10 Most Valuable Gemstones in the World

emerald the best gemstone

Last Updated on June 3, 2021 by Carla Jonas

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Gemstones are some of the earth’s most exquisite natural treasures. People all over the world have appreciated them throughout history, for different reasons. While they are most commonly used as decorative ornaments, they are also known for their religious symbolism. Such gemstones have always been valued for their supposed healing powers too. Whether it be a diamond, ruby, or sapphire, all gemstones possess a distinct beauty. It makes each special in its own way. Despite this, the fact is that some gems are rarer than others. That’s a factor that significantly impacts their value of them. Other important factors include size, grade, and color. Here is the list of the 10 most valuable gemstones in the world.

10 Most Valuable Gemstones in the World

These gemstones made it to the list because they have the highest prices per carat.

Tanzanite—$1,200 per carat

tanzanite - one of the most expensive gemstones
(Image Courtesy of Geology)

We begin our list with Tanzanite, a gem which was first discovered in 1967. As you may have guessed from its name, Tanzanite is only found in northern Tanzania, in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzanite became popular after Tiffany and Co. began using the gem in their jewelry. This gemstone features a deep blue-violet hue that is distinct from one of the sapphires. While $1,200 may not seem like such a high number (especially compared to the other gems on this list), the market expects it to skyrocket in the next 20-25 years. That’s mostly caused by the depleting supply of tanzanite.

What gemstone is most valuable?

Here is the Top 10 list of most expensive gemstones in the world:
Tanzanite—$1,200 per carat
Black Opal—$9,500 per carat
Red Beryl—$10,000 per carat
Musgravite—$35,000 per carat
Alexandrite—$70,000 per carat
Emerald—$305,000 per carat
Ruby—$1.18 million per carat
Pink Diamond—$1.19 million per carat
Jadeite—$3 million per carat
Blue Diamond—$3.93 million per carat

What is the most rare gem in the world?

Check out the rarest 10 gems in the world:
Taaffeite
Benitoite
Tanzanite
Poudretteite
Jadeite
Red Beryl
Black Opal
Grandidierite
Benitoite
Tanzanite
Poudretteite

What stones are more valuable than diamonds?

Here are 10 gemstones that are rarer than diamonds:
Tanzanite
Red Beryl
Burma Ruby
Jadeite
Benitoite
Kashmir Sapphire
Natural Pearl
Paraíba Tourmaline
Alexandrite
Ammolite

Black Opal—$9,500 per carat

most valuable gemstones in the world
(Image Courtesy of Luxury Insider)

Black opals are the most desired and valuable opals in the world. The stone features a dark body which provides the perfect backdrop for the extraordinary play of colors. Black opals come almost exclusively from Lightning Ridge area in New South Wales. They are, indeed, widely considered one of Australia’s national treasures. The “Royal One” is the most precious black opal in the world, valued at $3 million. The elusive gemstone weighs 306-carats. In fact, it went unreported for 14 years before the miner who had discovered it decided to sell.

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Red Beryl—$10,000 per carat

top 10 most valuable gemstones
(Image Courtesy of JTV)

While red beryl has been found in Utah regions, New Mexico, and Mexico, only those mined specifically in the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah have been of gem-quality. They exhibit a few different shades of a darker red color, all of which are equally mesmerizing. This variety is one of the rarest in the beryl family, which emeralds are also a part of. As a result, red beryl is sometimes referred to as the “red emerald” by collectors. Similar to emeralds, red beryls also often feature inclusions and fractures. Prices for this uncommon gemstone can reach up to $10,000 per carat, but that’s only if you can find one for sale.

Musgravite—$35,000 per carat

favorite gemstones
(Image Courtesy of Musgravite.com)

Musgravite is another gemstone that was first discovered in Australia in 1967. The name comes from the Musgrave region where it was found. In 2005, only eight gem-quality musgravite stones were mined. That shows exactly how rare it is. The handful that was found included colors that range from translucent olive green to a greyish purple. Due to its exceptional rarity, it’s difficult to put a price tag on this gemstone. Although, experts generally value it at close to $35,000 per carat.

Alexandrite—$70,000 per carat

luxurious gemstones
(Image Courtesy of Smithsonian Institute)

Alexandrite is a rare gem that changes colors. This not only makes Alexandrite unbelievably beautiful but also valuable. Though they are primarily found in Russia (discovered in 1833), they’ve also been mined in Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and India. Interestingly, they are almost always found in sizes smaller than one carat. Thus, when a bigger stone is up, the price value goes up exponentially. For example, they can cost $15,000 for a single carat, but up to $70,000 per carat if it’s a larger stone. The Smithsonian Institute owns what is believed to be the largest faceted Alexandrite in the world, a cushion-cut stone weighing 65.08 carats valued at over $4 million.

