Birthstones are more than just pretty rocks that match your birthday. They have a long history of symbolism, folklore, and healing properties. Some people believe that wearing your birthstone can bring you good luck, health, and happiness. Others just like to collect them as a personal expression of their identity.
But did you know that some birthstones are more valuable than others? Depending on the rarity, quality, and demand of the gemstone, the price can vary significantly. In this article, we will rank the 10 most expensive birthstones from least to most pricey, and tell you some interesting facts about each one. Let’s get started!
Garnet ($500 – $7,000 per carat)
Garnet is the birthstone for January, and it comes in a variety of colors, from deep red to green to purple. The most common and affordable type is the red garnet, which has a rich and warm hue. The most expensive and rare type is the green demantoid garnet, which can sparkle like a diamond and cost up to $7,000 per carat.
Garnet is a symbol of love, passion, and loyalty. It is also believed to protect the wearer from evil and harm. In ancient times, garnet was used as a talisman by warriors, travelers, and royalty. It was also thought to have healing powers, especially for blood-related diseases and infections.
Aquamarine ($675 – $1,500 per carat)
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March, and it has a beautiful blue-green color that resembles the ocean. The name aquamarine comes from the Latin words “aqua” and “marina”, meaning “water” and “sea”. The more intense and clear the color, the more valuable the stone. The most expensive aquamarine ever sold was a 1,298-carat gem that fetched $1.5 million in 2016.
Aquamarine is a symbol of purity, calmness, and courage. It is also said to enhance communication, creativity, and intuition. Sailors and fishermen used to wear aquamarine as a lucky charm to ensure a safe and prosperous voyage. It was also used as a remedy for eye problems, throat infections, and stress.
Peridot ($50 – $2,000 per carat)
Peridot is the birthstone for August, and it has a bright and cheerful green color that can range from lime to olive. The name peridot comes from the Arabic word “Friday”, meaning “gem”. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that only occurs in one color, but the shade can vary depending on the amount of iron in the crystal. The most valuable peridot is a vivid green with no brown or yellow tones. The largest peridot ever found weighed 311.8 carats and is displayed at the Smithsonian Museum.
Peridot is a symbol of happiness, prosperity, and harmony. It is also believed to attract love, wealth, and good luck. Ancient Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun” and wore it to ward off evil spirits and nightmares. It was also used as a medicine for asthma, fever, and liver problems.
Pearl ($300 – $4,000 per carat)
Pearl is one of the birthstones for June, and it is the only gemstone that is produced by a living organism. Pearls are formed when a mollusk, such as an oyster or a clam, secretes a layer of nacre around a foreign object, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, that irritates its soft tissue. The process can take several years, and the result is a lustrous and spherical gem. Pearls can be natural or cultured, and they can come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. The most expensive pearl ever sold was a 26.95-carat natural pearl that belonged to Marie Antoinette and was auctioned for $32 million in 2018.
Pearl is a symbol of elegance, wisdom, and purity. It is also said to enhance love, fertility, and health. Pearls have been prized by many cultures and civilizations for thousands of years. They were considered sacred by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Chinese, and were used as gifts, ornaments, and currency. They were also used as a treatment for digestive disorders, skin problems, and heart diseases.
Opal ($60 – $5,000 per carat)
Opal is one of the birthstones for October, and it is a unique and mesmerizing gemstone that displays a rainbow of colors. The name opal comes from the Greek word “opallios”, meaning “to see a change of color”. Opal is made of silica and water, and its color is caused by the diffraction of light from the tiny spheres of silica that make up its structure. The more colorful and vivid the opal, the more valuable it is. The most expensive opal ever sold was a 25.59-carat black opal called the “Aurora Australis” which was valued at $1 million in 2005.
Opal is a symbol of hope, creativity, and joy. It is also believed to enhance imagination, inspiration, and intuition. Opal has been admired and feared by many cultures and legends for its mysterious and magical properties. Some considered it a lucky stone that could bring fortune and happiness, while others regarded it as a cursed stone that could bring bad luck and misfortune.
Emerald ($500 – $10,000 per carat)
Emerald is the birthstone for May, and it is a stunning and vibrant green gemstone that belongs to the Beryl family. The name emerald comes from the Greek word “smaragdos”, meaning “green stone”. Emerald is one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones, as it is very difficult to find a natural emerald that is flawless and has a deep and even color. The most expensive emerald ever sold was a 23.46-carat emerald ring that belonged to Elizabeth Taylor and was auctioned for $6.6 million in 2011.
Emerald is a symbol of love, beauty, and fidelity. It is also said to enhance intelligence, wisdom, and vision. Emerald has been revered by many civilizations and rulers for its beauty and power. It was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians, Incas, and Aztecs, and was used as a tribute, a currency, and a healing stone. It was also used as a remedy for eye diseases, infections, and mental disorders.
Sapphire ($800 – $15,000 per carat)
Sapphire is the birthstone for September, and it is a gorgeous and durable gemstone that belongs to the corundum family. The name sapphire comes from the Latin word “sapphirus”, meaning “blue stone”. Sapphire can come in various colors, such as pink, yellow, and green, but the most popular and valuable type is the blue sapphire, which has a deep and vivid hue. The most expensive sapphire ever sold was a 392.52-carat blue sapphire called the “Blue Belle of Asia” that was auctioned for $17.3 million in 2014.
Sapphire is a symbol of loyalty, honesty, and faithfulness. It is also said to enhance wisdom, spirituality, and peace. Sapphire has been cherished by many religions and royals for its beauty and significance. It was considered holy by the ancient Persians, Buddhists, and Christians, and was used as a symbol of divine favor, protection, and prophecy. It was also used as a medicine for fever, headache, and insomnia.
Ruby ($1,000 – $20,000 per carat)
Ruby is the birthstone for July, and it is a stunning and fiery gemstone that belongs to the corundum family. The name ruby comes from the Latin word “ruber”, meaning “red”. Ruby is one of the hardest and most valuable gemstones, as it is very rare to find a natural ruby that has a pure and intense red color. The most expensive ruby ever sold was a 25.59-carat ruby ring called the “Sunrise Ruby” that was auctioned for $30.3 million in 2015.
Ruby is a symbol of passion, courage, and power. It is also said to enhance love, confidence, and vitality. Ruby has been admired and desired by many cultures and legends for its beauty and energy. It was considered sacred by the ancient Hindus, who called it the “king of gems” and believed that it could grant wealth, fame, and longevity. It was also used as a weapon, a talisman, and a healing stone.
Diamond ($1,500 – $50,000 per carat)
Diamond is the birthstone for April, and it is the most famous and sought-after gemstone in the world. The name diamond comes from the Greek word “Adamas”, meaning “unbreakable”. Diamond is the hardest and most brilliant of all gemstones, as it is made of pure carbon that has been crystallized under extreme heat and pressure. The most expensive diamond ever sold was a 59.60-carat pink diamond called the “Pink Star” that was auctioned for $71.2 million in 2017.
Diamond is a symbol of purity, strength, and eternity. It is also said to enhance love, beauty, and success. Diamonds have been coveted and celebrated by many civilizations and celebrities for their beauty and glamour. It was considered divine by the ancient Greeks, who believed that it was the tears of the gods. It was also used as a symbol of royalty, power, and status. It was also used as a tool, a currency, and a healing stone.
