Diamonds are expensive, sure. An average engagement ring costs a few thousand dollars. But the most expensive diamonds—fancy colored ones like the Pink Star—fetch millions.
The Most Expensive Gemstones In The World
Here’s the kicker: diamonds aren’t actually rare. The De Beers marketing machine made them seem scarce to keep prices high. So while a diamond is lovely, it’s not the top dog in the “most expensive stone” race.
Think of it like this: a diamond is the popular kid in high school, but Red Beryl is the quiet genius who wins the Nobel Prize. Both are cool, but one is actually a unicorn.
The Contenders: Jadeite and Tanzanite
Jadeite (the highest-quality jade) can cost over $3 million per carat for the finest emerald-green “Imperial Jade.” That’s not a typo—it’s worth more than most people’s dreams. It’s so precious in Chinese culture that ancient emperors were buried with it.
Tanzanite is found only in a tiny area near Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s gorgeous—like violet-blue velvet—and prices hit $1,000 per carat for top gems. But it’s still not as rare as Red Beryl.
So why aren’t these the winners? Because rare + beautiful + tiny supply = the ultimate expensive stone. And Red Beryl hits that trifecta like a sledgehammer.