Emerald—$305,000 per carat

emerald the best gemstone
(Image Courtesy of Christie’s)

Emeralds are some of the most popular gemstones in the world, known for their exotic green tones. Found primarily in four different countries: Brazil, Colombia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Most emeralds available on the market feature minor imperfections. Thus, in the rare opportunity that a natural emerald without flaws goes up for sale, it can fetch mind-blowing figures. When Christie’s announced that the historic “Rockefeller Emerald” would be auctioned off, experts knew it would break records. The 18.04-carat gemstone got purchased by John D. Rockefeller for his wife. Later, it was passed down to their son and then sold privately. At the Christie’s auction, it was purchased for $5.5 million, or $305,000 per carat. That made it the most expensive emerald per carat ever sold.

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Ruby—$1.18 million per carat

ruby jewelry
(Image Courtesy of Express)

Commonly referred to as the “King of Gemstones,” rubies feature a spectrum of vibrant red hues. They range from pink all the way to a darker red. The fiery gem is a symbol of passion and a zest for life. This meaning has been passed down through ancient cultures who believed the color represented blood. In 2015, an extremely rare Burmese ruby was auctioned off at a Sotheby’s event in Geneva for over $30 million. This meant the 26-carat gem, named “The Sunrise Ruby” after a poem by the legendary 13th-century poet Rumi, sold at $1.18 million per carat. That’s a staggering number which makes it the most expensive ruby ever sold.

FACTS ABOUT JEWELRY:
LA PEREGRINA

In 2011, a necklace from the 16th-century known as La Peregrina sold at a Christie’s auction for $11.8 million. The necklace features rubies, pearls, and diamonds. As evident with the La Peregrina, jewelry which combines pearls and other gemstones is quite captivating. Pearls highlight the beauty of other gemstones and bring a unique glow to the necklace. Browse through our collection of gemstone pearl jewelry to find your personal own La Peregrina. 

Pink Diamond—$1.19 million per carat

pink-diamond
(Image Courtesy of Sotheby’s)

While all colored diamonds are rare, pink diamonds are arguably the rarest of them all. In the annual production of diamonds throughout the world, these pink-colored gems represent less than 0.1% of the total! When the elegant pink gemstones make it to auction, they regularly break the $1 million mark for price per carat. In 2017, a stunning pink diamond weighing 59.60-carats was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong for a record-breaking $71.2 million. That’s $1.19 million per carat. Known as the “Pink Star” diamond, it’s the largest Fancy Vivid Pink diamond ever graded as Internally Flawless by the Gemological Institute of America.

Jadeite—$3 million per carat

jadeite
(Image Courtesy of Mauro Cateb, Flickr)

Jadeite is the purest, rarest, and most vivid gemstone in the Jade family. Though it’s available in a variety of colors including red, yellow, and black, green is most common with the stone. A specific shade of semi-transparent emerald green known as “Imperial Jade” is the most sought-after in the world. Jadeite plays a particularly significant role in Chinese culture, symbolizing prestige and status. In 2014, everyone expected a jadeite necklace that once belonged to American heiress Barbara Hutton to set a record for most expensive Jadeite jewelry ever sold. The “Hutton-Midivani Necklace”, which consists of 27 large, top quality jadeite beads, did just that. After twenty minutes of intense bidding from eight potential buyers, the piece sold for $27.44 million to Cartier, the original designer of the necklace.

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Blue Diamond—$3.93 million per carat

Top Gemstones
(Image Courtesy of Forbes)

We finish off our list with one of the most legendary gemstones in the world, the blue diamond. Given its rarity, anytime a blue diamond is set to appear at an auction, the world’s top collectors line up for a chance to own one. They are more than willing to spend millions of dollars to make it happen. This was certainly the case in 2016 when a jaw-dropping emerald-cut Vivid Blue diamond weighing 14.62 carats came to Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva. The diamond, named “The Oppenheimer Blue” in honor of its previous owner, sold for a final price of $57.5 million. While the Pink Star diamond broke its record for most expensive jewel ever sold, the blue diamond holds the record for the most valuable price per carat at $3.93 million.

