Despite the marketing strategies that have made diamonds the most coveted and rarest gemstones, there are other gems that are more expensive. The high demand and limited supply of diamonds have caused their value to skyrocket, with some 1-carat pieces fetching tens of thousands of dollars. However, there are other rare gems that cost even more per carat than diamonds.
In a recent post, the question of whether platinum is more expensive than diamond was posed. This article will explore other gems that are more expensive than diamonds, such as ruby, emerald, opal, and pearls, and provide insight into why they are so valuable. By the end of this article, readers will have a better understanding of the true value of gems beyond diamonds.
Key Takeaways
- Despite being marketed as the rarest and most valuable gemstone, there are other gems that are more expensive than diamonds.
- The high demand and limited supply of diamonds have caused their value to skyrocket, but other rare gems such as ruby, emerald, opal, and pearls are even more valuable per carat.
- By exploring the value of these gems, readers can gain a better understanding of the true worth of gemstones beyond diamonds.
Gems That Are More Expensive than Diamonds
1. Bixbite
Bixbite is a rare gemstone that is also known as red emerald or red beryl. It is composed of traces of manganese, which give it a red color. Bixbite is so rare that only one crystal can be found in 150,000 quality diamonds. The only grade of Bixbite that can be changed and molded into fancy crystal shapes for jewelry can only be found in Utah where it was discovered 62 years ago. Per carat, bixbite goes for more than tens of thousands of dollars.
2. Musgravite
Musgravite is a greyish and smoky gem with either violet or green hues. It was discovered in Australia back in 1967, but it took the experts another 26 years before they could find a grade of the gem that could be cut and shaped into jewelry crystals. This gem is valued at a whopping 35,000 dollars per carat.
3. Painite
Painite is a gemstone discovered in Myanmar back in the 1950s. It features a strong orange-red color that borders brown. This discovery was thwarted by the military coup that spanned over 60 years in then Burma. Luckily, now, there are over 100 pieces in circulation, and they are valued at a little over 60 thousand US dollars per carat.
4. Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a gemstone named after the Russian Emperor of the time. It was discovered in the 1830s. This gem has unique color-changing properties depending on the light and angle at which you observe it. The gem seems red in artificial lighting and green under natural light. At an angle, it is possible to see colors of green, red, purple-red, and orange. Though also found in areas such as India, Brazil, Tanzania, Madagascar, Burma, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka, the most valuable and attractive Alexandrite gems are found only in their origin, Russia. A carat can go for 10,000 dollars.
5. Grandidierite
Grandidierite is a beautiful gem found only in Madagascar. It has color-changing properties as well. With either a translucent or pearly look, this gem can shift colors from clear to blue-green or dark green depending on how the light hits the gem and from what angle you look at it from. This translucent grandidierite is the most desirable for its color-changing properties, and a carat of this gem could go for around 20,000 dollars.
Is Ruby More Expensive than Diamond?
Rubies are considered to be one of the most valuable gems in the world due to their exceptional quality and durability. The red color in a ruby gem is generated by the amount of chromium in its composition, which gives it a natural fluorescence that is quite spectacular under natural light. Unlike diamonds, rubies do not need to be free of inclusions or imperfections to be considered high quality.
In comparison with diamond gems of the same size, rubies are both rarer and more valuable. While diamonds are graded by the 4C scale of measure, rubies are evaluated based on their place of origin and their color. Rubies are commonly cut in their place or county of origin, and finding a rough ruby in the hands of a custom cutter is unheard of due to the tight customs that have been implemented.
Rubies can be very expensive, with a single carat going for as much as 1 million US dollars. However, the cost of rubies can vary greatly depending on their quality, size, and origin. It is important to note that while rubies can be more expensive than diamonds, this is not always the case. The cost of a gemstone depends on many factors, and it is important to do thorough research and consult with a reputable jeweler before making a purchase.
Are Emeralds More Expensive Than Diamonds?
