Top 10 most valuable gemstones in the world and where to find them

Gemstones stand out as some of the most exquisite natural treasures that the Earth has to offer, captivating people worldwide for various reasons throughout history. But, how can you know what are the most valuable gemstones out there?

Beyond being decorative ornaments, these precious stones carry significant religious symbolism and have long been revered for their perceived healing powers.

Whether it’s the timeless allure of a diamond, the fiery brilliance of a ruby, or the captivating depth of a sapphire, each gemstone possesses a unique beauty that sets it apart.

Despite their shared allure, it’s essential to acknowledge that not all gemstones are created equal in terms of rarity, a crucial factor that profoundly influences their value. Other critical determinants include factors such as size, grade, and color, collectively contributing to the overall worth of these exceptional gems.

Keep reading to find out what are the 10 most valuable gemstones in the world.

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10 Most Valuable Gemstones in the World

These distinguished gemstones have earned their place on this list by commanding the highest prices per carat in the market.

1. Blue Diamond

$3.93 million per carat

The Blue Diamond stands as one of the most legendary and, consequently, most valuable gemstones globally, solidifying its status as a coveted rarity. Whenever a blue diamond graces the auction stage, it beckons the world’s foremost collectors, drawing them to vie for the opportunity to possess this exceptional gem.

Collectors, driven by a fervor for these unparalleled treasures, demonstrate a readiness to part with millions of dollars to secure ownership.

A notable instance of this fervent pursuit unfolded in 2016 at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva, where a mesmerizing emerald-cut Vivid Blue diamond, weighing an impressive 14.62 carats and bearing the evocative name “The Oppenheimer Blue” in homage to its previous owner, took center stage. The culmination of this auction saw the diamond changing hands for a staggering final price of $57.5 million.

While the Pink Star diamond may have set a record for being the most expensive jewel ever sold, the blue diamond proudly holds the distinction of commanding the most valuable price per carat, an astonishing $3.93 million.

2. Jadeite

$3 million per carat

Jadeite, recognized as the purest, rarest, and most vivid gemstone in the Jade family, is a captivating presence in the world of precious gems. While jadeite is available in various colors, including red, yellow, and black, its most sought-after manifestation is a specific shade of semi-transparent emerald green known as “Imperial Jade”.

With deep cultural significance in Chinese tradition, jadeite symbolizes prestige and status. In a notable auction moment in 2014, the “Hutton-Midivani Necklace”, adorned with 27 large, top-quality jadeite beads and once belonging to American heiress Barbara Hutton, set a record for the most expensive Jadeite jewelry ever sold.

This masterpiece, eagerly sought after, witnessed an intense bidding war among eight potential buyers, ultimately fetching a staggering $27.44 million and securing its place in the annals of high-end gemstone acquisitions.

3. Pink Diamond

$1.19 million per carat

Pink Diamonds, standing out as some of the world’s most valuable gemstones, are a pinnacle of rarity within the spectrum of colored diamonds. In the global diamond production landscape, these pink-hued marvels constitute less than 0.1% of the total output, underscoring their exceptional scarcity.

When these exquisite pink gemstones grace the auction stage, they consistently surpass the $1 million mark in price per carat. A historic moment unfolded in 2017 at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong when a mesmerizing pink diamond, weighing an impressive 59.60 carats, achieved a record-breaking sale at $71.2 million, equating to $1.19 million per carat.

This extraordinary gem, known as the “Pink Star” diamond, holds the distinction of being the largest Fancy Vivid Pink diamond ever graded as Internally Flawless by the Gemological Institute of America.

4. Ruby

$1.18 million per carat

Ruby, often hailed as the “King of Gemstones”, boasts a mesmerizing spectrum of vibrant red hues, ranging from delicate pink to a deep, passionate red.

Revered as a symbol of passion and zest for life, the significance of this fiery gem has transcended through ancient cultures that associated its color with the essence of blood. In the realm of most valuable gemstones, rubies hold a special place.

In a remarkable event at Sotheby’s in Geneva in 2015, an exceptionally rare Burmese ruby, aptly named “The Sunrise Ruby” after a poem by the legendary 13th-century poet Rumi, went under the hammer for an astounding $30 million.

