Gemstones have captivated humanity for millennia with their mesmerizing beauty, rarity, and symbolism. Among the most coveted gemstones is the ruby, prized for its deep red hue and historical significance. But in the world of precious stones, there exist gems that surpass the ruby in both value and rarity. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of these exceptionally rare gemstones that command prices higher than even the finest rubies.
The Allure of Rubies
Before we delve into gemstones that surpass the ruby in value, let’s first appreciate the allure of this exquisite red gemstone. Rubies, like sapphires, belong to the corundum family and are prized for their captivating red color. The rich, deep red hue of rubies has earned them the title “King of Gemstones,” symbolizing love, passion, and courage.
Rubies derive their distinctive color from the presence of chromium in their chemical composition. The intensity of red in a ruby, along with factors like clarity, size, and origin, significantly influences its value. Some of the most famous rubies in history include the Sunrise Ruby and the Mogok Ruby.
See Also: How to Check the Purity of Ruby Gemstones: A Full Guide
Are Rubies Rare?
Yes, rubies are considered rare gemstones. They belong to the corundum family and are prized for their vibrant red color, which is caused by the presence of chromium in their chemical composition. The rarity of rubies is influenced by several factors, including the quality of their color, clarity, size, and origin. Exceptional rubies with a rich, intense red hue, minimal inclusions, significant size, and a prestigious origin, such as Burmese rubies, are particularly rare and command high prices in the gemstone market. Due to their scarcity and enduring popularity, rubies are often referred to as the “King of Gemstones.”
How Much is Ruby Worth?
The value of a ruby varies widely depending on several factors. The most critical determinant of a ruby’s worth is its color. Rubies with a deep, intense red hue are the most valuable, especially if they exhibit minimal secondary hues. Clarity is also important; stones with fewer inclusions are more valuable. Size matters, too, with larger rubies being rarer and thus more valuable per carat. Origin plays a significant role; Burmese rubies, known for their exceptional color, often command premium prices. Finally, treatment and enhancement affect value, with untreated, natural rubies generally being more valuable than treated ones. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars per carat for low-quality stones to tens of thousands or even millions of dollars for top-quality, large, untreated Burmese rubies.
Gems More Expensive Than Rubies
Now that we’ve established the factors that contribute to the value of rubies let’s explore some gemstones that are even more expensive and exceedingly rare:
1. Pink Star Diamond
The Pink Star Diamond, previously known as the Pink Star, holds the distinction of being one of the world’s most valuable and expensive gemstones. This oval-shaped pink diamond weighs a remarkable 59.60 carats and exhibits an extraordinary pink hue. In April 2017, it sold at auction for an astonishing $71.2 million, setting a world record for the highest price ever paid for a diamond.
Pink diamonds are exceptionally rare, and their prices continue to rise steadily. The Pink Star Diamond, with its remarkable size, intense color, and exceptional clarity, exemplifies the unparalleled beauty and rarity of pink diamonds.
2. Blue Moon Diamond
The Blue Moon Diamond, also known as the “Blue Moon of Josephine,” is another diamond that surpasses rubies in both value and rarity. This cushion-cut, vivid blue diamond weighs 12.03 carats and is one of the largest and most valuable blue diamonds in the world.
In November 2015, the Blue Moon Diamond fetched a staggering $48.4 million at auction, setting a world record for the highest price ever paid for any diamond or gemstone at that time. Its captivating blue color, combined with its size and remarkable clarity, makes it a truly exceptional gem.
3. Jadeite
Jadeite, particularly the highest-quality “Imperial Jade,” is often more valuable than rubies. Imperial Jade is renowned for its intense green color, often described as “emerald green.” It is highly prized in Chinese culture and is considered a symbol of purity, integrity, and health.
The value of jadeite is primarily determined by its color, texture, and transparency. The most valuable jadeite is translucent, vibrant green, and free of blemishes. In recent years, top-quality jadeite has fetched prices exceeding those of rubies and even some diamonds.
4. Musgravite
Musgravite is an exceedingly rare and valuable gemstone that is part of the taaffeite mineral family. It was first discovered in 1967 in the Musgrave Ranges of South Australia, hence its name. What makes musgravite so rare is its scarcity in nature; there have been very few documented findings of this gem.
Musgravite is often more valuable than rubies due to its extreme rarity. Its color can range from green to grayish-green or greenish-brown. Musgravite’s high refractive index gives it exceptional brilliance and fire, adding to its appeal among collectors and gemstone enthusiasts.
5. Blue Garnet
Blue garnets are among the rarest and most unusual gemstones in the world. What sets them apart is their ability to change color under different lighting conditions. In daylight, blue garnets typically appear greenish-blue, while under incandescent light, they shift to a purplish-red hue.
This color-changing property, known as the “Alexandrite effect,” is caused by trace amounts of vanadium in the garnet’s chemical composition. The blue garnet’s scarcity and unique color-changing quality make it more valuable than many other gemstones, including rubies.
6. Red Beryl (Bixbite)
Red beryl, also known as bixbite or “scarlet emerald,” is an extremely rare red gemstone. Its color ranges from a pure, vibrant red to pinkish-red, and it is often more valuable than rubies due to its exceptional rarity.
Red beryl is primarily found in the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah, USA, and the Thomas Range in Utah. Its scarcity in the gemstone market makes it highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs of rare gemstones.
7. Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a remarkable color-changing gemstone that can shift from green in daylight to reddish-purple under incandescent light. This unique property is highly prized among gemstone enthusiasts.
The finest Alexandrites, with vivid and distinct color change, can be more valuable than rubies. Origin, size, and the intensity of the color change all play significant roles in determining the value of an Alexandrite.
8. Jadeite “Double Happiness” Necklace
In 2014, a jadeite necklace known as the “Double Happiness” necklace set a world record for the highest price ever paid for a jadeite jewelry piece at auction. The necklace, composed of 27 large, highly translucent, and intense green jadeite beads, sold for an astounding $9.3 million.
Jadeite’s significance in Chinese culture, combined with its exceptional quality and size in this necklace, contributed to its extraordinary value. This sale underscored the continued demand and high prices that top-quality jadeite can command in the market.
See Also: A Guide to Selecting the Ideal Ruby Jewelry for Every Event
Are Rubies Worth Buying?
Rubies can be a worthwhile investment and a cherished addition to your jewelry collection. Their deep red color symbolizes love and passion, making them popular for engagement rings and special occasions. However, whether they are worth buying depends on your budget and preferences. High-quality, untreated Burmese rubies with vibrant red hues are the most valuable, but they can be expensive. It’s crucial to assess factors like color, clarity, size, origin, and treatment when making a purchase. If you appreciate their beauty, historical significance, and symbolism and are willing to invest in a quality ruby, they can be a valuable and meaningful gemstone to own.
Conclusion
While rubies are undeniably one of the world’s most cherished gemstones, several other exceptional and exceedingly rare gemstones can surpass them in value. These gems, including the Pink Star Diamond, Blue Moon Diamond, Imperial Jade, Musgravite, Blue Garnet, Red Beryl, Alexandrite, and extraordinary jadeite pieces, captivate collectors and connoisseurs alike with their beauty, rarity, and unique properties.
The world of gemstones is a vast and intriguing one, where each stone carries its own story and allure. Whether you are an avid collector, a jewelry enthusiast, or simply an admirer of these natural wonders, exploring these exceptional gemstones can be a fascinating journey into the world of unparalleled beauty and value.
