Most Valuable Birthstones Ranked by Price (2026 Guide)
Most Valuable Birthstones Ranked by Price (2026 Guide)
Most Valuable Birthstones Ranked
The most valuable birthstones ranked by price are Diamond, Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire. Among them, Diamond is generally the most expensive birthstone, while Alexandrite is widely considered the rarest birthstone due to its extremely limited natural supply and unique color-changing properties.
Introduction
If you’re looking for the most valuable birthstones and how their prices compare, this guide will help you understand which gemstones rank highest in value and why. Birthstone jewelry has long been treasured not only for its beauty but also for its deep symbolic meaning in jewelry design and culture. Each month of the year, from January to December, is represented by a unique gemstone known as a birthstone, which is believed to bring luck, protection, and positive energy to the wearer. These gemstones are commonly set into rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, making them timeless choices for both personal collections and meaningful gifts.
But when it comes to value, not all birthstones are created equal. Some, like diamonds, are widely recognized as the most expensive birthstone, prized for their rarity, durability, and brilliance. Others, such as amethyst or citrine, are far more affordable yet remain popular for their beauty and symbolism. Collectors and jewelers also debate which gem should be considered the rarest birthstone, with alexandrite and tanzanite often ranking among the rarest due to their scarcity and unique optical effects.
In this expert guide, we’ll rank the most valuable birthstones from the rarest to the most affordable, explain what drives their price differences, and provide insight into why certain gemstones remain in higher demand within the jewelry industry.
What Are the Most Expensive Birthstones?
Among all birthstones used in jewelry, the top three most expensive birthstones are Diamond (April), Ruby (July), and Emerald (May). These gemstones are traditionally known as precious stones due to their exceptional rarity, enduring value, and high demand in the jewelry market.
Diamond: April’s Birthstone
Diamonds are not only the most valuable and most expensive birthstone, but they also stand out as one of the rarest and hardest natural substances on Earth. With centuries of admiration from gem experts and jewelry enthusiasts alike, diamonds remain a symbol of luxury, rarity and enduring quality, making them the ultimate choice for anyone seeking a birthstone that combines beauty, investment value and prestige. Composed entirely of pure carbon, this April birthstone is renowned for its unmatched sparkle, brilliance, and durability, making it a centerpiece in engagement rings, necklaces, and other luxury birthstone jewelry. Its high refractive index ensures that it captures and reflects light like no other gemstone. Beyond its physical beauty, diamonds carry rich symbolism: they represent eternal love, strength, invincibility, and purity, which is why they remain the ultimate choice for both personal jewelry and heirloom-quality pieces.
Ruby: July’s Birthstone
Known for its vivid red hue caused by natural chromium content, the Ruby is one of the most expensive birthstones and a standout choice in luxury birthstone jewelry. As July’s birthstone, ruby ranks as the second hardest gemstone after diamond, offering both durability and timeless elegance.
High-quality rubies are prized for their transparency and minimal inclusions, which do not compromise the gemstone’s clarity or brilliance. This makes them ideal for rings, necklaces, earrings and other fine jewelry pieces. Beyond their physical beauty, rubies carry rich symbolism, they represent passion, love, vitality, courage, energy, and protection, making them a meaningful choice for birthstone jewelry and gifts that convey deep sentiment.
Emerald: May’s Birthstone
Renowned for its rich, vibrant green color, the Emerald is one of the most expensive birthstones and a cherished choice in luxury birthstone jewelry. The green hue comes from natural chromium and vanadium content, giving each emerald its distinctive color intensity.
As May’s birthstone, emeralds are unique in that they often feature natural inclusions, known as “Jardin”, which add character and authenticity to the gemstone rather than detract from its value. These inclusions make every emerald one-of-a-kind, highly sought after for rings, necklaces, earrings, and high-end jewelry pieces.
Emeralds also carry rich symbolism, representing rebirth, renewal, wisdom, patience, love, and fidelity, making them not only visually stunning but also meaningful for birthstone jewelry gifts and personalized collections. High-quality emeralds with minimal inclusions are especially prized, commanding premium prices in the gemstone market.
Sapphire: September’s Birthstone
Renowned for its deep, captivating blue hue, the Sapphire ranks among the most expensive birthstones and is a timeless favorite in luxury birthstone jewelry. While September’s birthstone is most commonly associated with blue, sapphires naturally occur in a wide range of colors, excluding red, since red sapphires are classified as rubies.