With a weight of 26 carats, this ruby set a record as the most expensive ruby ever sold, commanding an extraordinary $1.18 million per carat.

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5. Emerald

$305,000 per carat

Emeralds, renowned for their exotic green tones, rank among the most popular gemstones globally. Found primarily in Brazil, Colombia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, emeralds on the market typically exhibit minor imperfections. However, when a flawless natural emerald becomes available, its value soars.

The historic “Rockefeller Emerald”, a pristine 18.04-carat gemstone, made headlines when it went up for auction at Christie’s. Purchased by John D. Rockefeller for his wife, the emerald was later sold privately for $5.5 million at the Christie’s auction, setting a record as the most expensive emerald per carat ever sold, reaching an astounding $305,000 per carat.

6. Alexandrite

$70,000 per carat

Alexandrite, known for its color-changing allure, stands among luxurious gemstones. Discovered primarily in Russia in 1833, Alexandrite has also been mined in Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and India. Its rarity is emphasized by the fact that larger stones, exceeding one carat, command exponentially higher prices.

A single carat of Alexandrite may cost $15,000, but larger stones can reach an astonishing $70,000 per carat. The Smithsonian Institute possesses what is believed to be the world’s largest faceted Alexandrite—a cushion-cut stone weighing 65.08 carats valued at over $4 million.

7. Musgravite

$35,000 per carat

Musgravite, one of the most valuable gemstones in the world, earned its place among favorite gemstones since its discovery in Australia in 1967.

Named after the Musgrave region, where it was first found, musgravite’s exceptional rarity is underscored by the fact that only eight gem-quality stones were mined in 2005.

The colors of these rare gems range from translucent olive green to a mesmerizing greyish purple. While putting a precise price tag on such a scarce gemstone is challenging, experts generally value musgravite at an impressive $35,000 per carat.

8. Red Beryl

$10,000 per carat

Red Beryl takes its place among the top 10 most valuable gemstones, showcasing its uniqueness and allure with a price tag of up to $10,000 per carat. Although this gemstone has been unearthed in various regions, including Utah, New Mexico, and Mexico, it’s the specimens specifically mined in Utah’s Wah Wah Mountains that attain gem-quality status.

Distinguished by various shades of a captivating darker red color, red beryl belongs to the rarest varieties within the beryl family, which also includes emeralds. This rarity has earned red beryl the moniker “red emerald” among collectors, drawing parallels to its esteemed green counterpart. Much like emeralds, red beryls often exhibit inclusions and fractures, adding to their individual character.

The scarcity and unique attributes of red beryl contribute to its elevated market value, reaching up to $10,000 per carat—an impressive figure that underscores its status as one of the most valuable gemstones. However, acquiring one for sale can be a challenging endeavor, given its rarity and desirability in the world of precious gems.

9. Black Opal

$9,500 per carat

The Black Opal stands out as one of the most desired and valuable gemstones globally, particularly renowned for its extraordinary play of colors against a dark body—a unique characteristic that elevates its allure.

Hailing almost exclusively from the Lightning Ridge area in New South Wales, Black Opals are unequivocally considered among Australia’s national treasures.

The pinnacle of Black Opal magnificence is embodied by the “Royal One”, the most precious black opal in the world, commanding a staggering value of $3 million. Weighing an impressive 306 carats, this elusive gemstone remained undisclosed for 14 years before the miner who unearthed it chose to bring it to market.

The significance of Black Opals in the realm of gemstones is further underscored by their status as the most valuable opals globally, adding to their allure and desirability.

10. Tanzanite

$1,200 per carat

Tanzanite, a gem that entered the scene in 1967, claims the initial spot on our list. Exclusive to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania, this gemstone gained widespread acclaim, particularly after being embraced by the renowned Tiffany and Co.

Known for its deep blue-violet hue, Tanzanite distinguishes itself from sapphires. While its current value stands at $1,200 per carat—a seemingly modest figure compared to its counterparts on the list—projections suggest a significant surge in value over the next 20-25 years. This anticipated increase is primarily attributed to the diminishing supply of Tanzanite in the market.

These are some of the most valuable gemstones out there, yet, objectively speaking, nothing will ever be as valuable as what holds a special place for you. So, choose your jewelry wisely!

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