Gemstones have captivated humanity for centuries with their beauty, rarity, and mystique. Beyond their aesthetic allure, these precious stones often serve as a store of wealth, making them a favored choice for investors and collectors alike. In this article, we explore the top 10 most expensive gemstones per carat, delving into their current market values, historical price trends, and investment potential. If you’re intrigued by the world of gemstone pricing, investment gems, and rare stones, this guide will leave you spellbound.
1. Pink Star Diamond – $1.2 Million Per Carat
Overview
The Pink Star Diamond is one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones ever discovered. This flawless pink diamond weighs 59.6 carats, and its per-carat value is an astounding $1.2 million. Its rarity and flawless quality make it a coveted prize among collectors.
Current Market Values
The Pink Star Diamond sold for a record-breaking $71.2 million at auction in 2017. Since then, demand for rare pink diamonds has soared, driven by diminishing supply from mines such as Argyle in Australia.
Investment Potential
Pink diamonds are an excellent investment gem, as their value has consistently risen over the years. The closure of major mines has only added to their scarcity, making them a wise choice for anyone seeking long-term returns.
2. Blue Diamond – $1 Million Per Carat
Overview
Blue diamonds, such as the famous Hope Diamond, are mesmerizing and extremely rare. Their vivid blue hue is caused by the presence of boron during formation.
Current Market Values
Recent auctions have seen blue diamonds fetching prices upward of $1 million per carat. For example, the “Blue Moon of Josephine” diamond sold for $48.4 million in 2015.
Historical Price Trends
Over the past decade, the price of blue diamonds has steadily increased, largely due to growing demand from wealthy collectors and limited natural supply.
Investment Insights
Blue diamonds are considered a top-tier choice among investment gems, as their rarity and historical significance ensure sustained demand.
3. Jadeite – $3 Million Per Carat
Overview
Jadeite is the most valuable form of jade, prized for its vibrant green hue and cultural significance, particularly in Chinese heritage.
Market Dynamics
Jadeite regularly commands prices of several million dollars per carat. One notable example is the Hutton-Mdivani necklace, which sold for $27.44 million in 2014.
Investment Potential
As a rare stone deeply tied to cultural and artistic traditions, jadeite offers excellent investment opportunities, especially in Asian markets where demand remains high.
4. Ruby – $1.18 Million Per Carat
Overview
Known as the “King of Gemstones,” rubies symbolize passion and power. The most valuable rubies come from Myanmar and exhibit a rich, “pigeon blood” red hue.
Current Market Trends
The Sunrise Ruby, weighing 25.59 carats, sold for $30.42 million in 2015, setting a record for rubies. Fine-quality rubies are now priced at over $1 million per carat.
Investment Potential
Rubies have consistently appreciated in value over time, making them a reliable choice for those interested in gemstone pricing and long-term investment.
5. Emerald – $305,000 Per Carat
Overview
Emeralds, with their deep green hue, have been sought after since ancient times. The finest examples come from Colombia and Zambia.
Historical Pricing Trends
In 2017, a rare 18.04-carat emerald ring sold for $5.5 million. Over the years, emerald prices have steadily increased due to their enduring popularity.
Investment Potential
Emeralds are an excellent investment gem, particularly if they are untreated and possess high clarity. Their timeless appeal ensures consistent demand.
6. Red Diamond – $1 Million Per Carat
Overview
Red diamonds are the rarest of all diamond colors. With fewer than 30 known specimens globally, their scarcity is unrivaled.
Current Market Values
Prices for red diamonds start at $1 million per carat, with some fetching even more. The Moussaieff Red Diamond, a 5.11-carat gem, is one of the most famous examples.
Investment Potential
Red diamonds are the epitome of rare stones, and their extreme rarity makes them a phenomenal investment for those seeking unique assets.
7. Alexandrite – $70,000 Per Carat
Overview
Alexandrite is a fascinating gemstone known for its color-changing properties, shifting from green in daylight to red under incandescent light.
Market Trends
High-quality alexandrite is priced at up to $70,000 per carat, and its value has been steadily increasing due to its rarity and unique characteristics.
Investment Insights
As an unusual and rare stone, alexandrite is a great addition to an investment portfolio, offering both aesthetic and financial returns.
8. Pink Sapphire – $65,000 Per Carat
Overview
Pink sapphires are a softer, more affordable alternative to pink diamonds. They are prized for their romantic hue and durability.
Price Trends
High-quality pink sapphires can fetch up to $65,000 per carat. Their popularity has grown in recent years, driven by trends in luxury jewelry.
Investment Potential
Pink sapphires are a solid mid-range investment gem, offering steady appreciation without the extreme volatility of rarer stones.
9. Paraiba Tourmaline – $10,000 Per Carat
Overview
Paraiba tourmalines are renowned for their electric blue-green hues, caused by trace amounts of copper.
Market Values
Top-quality Paraiba tourmalines can command prices of up to $10,000 per carat, with Brazilian specimens being the most sought after.
Investment Potential
As a relatively new discovery (1980s), Paraiba tourmalines are gaining recognition as a rare stone with strong investment potential.
10. Tanzanite – $1,200 Per Carat
Overview
Tanzanite, found only in Tanzania, is a striking blue-violet gemstone. Its limited geographic origin makes it a unique and desirable gem.
Current Market Trends
Prices for tanzanite range from $600 to $1,200 per carat, depending on quality. However, its value is expected to rise as mining becomes increasingly restricted.
Investment Insights
While not as expensive as other gems on this list, tanzanite is an excellent entry-level investment gem, offering growth potential as its rarity increases.
Conclusion
Gemstones are more than just ornamental stones; they are tangible assets with immense value and investment potential. From the breathtaking Pink Star Diamond to the rare Tanzanite, understanding gemstone pricing, historical price trends, and investment potential can help you make informed decisions in this lucrative market. Whether you’re drawn to the fiery allure of rubies or the mysterious beauty of alexandrite, each of these gems offers a unique combination of rarity, beauty, and financial promise.
By investing in these rare stones, you not only acquire a piece of Earth’s natural history but also a potential treasure for future generations.