What Is The Most Expensive Birthstone?

A map showing major gemstone-producing countries (India, Myanmar, Colombia, and South Africa)

In recent years, the surge in auctions and demand for ethically sourced gems has pushed prices even higher. But among these sparkling stones, which one holds the crown as the most expensive birthstone? Let’s find out.

Diamonds: The Eternal Classic

Diamonds, the April birthstone, are a symbol of love, strength, and eternity. Known for their unmatched brilliance, diamonds are mined globally, with major sources including South Africa, Russia, and Canada. Lab-created diamonds are also gaining popularity for their sustainability and affordability.

The price of diamonds varies significantly. For example, commercial-quality diamonds can cost around $2,000 per carat, while rare, flawless diamonds sell for millions. The famous Pink Star Diamond was sold for a record-breaking $71.2 million, making it the most expensive gemstone ever sold at auction.

Diamonds: The ultimate symbol of love and luxury.

While diamonds are incredibly valuable, their widespread availability and grading system make them slightly more affordable than rarer gemstones like rubies.

Sapphire: Royalty in Blue

Sapphires, the birthstone for September, have long been associated with royalty and elegance. Their deep blue hue is the most recognized, but sapphires also come in pink, yellow, and green shades. The rare Padparadscha sapphire, a pinkish-orange variety, is among the most sought after.

The finest sapphires are sourced from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Kashmir. While commercial sapphires may sell for $50 to $1,000 per carat, Kashmir sapphires can exceed $200,000 per carat. One remarkable 26.41-carat sapphire sold for $17.7 million at auction, solidifying its place among the most expensive gemstones.

Sapphires symbolize wisdom, loyalty, and nobility.

Emerald: Nature’s Masterpiece

Emeralds, the May birthstone, are prized for their vibrant green color, which symbolizes renewal and prosperity. The finest emeralds are mined in Colombia, with other significant sources in Brazil and Zambia.

Emeralds are unique because of their inclusions, known as “jardin,” which often enhance their beauty rather than detract from it. However, high-quality, inclusion-free emeralds are extremely rare and valuable.

The Rockefeller Emerald, an 18.04-carat gem, sold for $5.5 million, or approximately $305,000 per carat, making it one of the most expensive emeralds ever sold. On average, top-tier emeralds sell for $1,000 to $100,000 per carat.

Emeralds: A blend of timeless beauty and nature’s imperfections.

Ruby: The King of Gemstones

Rubies, the July birthstone, often take the crown as the most expensive birthstone. Their deep red color, caused by traces of chromium, has made them a symbol of passion and power for centuries.

The finest rubies come from Myanmar, with Burmese rubies considered the crème de la crème. The Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby, was sold for a record-breaking $30.3 million, making it one of the most expensive colored gemstones per carat.

Rubies exude passion and vitality, earning their title as the ‘King of Gemstones.

Rubies are so rare that fine specimens over five carats can easily fetch prices exceeding $1 million per carat. Their scarcity and brilliance make them a top contender for the most expensive birthstone.

So, Which Is the Most Expensive Birthstone?

While all four gemstones—diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies—are incredibly valuable, rubies often claim the title of the most expensive birthstone. Their rarity, fiery color, and high demand make them unmatched in value per carat.

Every birthstone has its own unique charm and value.

However, the “most expensive” gem for you might depend on personal meaning, quality, and the story behind the stone.

OBY Jewelry’s Black Friday Deals: Add Sparkle to Your Collection

This Black Friday, OBY Jewelry is making luxury accessible with 20% off three stunning 14k solid gold lab diamond rings:

• Lab Diamond Bar Ring: A sleek, modern ring featuring a linear arrangement of sparkling lab diamonds. Perfect for minimalist yet elegant styling.
• Triangle Tiled Lab Diamond Ring: A statement piece with a geometric design of tiled lab diamonds, ideal for bold, confident looks.
• Eternity Diamond Ring: A timeless design with an endless circle of diamonds, symbolizing everlasting love and beauty.

Sustainable elegance: Discover OBY Jewelry’s Black Friday collection.

These rings are made with lab-created diamonds, offering the same brilliance and quality as mined diamonds without the ethical concerns. It’s the perfect way to invest in sustainable luxury this holiday season.

The Rise of Lab Diamonds

Lab-created diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in chemical structure, brilliance, and durability. However, they are more affordable and environmentally friendly, making them a smart choice for modern consumers.

Lab diamonds: Guilt-free brilliance with lasting value.

At OBY Jewelry, we pride ourselves on offering ethically crafted pieces that combine luxury with sustainability.

Final Thoughts

Whether your heart is set on the timeless brilliance of diamonds, the royal elegance of sapphires, the vibrant allure of emeralds, or the fiery passion of rubies, each gemstone has its own story to tell. And while rubies often claim the title of the most expensive birthstone, the true value lies in their beauty, meaning, and personal connection.

Birthstones: A celebration of life’s most precious moments.

This Black Friday, let OBY Jewelry help you celebrate those moments with our 20% off sale on 14k gold lab diamond rings. Explore our collection today and discover why ethical luxury is the future of fine jewelry.