Gemstones have been treasured for centuries for their beauty and rarity. Some of the most expensive gemstones in the world are sought after by collectors, investors, and jewelry enthusiasts alike. From diamonds to sapphires, these precious stones are not only valuable but also hold a rich history and cultural significance. In this article, we will explore the top 10 most expensive gemstones in the world, highlighting their unique characteristics, origins, and current market value. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply have a love for all things sparkling, this list is sure to fascinate and inspire.
| No | Most Expensive Gemstone | Price |
| 1 | The Pink Star | $71.2 million |
| 2 | The Williamson Pink Star | $57.7 million |
| 3 | The Oppenheimer Blue | $57.5 million |
| 4 | The Pink Legacy | $50.375 million |
| 5 | Blue Moon of Josephine |
$48.4 million
|
| 6 | The Graff Pink Diamond |
$46 million
|
| 7 | The De Beers Millennium Jewel 4 | $31.8 million |
| 8 | Pigeon Blood Ruby | $30 million |
| 9 | The Juno Diamond | $12.9 million |
| 10 | The “Spectacular” Unmounted Diamond | 88,000,000 – 100,000,000 hkd |
The Pink Star
The Pink Star is the most expensive gemstone in the world, worth $71.2 million. The Pink Star is a 59.60-carat pink diamond that was discovered in South Africa in 1999. It is considered one of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world and is graded as a fancy vivid pink, the highest color grade for a pink diamond. The Pink Star was sold at auction in 2013 for a record-breaking $83 million, making it the most expensive diamond ever sold at the time. The diamond is currently owned by a Hong Kong-based jewelry company, Chow Tai.
The Williamson Pink Star
The Williamson Pink Star is the 2nd most expensive gemstone in the world, worth $57.7 million.
The Pink Star is a 59.60-carat fancy vivid pink diamond that was sold at auction in 2017 for $71.2 million, setting a world record price for any diamond or jewel. It was sold by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong to the Chow Tai Jewellery Group. The Pink Star was mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999 and cut and polished over two years by Steinmetz Diamonds. The diamond was named the “Pink Star” and was first sold in 2007 for $83 million, however, the buyer defaulted on the payment.
The Oppenheimer Blue
The Oppenheimer Blue is the 3rd most expensive gemstone in the world, worth $57.5 million. The Oppenheimer Blue is a fancy vivid blue diamond that was named after its previous owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer, a prominent diamond dealer and member of the famous Oppenheimer family. The diamond was first discovered in South Africa in January 2016 and was later cut and polished by the Oppenheimer family’s diamond company, De Beers.
The Oppenheimer Blue is considered to be one of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. It is a rectangular cut diamond that weighs 14.62 carats and is classified as a Type IIb diamond, which means it has very little nitrogen impurities and is highly transparent. The diamond was sold at auction in May 2016 for a record-breaking $50.6 million, making it the most expensive blue diamond ever sold at auction.
Oppenheimer Blue is known for its stunning blue color, which is a result of the presence of boron impurities in the diamond’s crystal structure. The diamond’s color is so intense that it is often compared to the color of a tropical ocean. The diamond is set in a platinum ring and is accompanied by two smaller white diamonds on the side.
The Oppenheimer Blue is a symbol of luxury and exclusivity and is considered a true masterpiece of nature. It is a rare and precious gemstone that is sure to be treasured by its owners for generations to come.
The Pink Legacy
The Pink Legacy is the 4th most expensive gemstone in the world, worth $50.375 million. The Pink Legacy is a diamond that is considered one of the rarest and most valuable in the world. It is an 18.96-carat fancy vivid pink diamond that was discovered in South Africa in 2018. The diamond was cut and polished by Cora International, a leading diamond company known for its expertise in handling rare and valuable diamonds.
The Pink Legacy was sold at Christie’s auction house in November 2018 for $50 million, setting a new world record for the most expensive diamond per carat ever sold. The diamond was purchased by Harry Winston, a luxury jewelry brand known for its high-end diamond creations.
The Pink Legacy is considered a rare and exceptional diamond due to its size, color, and clarity. The diamond’s fancy vivid pink color is considered the most desirable and rarest among pink diamonds, and its clarity is considered to be internally flawless.
The Pink Legacy is currently on display at the Harry Winston flagship store in New York City, where it is admired by diamond enthusiasts and collectors from all over the world. The diamond is also used as the centerpiece of a limited edition Harry Winston jewelry collection.
The Pink Legacy is a symbol of luxury, rarity, and beauty, and is a true testament to the incredible natural beauty of diamonds.
Blue Moon of Josephine
Blue Moon of Josephine is the 5th most expensive gemstone in the world, worth $48.4 million. The Blue Moon of Josephine is considered one of the most valuable and rarest diamonds in the world. The diamond is named after Josephine, the wife of the buyer, who purchased the diamond anonymously at the auction. The diamond is a cushion-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond, which is the highest color grading for a blue diamond. The diamond is also internally flawless, meaning that it has no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
The Blue Moon of Josephine was discovered at Petra Diamonds’ Cullinan mine in South Africa, which is known for producing some of the world’s most valuable diamonds. The mine has produced several other famous diamonds, including the Star of Josephine, a 29.6-carat pink diamond, and the Lesotho Promise, a 603-carat rough diamond.
