Birthstones are gemstones associated with each month of the year. Each possesses a unique meaning and some command a high price due to rarity. This guide explores the most and least expensive birthstones, offering insights into their value.
What Is the Most Expensive Birthstone?
The most expensive birthstone is typically the diamond, the birthstone for April. Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness, brilliance, and rarity, particularly in larger sizes and high-quality grades. Other expensive birthstones include ruby, emerald, and alexandrite, which are highly prized for their color, rarity, and historical significance.
Most Expensive Birthstones
In addition to diamond, these are the other most expensive birthstones:
- Ruby (July): Rubies derive their value from their deep red color, with the most prized stones displaying a pure and vivid red tone. The durability of rubies and their historic association with royalty contribute to their status as one of the most valuable gemstones.
- Emerald (May): Emeralds are valued for their rich green color, which ranges from bluish-green to vivid green. The most desirable emeralds have a vibrant hue with even saturation. Though inclusions are common in emeralds, those with minimal inclusions are particularly prized.
- Alexandrite (June): Alexandrite, which can be more expensive than diamond, is highly coveted for its remarkable color-changing property, shifting from green in daylight to reddish-purple under incandescent light. This phenomenon, combined with its extreme rarity, makes it one of the most sought-after and valuable gemstones in the world. Alexandrite’s allure lies in its uniqueness and the challenge of finding high-quality specimens.
Least Expensive Birthstones
Some birthstones are more abundant, making them accessible and affordable. Examples include:
- Amethyst (February): Amethyst, a purple variety of quartz, is widely available and appreciated for its striking violet hues. Its affordability is due to the plentiful supply of high-quality stones, making it a popular and accessible choice.
- Citrine (November): Citrine, a golden-yellow quartz, is valued for its warm and sunny appearance. Its abundance contributes to its affordability.
- Turquoise (December): Turquoise is cherished for its vibrant blue and green hues and opaque nature. Found in large quantities across several regions, its accessibility makes it one of the more affordable birthstones.
- Peridot (August): Peridot, a gemstone with bright greenish-yellow tones, is relatively common and found in various locations worldwide. Its affordability is due to its widespread availability and lower mining costs.
Most Expensive Birthstones in Order
Though it can shift based on a gemstone’s quality, here’s how the birthstones generally rank based on their market value:
- Diamond (April)
- Alexandrite (June)
- Ruby (July)
- Emerald (May)
- Sapphire (September)
- Black Opal (October)
- Spinel (August)
- Tanzanite (December)
- Aquamarine (March)
- Tourmaline (October)
- Garnet (January)
- Zircon (December)
- Topaz (November)
- Peridot (August)
- Sardonyx (August)
- Pearl (June)
- Amethyst (February)
- Citrine (November)
- Turquoise (December)
- Blue Topaz (December)
In conclusion, birthstones are treasured for their beauty, rarity, and historical significance. While some, like diamonds and emeralds, command exceptionally high prices due to their rarity and demand, others, such as peridot and amethyst, offer more affordable options without compromising on charm. Understanding the value and characteristics of these gemstones highlights their unique qualities and the reasons behind their desirability. Whether rare or accessible, each birthstone carries its own appeal, making it a meaningful choice for personal jewelry or as a thoughtful gift.
Still interested in learning more about birthstones? Check out our other Birthstone Guides: Birthstone Chart, Birthstone Colors, Birthstone Meanings, Zodiac Birthstones, Most Expensive Birthstones, Rarest Birthstones, January Birthstone, February Birthstone, March Birthstone, April Birthstone, May Birthstone, June Birthstone, July Birthstone, August Birthstone, September Birthstone, October Birthstone, November Birthstone, December Birthstone, Alexandrite Guide, Aquamarine Guide, Emerald Guide, Garnet Guide, Pearl Guide, Sapphire Guide, Topaz Guide