High-quality sapphires are prized for their brilliance, durability and clarity, making them ideal for rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Their hardness ensures longevity, allowing them to maintain their beauty in everyday wear and heirloom jewelry.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, sapphires carry deep symbolism: they represent wisdom, nobility, protection, spiritual insight, loyalty and trust, making them a meaningful choice for birthstone jewelry gifts and personalized collections. With their combination of beauty, durability, and significance, sapphires continue to be a top choice for both gemstone collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
The Next Tier of Birthstones
Beyond the four precious stones, diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire, the next tier of birthstones includes Alexandrite, Aquamarine, Peridot, and Garnet. Often classified as semi-precious gemstones, these stones offer both beauty and versatility for birthstone jewelry, with market values ranging from $400 to $3,000 per carat depending on quality, clarity, and color intensity.
Alexandrite: June’s Birthstone
Alexandrite is one of the rarest and most remarkable birthstones, renowned for its extraordinary color-changing properties, which appear green in natural daylight and red under incandescent lighting. This unique June birthstone is highly prized by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike, making it a standout choice for rings, pendants, and custom pieces where its brilliance can be fully showcased.
Aquamarine: March’s Birthstone
Known for its stunning blue to green hues, Aquamarine is a highly valued semi-precious gemstone and a popular choice in birthstone jewelry. As March’s birthstone, its tranquil colors evoke the serenity of the ocean, making it an ideal choice for rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets that showcase its calming beauty.
Peridot: August’s birthstone
The official August birthstone is a unique and highly recognizable gemstone because it naturally occurs in only one color: vibrant lime green. This brilliant green gemstone has been cherished in jewelry for centuries, from ancient Egyptian adornments to modern fine jewelry designs. Known for its refreshing hue and radiant sparkle, Peridot jewelry is often crafted into rings, necklaces and earrings, making it a popular choice among gemstone lovers.
Garnet: January’s Birthstone
The official January birthstone is a versatile gemstone admired for its rich variety of colors, including green, orange, purple and yellow. However, the deep red garnet remains the most popular and widely used in fine jewelry. With its fiery brilliance and durability, garnet jewelry is often crafted into rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets, making it a timeless choice for gemstone collectors and jewelry lovers.
Most Valuable Birthstones Explained
Besides being the most expensive birthstones, diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire are also widely recognized as the most valuable birthstones because they hold long-term market value. Their durability, symbolism, and investment stability make them the gemstones most commonly requested by collectors and jewelry buyers.
Their value is consistently driven by:
rarity
high global demand
durability (top Mohs ratings)
strong price history in auction and retail markets
use in fine jewelry and engagement rings
What Are the Cheapest Birthstones?
The cheapest birthstones aretopaz, tourmaline, amethyst, and citrine. They are valued at $10–$400 per carat, offering both beauty and affordability. These gemstones are ideal for those seeking stunning birthstone jewelry on a budget. Among the least birthstones, citrine and amethyst are especially popular in minimalist designs.
Topaz: This is December‘s birthstone. It comes in a variety of colors, including blue, yellow, pink, and clear. Topaz represents love, affection, and strength.
Tourmaline: This is October’s birthstone. It’s also available in a wide range of colors, including pink, green, and bi-color options. Tourmaline represents creativity, love, and healing.
Amethyst: This is February’s birthstone. It’s a deep, rich purple gemstone. Amethyst was once considered as valuable as Ruby and Sapphire. Amethyst symbolizes peace, clarity, and spiritual growth.
What Is the Rarest Birthstone?
When discussing the rarest birthstone, gemologists typically point to alexandrite, especially high-quality natural alexandrite with strong color-change properties. Although diamonds are the most expensive birthstone overall, alexandrite is far rarer in nature. This scarcity is due to the extremely rare geological conditions required for its formation. Because of this, collectors often consider alexandrite the most valuable rare birthstone based on rarity per carat.
