captivating blend of history, science, and symbolism. From the unparalleled brilliance of the diamond to the warm glow of citrine, each gemstone possesses unique qualities that make it special. Understanding the factors that influence a birthstone’s value—rarity, the 4Cs, and market demand—empowers individuals to make informed choices when selecting a piece of jewelry that reflects their personality and celebrates their birth month. The ranking presented here provides a valuable guide, but ultimately, the most cherished birthstone is the one that holds the most personal significance.