Emeralds and diamonds are two of the most popular gemstones in the world, but which one is more expensive? The answer is not straightforward as it depends on several factors such as rarity, color, clarity, cut, and carat size.
Emeralds are rarer than diamonds, which could make them more expensive. According to the background information, emerald findings for every five tons of ore dug are similar to diamond’s findings within 1 ton of ore. However, the rarity of emeralds is not the only factor that determines their price.
The quality of an emerald is determined by its striking and captivating green color. The more vivid and intense the color, the higher the price tag. Emeralds with deep inclusions and blemishes within their structure are less valuable, as these imperfections bring down their cost. However, finding a perfect emerald gem with no impurities is so rare that if you find one, it must be lab-created.
Emerald cuts are inhibited by the numerous inclusions within their structure, which make cutting and cleaning difficult. To address this inconvenience, the emerald cut was innovated, featuring a rectangular shape with beveled edges to bring out its brilliance while protecting its structure.
Unlike diamonds, colored gems like emeralds have no uniform grading system. Emeralds are classified as Natural AAA, AA, or A gems, in order from the most valuable to the least valuable emerald. The Natural AAA grade is the most valuable emerald grade with a rich green brilliant color with very slight inclusions.
In conclusion, whether emeralds are more expensive than diamonds depends on various factors such as their rarity, color, clarity, cut, and carat size. While emeralds are rarer than diamonds, their value is also determined by their quality, with the most valuable emeralds having vivid and intense green color with very slight inclusions.
Is Opal More Expensive Than Diamond?
Opals are known for their unique play of color caused by the diffraction of light, making them highly valuable in the gemstone market. The value of opals is determined by their color, clarity, and pattern, among other factors.
Opals come in a range of colors, with red being the rarest and most valuable, followed by orange, yellow to green, and blue. Australian opals are considered to be of high quality due to their dark base color, which enhances the brilliance of their colors. The pattern of colors in an opal is also a factor in determining its value, with pitch-black opals displaying a broad spectrum of colors even in dull light being the most valuable.
The value of opals varies greatly, with prices ranging from as low as $10 per carat to as high as $15,000 per carat for black opals. This variation is due to the differences in quality of opals found across Australia.
In comparison, diamonds are priced based on the four Cs: carat weight, clarity, color, and cut. While diamonds are generally more expensive than opals, pitch-black opals with broad color spectrums can be more expensive than diamonds of the same carat weight and quality.
In conclusion, the value of opals is determined by their color, clarity, and pattern, with pitch-black opals with broad color spectrums being the most valuable. While diamonds are generally more expensive than opals, certain high-quality opals can be more expensive than diamonds.
Are Pearls More Expensive Than Diamonds?
Contrary to popular belief, pearls are generally not more expensive than diamonds. Although pearls are highly valued for their originality and rarity, they are also subjected to the GIA grading system, which assesses their color, shape, luster, surface quality, size, and matching. A valuable pearl has an excellent luster that borders a mirror-like reflection.
There are four types of pearls that measure different diameters, with the largest ones being from the South Sea east of Australia, and they naturally cost more than the rest. However, when comparing the history of the two gems, diamonds have fetched higher prices in the market. The most expensive diamond ever sold was a pink diamond that went for 50 million dollars, while the most expensive pearl sold for 32 million dollars.
In conclusion, while pearls are highly valued and can be quite expensive, they are generally not more expensive than diamonds. The value of each gemstone is determined by various factors, including rarity, quality, and history.
Conclusion
In the world of precious gemstones, the red Ruby from Burma stands out as the most expensive gemstone, with a price tag of a million dollars per carat. Although natively cut rubies are available in the market, custom jewelers recut them to enhance their shine and clarity. Tiger, a fashion and jewelry lover, is a renowned metal expert and fashion jewelry manufacturer who has helped numerous small businesses grow and also collaborated with big fashion jewelry brands. For more diamond-related posts, readers can refer to the website’s archives, and for new published posts, they can check the website regularly.