Other rare birthstones include:
Tanzanite (December, alternative birthstone) — limited to one location in Tanzania
Black Opal (October alternative) — rare body color and pattern
Red Beryl (not a birthstone but often compared) — more rare than diamonds
Birthstones Meaning and Popularity by Month
Birthstones are not only valued for price but also for symbolism and personal meaning. Each month’s gemstone carries unique cultural significance:
January – Garnet: protection and vitality
February – Amethyst: peace and clarity
March – Aquamarine: courage and serenity
April – Diamond: purity and eternal love
May – Emerald: rebirth and wisdom
June – Alexandrite/Pearl: transformation and balance
July – Ruby: passion and strength
August – Peridot: healing and positive energy
September – Sapphire: truth and loyalty
October – Tourmaline/Opal: creativity and hope
December – Blue Topaz/Turquoise/Tanzanite: protection and communication
Most Expensive Birthstones in Order – Birthstones Price Chart
Below is a list of birthstones ranked by value, including their price per carat and birth month. This birthstone ranking by price can guide you in choosing a gemstone that matches your style and budget.
| # | Birthstone | Price per Carat | Birth Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diamond | $3,000–$11,000 | April |
| 2 | Ruby | $3,000–$10,000 | July |
| 3 | Emerald | $3,000–$7,000 | May |
| 4 | Sapphire | $1,000–$3,500 | September |
| 5 | Alexandrite | $2,500–$3,000 | June |
| 6 | Aquamarine | $800–$1,000 | March |
| 7 | Peridot | $400–$650 | August |
| 8 | Garnet | $500–$600 | January |
| 9 | Blue Topaz | $100–$400 | December |
| 10 | Tourmaline | $100–$400 | October |
| 11 | Amethyst | $50–$90 | February |
| 12 | Citrine | $10–$50 | November |
NOTE: The value of birthstones depends on many factors, so the price per carat above is a loose and estimated figure.
Most Expensive Birthstones in Order — Why Prices Differ
The most expensive birthstones in order often reflect not only rarity but also color saturation, clarity, transparency, and historical demand. Diamonds remain at the top due to durability and global demand. Rubies and emeralds follow closely because high-quality stones above 1 carat are difficult to source. Sapphires maintain strong market value because of their wide color range and excellent hardness.
These price differences show why some birthstones appear affordable while others are considered luxury gemstones.
Optical & Physical Properties of Moissanite
Moissanite’s unique combination of optical and physical properties is what makes it such a compelling choice for jewelry:
Refractive index: 2.56–2.69 (higher brilliance than diamonds)
Dispersion: 0.104 (creates rainbow fire)
Birefringence: 0.043 (slight double refraction effect)
Hardness: 9.25 Mohs
Density: 3.22 g/cm³
Fire color: 2–2.5 times more than diamond under optical measurement
Due to these properties, Moissanite is often referred to as the “world’s brightest gemstone.” It reflects light in a way that makes jewelry stand out, making it ideal for engagement rings, earrings, and luxury collections.
Moissanite in Jewelry Design
Moissanite is not a birthstone, but it is frequently compared with diamonds due to its brilliance, durability, and affordability. For buyers exploring alternatives to diamonds, moissanite remains a popular modern gemstone choice in engagement rings and fashion jewelry. Moissanite’s brilliance, durability, and affordability have made it a popular choice across all types of jewelry.
Moissanite Engagement Rings
Moissanite engagement rings are trending among younger buyers who want sparkle and durability without the high cost of diamonds. They can replicate the traditional diamond look while offering a larger appearance per carat due to their slightly lower density.
Bracelets, Earrings & Necklaces
Beyond engagement rings, Moissanite is ideal for bracelets, earrings, pendants, and necklaces, both in high-end designs and fashion-forward pieces. Its versatility allows jewelers to experiment with unique cuts, colors, and settings.
Global Popularity
Moissanite jewelry is increasingly popular in the United States, Europe, Russia, Brazil, and Australia. Major jewelry exhibitions, such as JCK Las Vegas, Inhorgenta Munich, and the Hong Kong International Gems Fair, showcase Moissanite as a desirable gemstone for both retail and wholesale markets.
How to Choose Moissanite Diamonds (The 4Cs)
Even though Moissanite is lab-grown, it still adheres to the traditional 4Cs used for evaluating diamonds: Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity.
1. Carat Weight
Moissanite is slightly less dense than diamonds. This means a 1-carat Moissanite appears larger than a 1-carat diamond, giving buyers more visual impact at a lower price.