FACTS ABOUT JEWELRY:
THE $9 MILLION PEARL NECKLACE

In 2013, a seven-strand necklace that featured 614 natural pearls sold for over $9 million at a Christie’s auction, making it one of the most expensive pearl purchases ever. While spending millions on a necklace may not be possible, it’s okay to have an appetite for luxury. If you want the crème de la crème of pearls, then South Sea pearls are the perfect option for you. Regarded as the most premium type of pearls available, they feature stunning size, color, quality, and glow. 

Conclusion

There you have it—the 10 most valuable gemstones in the world. If you could pick one, which one would you choose? Important to note, while these gemstones might be the most expensive ones, they aren’t necessarily the most special. For example, pearls are the only gemstones to come from a living creature. A pearl necklace is also one of the most classic pieces available that can perfectly finish any outfit. Next, while turquoises might not as be as rare as red beryls, their beauty is one-of-a-kind. And finally, though topaz isn’t the priciest gemstone, its wide range of colors make it unique in its own way. Whatever stone you decide to go with, choose the one that’s special to you.

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Karolina Miseviciute
Latest posts by Karolina Miseviciute (see all)

64 comments

  • thejewelcreation

    All of these are really fun and amazing, I must say!

    • Marcos Amaya

      Hi do you know how much this gem is worth the name of the gem is rough natural black obsidian tumbled raw gemstone?

  • AnnyLenardo

    Great article KAROLINA. I really like to know about Gemstone Lapis Lazuli.

  • thejewelcreation

    I found it so interesting . Love to read about gemstones and pearls. thanks for sharing

    • Bryan Quattromani

      Always looking to find new information on gems. I have quite a few that I’m looking to get rid of but I don’t know how to or where to go I live in Rhode Island.

      • Jeanette Allen

        I would love to take some of them off your hand are you selling them or are you just giving them away please pay attention

    • DubstepHero777 DH777

      I’m poor and extremely happy

  • Anee Allen Barton

    I like the red ruby and shapphire.

  • Shane

    If that’s true market value, then i have two beautiful .53 carat emeralds i would love to sell you at half price. 😉

    • Sonu

      Hlo dear I m interested plzz send me full details

      • Robert Sam

        Hi,
        I have a 4 1/2 karat Alexandrite with 100% color change. I see this blog says it could bring in 70k per karat. Where can I go to get a good estimate. I have been told mine is worth 12k to 24k per karate.

        • tpsblogadmin

          You should probably go to a jewelry store that sells precious stones. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to give you an estimate.

      • Raewyn Tito

        Hello, Theodore I don’t know if you will get this message as it is 13/04/22. I love your info. I have collected some old pearls, large ones. And a string of blk & white pearls over 2meters Long, they are Coco Chanel. along with a gold necklace with 10 large round pearls spaced out. I’d love your advice. I could send you a photo.
        Kind Regards
        Raewyn

  • Texter Thomas

    I have a a precious stone found along a river from my village area. It’s Cristal clear dusty white. Need someone to fully identify if it’s valuable.

  • Samuel Mhlanga

    Thank you for the information

  • Elvira loquias

    Love topaz for it is my birthstone unfortunately it is not valuable.
    I need to comfort myself which stone is best.

  • Kino Froi Lopez

    Can someone assist me? I have certain stone here who looks like Jade. I hope some one could hel me through this

    • Noli James Madjos

      I also have a stone that i think valuable. Seems like blue diamond, I got it from the anchor of our ship before while heaving up. Can someone help me, message me please, I will send a video

  • tom lincoln

    What a beautiful gemstone and its healing properties are also so beneficial and interesting. It helps me a lot with my health-related problems.

  • Mr Brian Nampanda

    I have green tourmalines and I want to sell them to you. How can I arrange sales transactions?

    • tpsblogadmin

      Sorry, but we don’t buy semi-precious stones.

      • Hussein

        I have jadiete gamestone

  • Decorside

    The most beautiful of them is pink diamond in my opinion. It is especially ideal for engagement and brides. It looks dreamy and gorgeous. But it was a bit expensive 🙂

  • Alphonse Ndihokubwayo

    I would like to deal with gemstones but market issue

  • Pooja Gupta

    The most beautiful jewellery collections use a diamond to add a spark in beauty. However, besides their popularity and importance, there are many other benefits of wearing gemstone jewellery.

  • Bart Peuru

    I have a germstone which i want to sell

    • Wesley

      Yeah that’s true quite too expensive

  • Giliarto Blog

    Very interesting list indeed. It’s the rarity of a stone that makes it special. Clearly, most of the ones on this list are not in the range of the common man. My personal favorite is Rose colored diamond.

  • Concrete Pavers NZ

    It is a nice article about most valuable gemstones. I agree with all your points that you have stated here, love this blog. Thank you so much for sharing this blog with us. I will bookmark your site; I hope to read more such informative contents in future.

