10 Most Expensive Gemstones in the World

Written by Gemsroot  »  Updated on: June 02nd, 2025

10 Most Expensive Gemstones in the World

Gemstones have long symbolized wealth, power, and timeless beauty. From ancient dynasties to modern-day collectors, rare gemstones continue to mesmerize due to their stunning colors, mystic allure, and astonishing market values. In this comprehensive guide, we reveal the top 10 most expensive gemstones in the world, their origins, unique features, and what makes them the most sought-after treasures on Earth.

1. Pink Star Diamond - The Crown Jewel of Auction Blocks

Price per carat: Over $2.7 million

Total price: $71.2 million (59.60 carats)

Origin: South Africa

The Pink Star Diamond, formerly known as the Steinmetz Pink, is the most expensive gemstone ever sold at auction. With an intense pink hue classified as "fancy vivid," it was mined by De Beers in 1999 and took nearly two years to cut. This diamond shattered records when it sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong in 2017.

2. Jadeite - The Imperial Gemstone of the East

Price per carat: Up to $3 million

Origin: Myanmar (Burma)

Unlike common jade, jadeite is much rarer and more valuable. Prized particularly in Chinese culture, top-quality jadeite exhibits a translucent emerald-green tone known as Imperial Jade. A jadeite necklace once sold for $27.4 million, reflecting its unmatched cultural and monetary value.

3. Blue Diamond - A Celestial Rarity

Price per carat: Around $3.93 million

Famous example: The Oppenheimer Blue

Origin: South Africa

Blue diamonds, tinted by trace amounts of boron, are among the rarest naturally occurring gemstones. The Oppenheimer Blue, weighing 14.62 carats, fetched $57.5 million at auction. These diamonds captivate collectors with their hypnotic, oceanic hues and historical prestige.

4. Musgravite - Rarity Redefined

Price per carat: Up to $35,000

Origin: Australia, Greenland, Madagascar

Discovered in the Musgrave Ranges of Australia in 1967, musgravite is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth. Only a few dozen quality specimens exist globally. Its rarity alone contributes to its extraordinary value, making it a true collector's gem.

5. Red Diamond - Nature's Rarest Color

Price per carat: $1 million+

Famous example: The Moussaieff Red Diamond

Origin: Brazil, Australia

Red diamonds are so rare that only a handful have ever been discovered. The Moussaieff Red, at 5.11 carats, is the largest known fancy red diamond. These diamonds are pure carbon with no impurities, and their stunning, vivid red tone is believed to be caused by rare crystal lattice distortions during formation.

6. Emerald - The Green Gem of Royalty

Price per carat: Up to $305,000 Famous

example: Rockefeller Emerald (18.04 carats)

Origin: Colombia, Zambia, Brazil

Symbolizing rebirth and eternal youth, emeralds have been revered since the time of Cleopatra. The finest emeralds originate from Colombia's Muzo mines and display a vibrant bluish-green hue with high transparency. The Rockefeller Emerald set a record in 2017 with a price of $5.5 million.

7. Alexandrite - The Color-Changing Wonder

Price per carat: Up to $70,000

Origin: Russia, Sri Lanka, Brazil

Described as "emerald by day, ruby by night," alexandrite is a rare chrysoberyl variety that changes color under different lighting conditions. First discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in the 1830s, its remarkable ability to shift from green to red makes it one of the most mysterious and expensive gemstones on the market.

8. Ruby - The King of Precious Stones

Price per carat: Up to $1.18 million

Famous example: The Sunrise Ruby (25.59 carats)

Origin: Myanmar (Burma), Mozambique

A symbol of passion, power, and love, the finest rubies are from Myanmar's Mogok region. The Sunrise Ruby broke records at $30.4 million, making it the most expensive ruby ever sold. The value of a ruby is determined by its "pigeon blood" red color, clarity, and size.

9. Black Opal - The Dark Fire

Price per carat: Up to $10,000

Famous example: The Aurora Australis

Origin: Lightning Ridge, Australia

Black opals are the most valuable of all opals due to their dramatic play-of-color against a dark background. The Aurora Australis, considered the world's most valuable black opal, weighs 180 carats and is valued at over $760,000. No two opals are alike, which makes each black opal a unique natural artwork.

10. Tanzanite - The One-Location Marvel

Price per carat: Up to $1,200 (but increasing rapidly)

Origin: Tanzania (near Mount Kilimanjaro)

Discovered only in 1967, tanzanite is a blue-violet variety of zoisite found exclusively in Tanzania. Its striking trichroic colors (blue, violet, and burgundy) and limited geographic origin make it a favorite among modern jewelers and investors. As the mine's supply dwindles, the gemstone's value continues to climb.

Honorable Mentions in the World of Luxury Gemstones

Paraiba Tourmaline - Glows with a neon-blue color and can reach up to $16,000 per carat.

Grandidierite - A translucent bluish-green gem so rare it's barely seen in jewelry.

Serendibite - Among the rarest minerals, it can fetch $18,000 per carat.

Blue Garnet - Changes from blue-green to purplish-red; incredibly rare and valuable.

What Makes These Gemstones So Valuable?

The price of gemstones is determined by the 4 Cs: Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut, but also by:

Rarity - Limited supply increases market value.

Historical Significance - Gemstones owned by royals or celebrities fetch higher prices.

Origin - Stones from renowned mining regions hold premium status.

Treatment - Untreated stones are more valuable than heat- or clarity-enhanced gems.

Conclusion

The world of high-end gemstones is filled with captivating beauty and astronomical prices. These top 10 most expensive gemstones represent the pinnacle of rarity and luxury, commanding millions from collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. Whether purchased for investment, fashion, or passion, each gemstone is a testament to Earth's natural wonders.


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