2. Cut Quality
The cut of Moissanite greatly influences its sparkle and fire. Common popular cuts include round brilliant, princess, cushion, oval, and pear. A well-cut Moissanite maximizes its rainbow-like brilliance, making it a centerpiece in any jewelry design.
3. Color Grades
Although lab-grown, Moissanite stones vary in color:
D-F: rare and premium, most colorless
G-H: near-colorless, excellent value
J+: warmer tones, more affordable
4. Clarity Considerations
Lab-created Moissanite is generally very clean but may still contain minor inclusions or surface imperfections. Higher clarity grades increase the price but result in stones that are visually flawless to the naked eye.
Tips for Buying Moissanite Diamonds
If you’re curious about alternatives to natural diamonds and want a deep dive into modern gem science, our CVD Lab Grown Diamonds: A Complete Scientific and Buyer’s Guide provides comprehensive insights for buyers.
1. How to Identify Genuine Moissanite
While Moissanite closely resembles diamonds, there are several clues:
Double refraction: faint prismatic ghosting visible under magnification
Fire intensity: more fragmented rainbow flashes than diamonds
Color diversity: more vibrant fire colors when viewed from different angles
Brightness: slightly lower than diamond, noticeable to trained observers
For accuracy, professional testing using a diamond tester or lab certification (IGI, GIA) is recommended.
2. How Much Do Birthstones Cost?
The cost of birthstones, including the most expensive birthstones and the least expensive ones are valued based on the 4C (Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat).
Color
The color of a birthstone is usually used to evaluate the quality and price of a gemstone. Gemologists have classified this into 3 components:
- Hue: This describes the gemstone’s general color. There are basic hues like red, green, blue, etc. Those with rich, glaring hues have high costs. But gemstones with no color, such as diamonds are the most expensive birthstones.
- Tone: This refers to the lightness or darkness of the gemstone color. “Tint” and “Shade” are two terms used to describe birthstone tone. Tint refers to lighter tones, while Shade refers to darker tones. Birthstones that are too light or too dark tend to lose their value. Thus, the most valuable birthstones are the ones that maintain a balance.
- Saturation: This refers to the intensity of the gemstone color. It can be bold or delicate. Examples of bold gemstone colors are Ruby (deep, rich red color), Sapphire (intense blue), and Emerald (vibrant green). While delicate gemstone colors are Aquamarine (pale blue) and Peridot (light green). The bolder the saturation, the more costly the birthstone.
Cut
Raw gemstones are usually rough with irregular shapes, necessitating that they are cut and faceted properly. This improves the stone’s brilliance, symmetry, and overall appearance.
Gemstones can be cut into different birthstone shapes, such as round, oval, or square, depending on your preference. However, the birthstone must be well-cut to reflect light evenly across its surface, thereby reflecting its natural color.
NOTE: The more symmetrical a gemstone is, the better its light-reflecting capacity, making it more costly. It’s recommended that you partner with a professional custom jewelry manufacturer to get a well-cut birthstone.
Clarity
Clarity measures the presence of imperfections (also known as inclusions or blemishes) in the gemstone. Birthstones with fewer imperfections are more valuable. This is because they are free of noticeable inclusions that can affect the free movement of light.
These imperfections are not always exterior blemishes, they include intrinsic components like small crystals of the same gemstone, microscopic gas bubbles, or tiny liquid-filled pockets.
Carat
This refers to the weight of the birthstone. 1 carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. The larger and heavier the birthstone, the more valuable it will be. For example, a 2-carat birthstone will be more expensive than a 1-carat birthstone of the same quality.
NOTE: You must balance the carat with the other 3C (color, cut, & clarity). This is because a large gemstone with poor color, cut, and clarity is less valuable than a smaller gemstone with excellent color, cut, and clarity.
Moissanite Maintenance & Care Guide
Proper maintenance ensures Moissanite retains its brilliance for decades:
Cleaning: Use mild soap or fluoride-free toothpaste with a soft toothbrush.
Storage: Store separately in a soft cloth or jewelry box to avoid scratches.
Daily Wear: Avoid contact with strong acids, alkalis, and heavy impacts.
Professional Care: Consider annual professional cleaning for high-value pieces.
How to Choose the Right Birthstone Jewelry?
