When it comes to birthstones, not all gems are created equal—some are not only stunning but also incredibly valuable. If you’ve ever wondered which birthstones top the luxury charts, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re looking to make a thoughtful investment, design a custom piece of jewelry, or simply appreciate the beauty of rare gemstones, this guide will take you through the most expensive birthstones and what makes them worth every penny.
From timeless diamonds to vibrant emeralds, let’s explore the birthstones that carry both beauty and prestige.
What Makes a Birthstone Expensive?
Before we dive into the list, it’s worth understanding why some birthstones cost more than others:
- Rarity: The scarcer the gemstone, the higher its value. Some stones are mined in only a handful of locations worldwide.
- Quality: A gem’s color, clarity, cut, and carat weight all play a role in its price.
- Demand: Popularity also influences pricing. Highly sought-after stones naturally command a premium.
- History and Symbolism: Stones with rich cultural significance and historical appeal often come with added prestige.
1. Diamond (April Birthstone)
Let’s start with the obvious contender: the diamond, the traditional birthstone for April. Known as “a girl’s best friend,” diamonds are timeless, versatile, and often synonymous with luxury.
- Why It’s Expensive: Diamonds are graded for their 4Cs—carat, clarity, color, and cut. Large, flawless diamonds with exceptional sparkle (called “fire”) are incredibly rare and fetch staggering prices.
- Interesting Fact: Lab-grown diamonds offer a more affordable and ethical alternative to natural diamonds while maintaining the same brilliance.
How to Wear Diamonds: Whether set in a timeless solitaire ring, a sparkling tennis bracelet, or elegant cufflinks, diamonds bring unparalleled brilliance and sophistication to any piece of jewelry
Diamond Ring in 14k White Gold Kulira Round Solitaire Ring
2. Emerald (May Birthstone)
The lush green beauty of the emerald has been treasured for centuries, symbolizing rebirth and love. These stunning stones are the birthstone for May.
- Why It’s Expensive: High-quality emeralds are rare, especially those with a deep, even green color and minimal inclusions (natural flaws). Emeralds from Colombia, in particular, are among the most prized.
- Interesting Fact: The “Hooker Emerald,” a 75-carat gem, is one of the most famous emeralds in the world.
Emerald Jewelry Options: A custom emerald ring or bracelet set in yellow or white gold highlights the stone’s rich color beautifully.
Chain Link Gemstone Bracelet with Emerald and Diamond
3. Ruby (July Birthstone)
If you’re born in July, you share your month with the ruby, a gemstone that has been a symbol of passion, protection, and prosperity.
- Why It’s Expensive: The finest rubies, especially those with a vivid “pigeon blood” red hue, are among the rarest and most valuable gemstones. Burmese rubies are considered the gold standard.
- Interesting Fact: Rubies can command prices higher than diamonds of a similar size due to their scarcity.
Best Picks for Ruby Lovers: A ruby halo ring or a tennis bracelet with alternating diamonds and rubies makes for an exquisite statement piece.
4. Sapphire (September Birthstone)
Sapphires, the birthstone for September, are known for their stunning blue hues, although they can come in nearly every color except red.
- Why It’s Expensive: The most sought-after sapphires are a rich, velvety blue, often sourced from Kashmir, Burma, or Sri Lanka. Their durability (a 9 on the Mohs scale) adds to their timeless appeal.
- Interesting Fact: Princess Diana’s iconic engagement ring, now worn by Kate Middleton, features a stunning blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
Sapphire Jewelry Favorites: A sapphire ring, bracelet, or cufflink offers elegance and sophistication that lasts for generations.
5. Alexandrite (June Birthstone)
Here’s a rare gem with a magical quality: Alexandrite, one of June’s birthstones, changes color under different lighting—green in daylight and red in incandescent light.
- Why It’s Expensive: Natural alexandrite is incredibly rare, especially stones with a strong color shift and minimal inclusions. This scarcity drives up its price.
- Interesting Fact: Alexandrite is sometimes called the “emerald by day, ruby by night” because of its stunning color change.
Alexandrite in Jewelry: A custom alexandrite ring is perfect for someone who loves unique, mesmerizing pieces.
6. Tanzanite (December Birthstone)
While tanzanite is a relatively recent discovery, it has quickly become a prized gem. It’s one of December’s birthstones and is known for its rich violet-blue tones.
- Why It’s Expensive: Tanzanite is found in only one place in the world—Tanzania. Its limited supply makes it highly valuable.
- Interesting Fact: Tanzanite was introduced to the world by Tiffany & Co. in the late 1960s, adding to its prestige.
Jewelry Ideas: Tanzanite rings or bracelets set in white gold or platinum enhance the stone’s vibrant colors.
7. Opal (October Birthstone)
The opal, October’s birthstone, is known for its captivating play-of-color—a rainbow-like iridescence that changes as the stone moves.
- Why It’s Expensive: High-quality opals, especially black opals from Australia, are rare and can command significant prices. Their unique appearance makes each stone one of a kind.
- Interesting Fact: Opals symbolize creativity and spontaneity, making them a favorite for those with artistic flair.
Opal Favorites: A delicate opal bracelet or custom ring adds a touch of elegance with a burst of personality.
FAQ: Most Expensive Birthstones
1. What is the rarest and most expensive birthstone?
While diamonds are incredibly valuable, rare rubies and high-quality emeralds often surpass diamonds in price per carat.
2. Why are some birthstones more expensive than others?
Rarity, demand, and the quality of the stone all influence its price. Stones like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are valued for their scarcity and beauty.
3. Are lab-grown gemstones less expensive?
Yes, lab-grown gemstones offer a cost-effective and ethical alternative to natural stones. They are identical in quality and appearance.
4. Is investing in birthstone jewelry worthwhile?
Absolutely! High-quality birthstone jewelry, especially rare gems like rubies and emeralds, can appreciate in value over time.
5. How do I choose the best birthstone jewelry?
Look for vibrant color, clarity, and secure settings. Whether you prefer rings, bracelets, or cufflinks, choose a piece that fits your style and budget.
The Bottom Line
Birthstone jewelry is more than just a beautiful accessory—it’s a meaningful connection to your personal story and the timeless beauty of rare gems. Whether you’re drawn to the sparkle of diamonds, the deep allure of rubies, or the magic of alexandrite, there’s a luxurious birthstone waiting to become part of your collection.
At Azeera, we specialize in crafting custom natural and lab-grown gemstone jewelry that combines beauty, quality, and meaning. Explore our collection and discover the perfect birthstone piece to treasure for years to come.