The record-breaking price of the Blue Moon of Josephine is a testament to the high demand for rare and valuable diamonds, particularly those with exceptional color and clarity. The diamond is considered a treasure of nature and a true work of art. It is expected to be worn and admired by its lucky owner for many years to come.
The Graff Pink Diamond
The Graff Pink Diamond is the 6th most expensive gemstone in the world, worth $46 million. The Graff Pink Diamond is a rare and valuable diamond that was discovered in South Africa in 1999. It is a fancy intense pink diamond, meaning it has a deep and vibrant pink color. The diamond is 24.78 carats and is considered one of the most significant and valuable pink diamonds in the world. It was sold at auction in 2010 for a record-breaking $46 million. The diamond was cut and polished by the renowned diamond cutter and jeweler, Laurence Graff, who gave it its name. It is currently on display at the Graff flagship store in London.
The De Beers Millennium Jewel 4
The De Beers Millennium Jewel 4 is the 7th most expensive gemstone in the world, worth $31.8 million. The De Beers Millennium Jewel 4 is a large, fancy yellow diamond that was discovered in the year 2000. It is a Type II diamond, which means it is very rare and has exceptional optical properties. The diamond is internally flawless and weighs 7.03 carats.
The diamond was cut and polished by the De Beers’ team of diamond experts, who spent several months working on it to achieve the perfect shape and symmetry. The finished diamond was then set in a ring and became part of the De Beers Millennium Jewel collection, featuring 12 rare and exceptional diamonds.
The De Beers Millennium Jewel 4 is considered one of the most valuable and sought-after yellow diamonds in the world. It is known for its striking color, exceptional clarity, and perfect cut. The diamond is highly sought after by collectors and investors and is considered a rare and valuable investment piece.
Pigeon Blood Ruby
Pigeon Blood Ruby is the 8th most expensive gemstone in the world, worth $30 million.
A Pigeon Blood Ruby is a type of red ruby that is considered to be the most desirable and valuable due to its deep red color, which is often described as being the color of a fresh pigeon’s blood. This color is considered to be the most desirable and sought-after and is considered to be the rarest and most valuable of all ruby colors. Pigeon Blood Rubies are typically found in Myanmar (Burma) and are considered to be the highest-quality rubies in the world. They are typically more expensive than other types of rubies and are often used in high-end jewelry and other luxury items.
The Juno Diamond
The Juno Diamond is the 9th most expensive gemstone in the world, worth $12.9 million. The Juno Diamond is a rare and valuable diamond that is believed to be one of the largest and most perfect diamonds in the world. It is named after the Roman goddess Juno, who was the goddess of marriage and motherhood. The diamond is estimated to be around 100 carats in weight and is believed to be of the highest quality, with a color and clarity that is unmatched by any other diamond. The exact location of the Juno Diamond is unknown, as it is believed to be in the possession of a private collector. However, it is said to have been discovered in Africa and is supposed to have been cut and polished in Europe. The value of the Juno Diamond is estimated to be in the millions of dollars, making it one of the most valuable and sought-after diamonds in the world.
The “Spectacular” Unmounted Diamond
The “Spectacular” Unmounted Diamond is the 10th most expensive gemstone in the world, worth 88,000,000 – 100,000,000 hkd. An unmounted diamond, also known as a loose diamond, is a diamond that has not been set into a piece of jewelry such as a ring, necklace, or earring. These diamonds are often considered to be more valuable and spectacular because they have not been altered or adjusted in any way. They are in their natural state and are therefore considered to be of the highest quality. They are also more versatile as they can be set in a variety of different pieces of jewelry to suit the individual’s taste and preferences. Unmounted diamonds are often used for custom jewelry designs and are also popular for investment purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gemstone?
A gemstone is a mineral, rock, or organic material that is valued for its beauty, rarity, and durability. Gemstones are commonly used in jewelry, but can also be used for decorative or spiritual purposes. Examples of gemstones include diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and amethysts. Some gemstones are naturally occurring, while others are created through processes such as heat treatment or irradiation.
What is the rarest gemstone?
The rarest gemstone is considered to be the painite. It was first discovered in Myanmar in the 1950s and for many years, only two known specimens existed. Today, the painite is considered the world’s rarest mineral and gemstone, with less than 50 known specimens in existence. Due to its extreme rarity, a painite gemstone can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
How to cut a gemstone?
- Choose the right cutting tool: The first step in cutting a gemstone is to select the right cutting tool. A diamond-tipped saw or a lapidary saw is typically used for cutting gems.
- Mark the cutting line: Before cutting the gemstone, mark the cutting line with a pencil or a unique cutting marker. This will help you to make precise cuts and ensure that the rock is cut evenly.
