Welcome, dear reader! Today, we’re going to take you on an exciting journey into the world of precious stones. No, we won’t just be talking about diamonds and rubies; we’re delving deeper, exploring the super-rare and ultra-valuable stones that aren’t nearly as well-known. From the mystic allure of blue garnets to the dazzling rare red diamonds, we’re delving into the realm of the rarest and most valuable stones in the world. Strap in and get ready – by the end of this, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for these natural miracles and know exactly which stone holds the highest value.
Introduction
What comes to your mind when you hear the term ‘highest value stone’? Perhaps you’re visualizing diamonds, rubies or sapphires, am I right? Well, these precious gems indeed hold great value, but determining the most valuable stone isn’t as straightforward as it may initially seem. In this article, we’re going to shine a light on various high-value stones and the factors that contribute to their worth.
Understanding the Value of Stones
Before we get into specifics, it’s essential to comprehend what makes a stone valuable. It’s not just about the rarity; the stone’s quality, size, and demand play significant roles, too.
Rarity
Simply put, the less there is of something, the more valuable it becomes – and this law extends to the gemstone world. However, the scarcity of a gem is more than how frequently it occurs in nature. Sometimes, a gem may be plentiful but difficult to extract, thus making it rare in the marketplace.
Quality
Quality is determined by the gemstone’s color, cut, and clarity. Remember the four Cs of diamond valuation? Gemstones are valued similarly. A perfect stone is clear, with vibrant color, and a cut that brings out its best characteristics.
Size
In general, large gemstones are rarer than small ones, so size does matter when it comes to value. But remember, quality won’t be sacrificed for size; a small, high-quality gem can be worth more than a larger, lower-quality one.
Demand
Even if a stone is rare, high-quality, and large, it won’t hold much value if there’s no demand for it. Market trends inform the demand, sometimes making less scarce stones more valuable than rarer ones.
The Most Precious Stones
Now that you’re familiar with what influences a stone’s value let’s look at some of the most precious gemstones you can find.
Diamonds
When talking about valuable stones, diamonds usually steal the spotlight. Their brilliance, durability (they are the hardest material on earth), and symbolism in romance contribute significantly to their demand.
However, all diamonds are not created equal. The highest value diamonds are the ones that are large, flawlessly clear, and perfectly cut. Interestingly, naturally colored diamonds, like the blue Hope Diamond or pink diamonds, can reach even higher values due to their rarity.
Rubies
Rubies are part of the corundum family, which also includes sapphires. What sets rubies apart is their magnificent red color, indicative of high chromium content. The most valuable rubies, known as pigeon blood rubies, sport a fiery hue with a hint of blue.
Rubies, especially larger pieces, can command higher prices than diamonds because of their rarity. A prime example would be the Sunrise Ruby, which sold for a remarkable $30.42 million in 2015.
Sapphires
Though sapphires are most often associated with a royal blue color, they can come in a variety of colors (except red, as those are classified as rubies). The most valuable are the rarest: the pinkish-orange Padparadscha sapphire and the color-changing Alexandrite.
Emeralds
Emeralds are known for their rich green color. Despite their relatively high occurrence, quality emeralds are rare due to their brittle nature and tendency towards inclusions. However, it’s these inclusions, known as jardin, that give emeralds their unique patterns, making each gem distinct.
Like rubies, emeralds can attract higher prices than diamonds when they’re of exceptional quality.
The Highest Value Stone: Pink Star Diamond
So what is the highest value stone? If we’re talking about money changing hands at auction, the Pink Star diamond holds the record. This pink diamond, weighing 59.6 carats, broke records when it sold for more than $71 million at auction in 2017. Its size, perfect pink coloring, and flawless clarity earned it the highest grade from the Gemological Institute of America.
Concluding Thoughts
Determining the highest value stone is not an easy task, given the individual factors at play: the ebb and flow of demand, fluctuating markets, and of course, personal preference. Yet, understanding these factors gives a much greater appreciation for these beautiful and rare treasures of the earth. While the Pink Star diamond holds the current record for the highest price paid at auction, it’s just one stunning example of the many precious stones that grace our planet. Who knows? Another extraordinary gem might be waiting beneath the earth to be discovered and claim the title of the highest value stone!