  • Joven Ruthford

    I agree with you I think Gemstones are some of the earth’s most exquisite natural treasures. People all over the world have appreciated them throughout history, for different reasons. While they are most commonly used as decorative ornaments, they are also known for their religious symbolism. Such gemstones have always been valued for their supposed healing powers too. Whether it be a diamond, ruby, or sapphire, all gemstones possess a distinct beauty. I appreciate it.

  • Adam

    Tanzanite—$1,200 per carat?
    You can go on ebay and buy a carat of Tanzanite for less then $40.

    • Lincoln

      that is most likely fake. Check your sources.

  • Lincoln

    How much would you take a 145 carat piece of black opal?

  • Dream of Stones

    Nice and Informative Post ! Really looking to read your more blogs.

  • Rammy

    This is a good post about most valuable gemstones, found worldwide. This very good piece of information regarding valuable Gemstones and appreciate your work.
    Thank you for the information.

  • Gemstone jewelry

    Informative post! Great collection of gemstones with an excellent description. I love Emerald gemstone jewelry.

  • adrianarje

    Such an amazing blog on the top valuable gemstones list!! Thank you for sharing this post.

  • charoite jewelry

    Such an amazing blog on gemstones!! Thank you for sharing this post.

  • Richard Olson

    These are large gems of extreme quality.
    No one has yet committed about the other end of quality and size other than the comment about “Fake” that could just mean rock bottom on quality spectrum
    A gem ranked as jewelry quality may be worth one thousandth per karat less than the price of truly unique examples.
    Gold may be of more value than diamond by weight.
    In some parts of Canada Jade is use for bathroom and kitchen tiles… I have several concentric carved balls (balls inside of balls) of this construction grade Jade… uniquely beautiful but virtually worthless, something you buy in a tourist shop.
    Bottom line, I covet the unobtainable and truly love the unique affordable.
    I realize that the only value is in the eye of the person who possess an item… and the buyer always values more than the seller.

  • Jonathan Reese

    I am fan of big fancy gems. One gem to own it all!

  • Peter Guarin

    I’m searching for an information leading to the proper identification of my unidentified recovered stone from the clamshell.

  • Lara Mathew

    Thank you for sharing this article. You have provided valuable knowledge about most precious 10 gemstones. I love to read your blog. And all jewelry pieces looking so elegant.

  • Emmy

    Great! This blog is really providing nice information. Thanks for sharing this blog.

  • Oshi

    This is very great information you shared in your post about the jewelry, i like the way your write, it’s really nice.

  • Buchi

    I found a gem stone at 29th feet depth under ground how can i get to u to see it

    • TPS Blog Admin

      Hi Buchi,

      Sorry, but we do not appraise gems. You should take it to a local certified appraiser or a gem expert in your area.

      Thanks

  • Finer Jewelry

    Nice such this is a really nice blog and informative blog I like it thanks for sharing.

  • Bijender

    “It is really a nice and informative blog and the content is really precise. I liked your views on Gemstones. I will subscribe to it. I am looking forward for more such kind of blogs as they are really mesmerizing. Thanks for such an interesting and wonderful blog.

  • Pankaj

    All design are beautiful.

  • Claire Masters

    My brother wants to propose to his long-term girlfriend and he has asked me to look for a ring that she might like. Interesting to know the pink diamond which is one of the rarest stones in the world. I wonder if there are jewelry stores near us that actually sell these types of stones in their jewelry.

  • Pure Vedic Gems

    Nice Article. Thanks for sharing this beautiful article.

  • Bon

    Good read thank you for sharing this info. Maybe one day I can afford one of these gems lol.

  • Clarinda Bastin

    Is Rubellite a true gem and worth collecting? Also blue zircon and pink sapphire? any advise on how to start for a lower middle class person?

  • Nathan brown

    I would love to send you a pic of a I believe to be a rare star burst ruby . I’m not positive that’s what it is can you contact me please .

  • Sara

    Thanks for the giving the information about gemstones

  • Nicklas Schmitt

    Imperial Jadeite is really quite rare and beautiful. I have the great fortune to posses several specimens. With my find are several other colors of jadeite , blue being one of them . So rare it is miss identified sadly. Where can laboratory confirmation be obtained. ? Most sincerely Me.

  • Bunty

    I am very happy from you because you has included Tanzanite Gemstone. Your blog is very informative 🙂

  • Chordia CJ

    Hey Karolina
    Your blogs really helps me a lot. I become a fan of your explaining things…:)

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