- Secure the gemstone: Place the gemstone in a vise or clamp to keep it secure while cutting. This will prevent the gemstone from moving or shifting during the cutting process.
- Begin cutting: Turn on the saw and slowly cut along the marked line. Be sure to keep the saw moving at a steady pace and do not apply too much pressure.
- Check the progress: Stop cutting periodically to check the progress of the cut. Make sure that the cut is even and that the gemstone is not overheating.
- Finish cutting: Once the gemstone is cut to the desired shape, turn off the saw and remove the rock from the vise or clamp.
- Polish and finish: The final step is to polish and finish the gemstone. This can be done using a variety of polishing tools and techniques, such as using a tumbler or a polishing wheel.
What is the weirdest gem?
One of the weirdest gems is the Opal. It has a unique ability to display a range of colors and patterns, known as “play of color,” making it appear like a constantly changing and dynamic gemstone. Some opals even have a “fire” or “flame” pattern, making them appear as if they are burning. Additionally, opals are also known for their porous nature and sensitivity to changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause cracking or crazing in the stone.
What is the gemstone for June?
The gemstone for June is pearl and Alexandrite.
What is the gemstone for the march?
The gemstone for March is aquamarine.
What is October’s gemstone?
October’s gemstone is opal.
How to tell if a gemstone is real?
- Conduct a visual inspection: Look for inclusions, bubbles, or any imperfections in the stone. Genuine gemstones usually have natural inclusions, whereas synthetic stones often have bubbles or other imperfections.
- Check the weight: Real gemstones are usually denser than synthetic ones. Hold the stone in your hand and compare it to a similar-sized synthetic stone. The real stone should feel heavier.
- Use a loupe: A loupe is a small magnifying glass that can help you examine the stone more closely. Look for any small details that might indicate the stone is real, such as natural inclusions or internal fractures.
- Test the hardness: Real gemstones are harder than glass, so if you can scratch the stone with a piece of glass, it’s likely, not genuine.
- Please take it to a professional: A gemologist or jeweler can use specialized equipment to test the stone’s authenticity, such as a refractometer or spectroscope.
- Check the price: If the price of the gemstone seems too good to be true, it may be a synthetic or fake stone. Real gemstones are usually expensive, so if the price is significantly lower than what you would expect, it’s likely, not genuine.
What is the august gemstone?
The August gemstone is Peridot.
What stone is more expensive than a diamond?
Several stones are more expensive than a diamond, including:
- Pink diamond: Pink diamonds are extremely rare and can fetch high prices due to their unique color and rarity.
- Blue diamond: Blue diamonds are also rare and highly sought after for their unique color.
- Red diamond: Red diamonds are the rarest of all colored diamonds and can fetch incredibly high prices.
- Alexandrite: Alexandrite is a unique gemstone that changes color depending on the lighting. It is rare and highly prized for its color-changing properties.
- Emerald: Emeralds are highly valued for their green color and are often more expensive than diamonds.
- Sapphire: Blue sapphires are highly prized for their rich blue color and can fetch high prices.
- Pearl: Natural pearls are rare and expensive due to their natural formation process.
What stone is worth more than gold?
Diamonds are often considered to be worth more than gold.
What is the most unbreakable gem?
Diamonds are considered to be the most unbreakable gem. They are the hardest natural mineral on Earth and have a Mohs hardness rating of 10. This means that they can only be scratched by other diamonds and can withstand a significant amount of pressure and heat.
What is the most legendary gemstone?
The most legendary gemstone is the Hope Diamond. It is a 45.52-carat deep-blue diamond that has a rich history and is said to be cursed. It is currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., and is considered one of the most valuable and famous gems in the world.
What is the rarest rock on Earth?
The rarest rock on Earth is considered to be lonsdaleite, which is a rare form of diamond that is formed under extreme pressure and heat. It is only found in meteorites and a few locations on Earth, such as the Canyon Diablo meteorite impact site in Arizona, USA.
Which is the cheapest gemstone?
The cheapest gemstone is typically garnet. Other inexpensive gemstones include amethyst, citrine, and peridot.
What is the rarest crystal?
The rarest crystal is considered to be the Painite, first discovered in Myanmar in the 1950s. It is extremely rare, with only a few hundred known to exist in the world. Due to its scarcity, painite can fetch a high price on the market and is highly sought after by collectors.
What is the most beautiful gem on earth?
This is a matter of personal opinion as beauty is subjective. Some may argue that diamonds are the most beautiful gem due to their brilliance and sparkle, while others may find the deep, rich colors of sapphires or emeralds to be the most beautiful. Ultimately, the most beautiful gem on earth is the one that holds the most personal significance and meaning for an individual.
What gemstone lasts forever?
Diamonds are considered gemstone that lasts forever because of their high durability and resistance to wear and tear. They are the hardest natural mineral on Earth, and their durability makes them ideal for jewelry and other decorative items.