Either as a jewelry brand or a jewelry lover, certain factors can influence the type of birthstone jewelry to choose. They are:
For Jewelry Business
- Plan ahead for your jewelry collection
Customizing a series of birthstones requires at least 12 pieces for each style (using January to December gemstones). This results in a relatively high budget. Thus, it’s imperative that you make provisions for all your incoming product series and set aside a budget for the collection.
- Gemstone types
You need to be critical when choosing the gemstone to include in your birthstone jewelry series products. After selecting the gemstones based on birth months, prioritize the shape of the stone that best fits. The gemstone’s color, cut, clarity, and carat affect how the birthstone reflects light, which contributes to the jewelry’s beauty.
- Gemstone color and size
Be specific when choosing the color of gemstone for your jewelry pieces. Examine the stone’s hue, tone, and saturation before setting it in the jewelry. Also, the size of the stone should be determined by the type of jewelry and the customer’s desire.
- Birthstone cut and shape
Cutting style determines a birthstone’s brilliance and clarity level. Gemstones can be cut into various shapes, such as round, oval, square, etc. Consider the specific qualities of your gemstone and decide which cutting style is best.
- Stone setting
The gemstone jewelry manufacturing process includes many stone-setting methods. Some of them are prong setting, channel setting, flush setting, tension setting, cluster setting, trilogy setting, and bezel setting. Choose the setting type that firmly secures the birthstone to the jewelry, as well as enhances the stone’s beauty and brilliance.
- Metal types
Each gemstone is best set in a particular type of metal for a perfectly suited blend. For example, diamond birthstones are best set in noble metals, such as gold and platinum, while other birthstones like amethyst and aquamarine can be set in silver metal.
For Jewelry Lovers
- Personal style and preference
There are at least 12 series of birthstones to choose from. Ordinarily, you might choose the one that represents your birth month. But you can make a selection from others depending on your style and preference. For example, you can choose peridot because of its one color uniqueness (lime green) or tourmaline because of its variety of colors. You can also make selections based on the birthstone’s properties.
- Budget
Another crucial factor that determines the birthstone to choose as a jewelry lover is your budget. Gemstones are priced differently. Some are expensive while others are cheaper. Examples of expensive stones are diamonds, ruby, emerald, and sapphire. The least expensive birthstones are topaz, tourmaline, amethyst, and citrine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the value and rarity of different birthstones can help you make informed choices, whether you’re selecting a personal gift or curating jewelry for your customers. From the rarest gemstones to the most affordable options, each birthstone carries its own unique beauty and significance. If you’re a retailer or wholesaler looking to offer exquisite birthstone jewelry, Endless Jewelry Factory can help. Our factory specializes in crafting high-quality, customizable pieces featuring birthstones, perfect for boutiques, online stores, or wholesale collections. With flexible MOQ, expert craftsmanship, and a wide range of designs, we make it easy to provide your customers with meaningful, timeless jewelry that stands out.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: What are the most expensive birthstones ?
Diamond is widely recognized as the most expensive birthstone due to its durability, global demand, and long-term investment value.
2: What is the rarest birthstone?
Alexandrite is often considered the rarest birthstone due to its unique color-changing ability.
3. Which Month Has the Most Expensive Birthstone?
April has the most expensive birthstone, Diamond, followed by July (Ruby) and May (Emerald).
4: Which birthstones are the most affordable for jewelry?
The most budget-friendly birthstones include Topaz, Tourmaline, Amethyst, and Citrine, valued between $10–$400 per carat. These semi-precious gemstones are ideal for stunning yet affordable birthstone rings, necklaces, and bracelets, perfect for those seeking budget-friendly jewelry without compromising style.
5: How is the value of a birthstone determined?
Birthstone value is determined by the 4Cs: Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat.
Color: Hue, tone, and saturation affect price; vivid, balanced colors are most valuable.
Cut: Symmetry and faceting enhance brilliance.
Clarity: Fewer inclusions increase value.
Carat: Larger gemstones are generally more expensive, but quality must balance size.
Choosing the perfect birthstone involves considering:
Birth month & personal style: Select a stone that represents your month or favorite color.
Budget: Decide between precious stones (Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire) or more affordable options (Amethyst, Citrine, Topaz).
Gemstone quality: Assess color, cut, clarity, and carat for brilliance and value.
Jewelry type & metal: Choose the right setting (ring, necklace, bracelet) and compatible metal (gold, platinum, or silver) for durability and aesthetic appeal.
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