When it comes to birthstones, some gems are more than just beautiful—they’re downright luxurious. In this guide, we’ll explore which birthstones top the price charts, revealing the most coveted and valuable gems as well as the more affordable ones.
What Is the Most Expensive Birthstone?
The natural diamond is considered the most expensive birthstone. A top-quality stone can easily outshine nearly every other gem in both value and brilliance. Its sparkle, rarity and durability have made it a symbol of luxury and celebration for centuries.
Most Expensive Birthstones
Ruby
Rich, red and rare in its purest form, the ruby is one of the priciest birthstones you can wear. The finest rubies—especially those from Myanmar (formerly Burma)—can be more expensive than diamonds. Color is everything here: a deep, vivid red, sometimes called “pigeon’s blood,” is the most sought-after.
Sapphire
Sapphires are treasures in every shade. The deepest blues and clearest stones are highly valued, while fancy sapphires in pink, yellow and even padparadscha (a rare pink-orange hue) can also command impressive prices.
Emerald
Emeralds are loved for their lush green color, but finding a flawless specimen is rare. Most emeralds have tiny inclusions, which actually add to their character. High-quality emeralds from Colombia can fetch prices rivaling diamonds.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite changes color depending on the light, shifting from green in daylight to red under incandescent light. Its rarity and mesmerizing color-changing ability make it one of the most extraordinary and luxurious birthstones out there.
Least Expensive Birthstones
Garnet
Garnets are famed for their deep red glow, though they can come in other colors too. They’re widely available and durable, making them a great choice for beautiful, budget-friendly jewelry. While the rare spessartite or demantoid garnets can reach significant sums, most garnets are very accessible.
Peridot
Peridot’s bright green sparkle makes it instantly recognizable. This gem is relatively abundant and easy to source, which keeps its price approachable. It’s perfect for a meaningful gift without splurging.
Citrine
Citrine glows like liquid sunshine and is wonderfully wallet-friendly. This cheerful stone is widely available and affordable so it’s easy for any jewelry lover to enjoy, especially the November-born.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz, December’s gift in gemstone form, appears in shades from pale sky blue to intense London blue. Natural blue topaz is rare, but most of what you see in jewelry has been treated to enhance its color, keeping it beautiful and within reach.
Amethyst
Once considered more precious than diamonds, amethyst, February’s birthstone, is now plentiful and affordable. Its regal purple color makes it a standout stone without the top-tier cost.
FAQs
What Month Has the Most Expensive Birthstone?
April’s diamond is the most expensive birthstone.
What Are the Three Most Expensive Birthstones?
The three most expensive birthstones are diamond (April), ruby (July) and emerald (May).
What Is the Most Expensive December Birthstone?
The most expensive December birthstone is tanzanite. Read more about this dazzling stone in our December Birthstone Guide.
