When it comes to luxury and rarity, few things in the world can rival the allure of precious gemstones. Throughout history, gemstones have been treasured not only for their breathtaking beauty but also for the power, prestige, and mystery they represent. Among all the dazzling gems that adorn royal crowns and priceless jewelry collections, one stands above the rest as the most expensive gemstone ever known. This extraordinary gem captivates with its stunning brilliance, unique history, and unmatched value, making it the ultimate symbol of wealth and exclusivity. In this blog, we’ll take you into the fascinating world of the World’s Most Expensive Gemstone, exploring what makes it so rare, its origins, and why it commands such staggering prices in the global market.
What is the Most Valuable Gemstone?
The current most valuable gemstone in the world is the Pink Star Diamond — a unique pink diamond sold for $71.2 million during a Sotheby’s auction held in 2017. It is the record holder for the highest price paid for any gemstone.
History of the Pink Star Diamond?
Located in 1999 in a South African mine by De Beers.Was originally 132.5 carats in its rough diamond state.It took 2 years to be cut and polished to its current form.It was first called the “Steinmetz Pink” before it was later changed to “Pink Star”.Sold in auction in Hong Kong for $71.2 million to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.
Introduction to Rare Gemstones
Gemstones are treasured according to rarity, cost, size, color, cut, and provenance. Though the most famous are diamonds, numerous color gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and alexandrites can cost multi-millions as well. But when perfect clarity comes in conjunction with rare color — and particularly with fancy colored diamonds such as pink, blue, or red — their worth increases exponentially.
Design and Color of the Pink Star Diamond?
Color: Fancy Vivid Pink (the most superior grade for pink diamonds).
Clarity: Internally Flawless (very rare).
Design/Cut:Oval Mixed Cut, bringing out the brilliance and deep color evenly.
Carat: 59.60 carats polished.
Pink diamonds are very rare — fewer than 0.1% of diamonds mined are pink, and even fewer are over 5 carats in weight, let alone almost 60.
Other Extremely High-Price Gemstones
Hope Diamond –(Blue Diamond – ~$250 million value, not for sale).
Blue Moon of Josephine – Sold for $48.4 million for 12.03-carat vivid blue diamond
Graff Pink Diamond – Sold for $46 million, weighs 24.78 carats
Moussaieff Red Diamond – Reddest diamond in the world, 5.11 carats, approximately $20 million value
Jadeite (Imperial Jade) – A rare form of jade, particularly expensive in China; individual pieces may sell for over $10 million
Which is the World’s Most Expensive Gemstone?
The Pink Star Diamond is the most valuable gemstone ever purchased.
Name: Pink Star Diamond
Type: Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond
Weight: 59.60 carats
Price: $71.2 million
Sold at: Sotheby’s Auction, Hong Kong (2017)
Purchased by: Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (redubbed it “CTF Pink Star”)
Why is It the Most Expensive?
Extremely rare:
Pink diamonds are exceedingly rare (fewer than 0.1% of all diamonds).
Size & Clarity:
With close to 60 carats and flawless, it’s a singular specimen.
Color Grade:
Fancy Vivid Pink” — the rarest color grade for pink diamonds.
Global demand:
Rare colored diamonds are prized by collectors and investors.
- Price: $71.2 million
- Weight: 59.60 carats
- Color: Fancy Vivid Pink
- Clarity: Internally Flawless
- Origin: South Africa (mined by De Beers)
- Sold at: Sotheby’s Auction, Hong Kong, in 2017
- Buyer: Chow Tai Fook (rechristened it CTF Pink Star)
Ultra-rare color:
“Fancy Vivid Pink” is the uppermost grade for pink diamonds.
Gigantic size:
Almost 60 carats of sheer perfection.
Flawless transparency:
Extremely rare characteristic, particularly for colored diamonds.
Prestige:
Brought to desire by collectors, royalty, and billionaires
Historical Value:
A gemstone for once in a lifetime — unparalleled till now.
Spiritual & Astrological Value
Considered to enhance fortunes, health, love, or prosperity according to birth charts.e.g., blue sapphire for Saturn, ruby for the sun, emerald for Mercury.
Aesthetic & Fashion Value
Stunning and classic – it brings sophistication to any outfit.Can be crafted into rings, necklaces, or heirloom items.
Investment Value
Exotic gemstones (such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires) tend to appreciate with time.Carryable, long-lasting store of wealth.Healing & Emotional Support (in alternative medicine)Certain individuals feel that gemstones possess energies that induce tranquility, concentration, or healing.
Disadvantages of Gemstones
- High Cost: Genuine gemstones can be extremely expensive, especially rare ones like red diamonds or high-quality emeralds.
- Fakes & Imitations: The market is full of synthetic or treated stones that look real — easy to get scammed without expert knowledge.
- Superstitious Dependence: Some people may rely too much on stones for luck or decisions, without practical action.
- Maintenance & Care: Soft stones like opal or pearl can scratch or break easily.
- Requires cleaning and safe storage.
- Not Liquid Assets: Selling a gemstone at market price can be tricky unless you’re dealing with serious buyers or auction houses.
Characteristics of Gemstones
Color
One of the most significant characteristics.Comprises hue (color type), tone (light or dark), and saturation (strength).
Example: Deep red ruby, bright blue sapphire, emerald green.
Clarity
Describes the existence of inclusions (internal imperfections) or blemishes (surface imperfections). The clearer the stone, the more valuable it typically is — particularly in diamonds.
Cut
Affects how well the gemstone returns light (brilliance and sparkle).May be faceted (e.g., round, oval, princess cut) or cabochon (smooth, rounded).
Carat Weight
Weighs the gemstone by its size. A greater carat generally equates to greater value, although rarity and clarity have a role.
Hardness
Rated on the Mohs scale (1–10) specifies durability. Example: Diamond is hardest (10), talc is softest (1).
Luster
How a gemstone reflects light from its surface.May be vitreous (glass-like), metallic, silky, or pearly.
Transparency
Ranges from transparent (light passes through clearly), to translucent, to opaque.Transparency affects beauty and value.
Refractive Index
Measures how light bends when entering the stone.Influences sparkle and brilliance (of critical importance in diamonds).
Rarity
Some stones are more scarce than others, which significantly boosts value.
Example: Alexandrite (color-shifting) and red diamonds are very rare.
Origin
The origin or area can boost value and desirability. Example: Kashmir sapphires and Burmese rubies are much sought after.
Popular Gemstones by Country and Why
| Country | Popular Gemstone | Why It’s Popular |
| China | Jade (especially Imperial Jade) | Symbolizes purity, harmony, and status; used in ornaments and spiritual jewelry. |
| Thailand | Sapphire, Ruby | Major gemstone cutting and trading hub; rubies from nearby Myanmar are famous. |
| USA | Diamond, Opal, Turquoise | Diamonds for engagement; turquoise in Native American jewelry, opal in fashion. |
| Colombia | Emerald | Colombia produces the finest emeralds in the world, known for their vivid green color. |
| Brazil | Amethyst, Aquamarine, Tourmaline | Rich in natural gemstone resources, widely used in both fashion and exports. |
| Russia | Alexandrite, Diamond | Known for rare color-changing alexandrite and high-quality Siberian diamonds. |
| Myanmar (Burma) | Ruby | Burmese rubies are considered the most valuable, known for their “pigeon blood”color. |
Benefits of Gemstones
- Cultural beliefs (e.g., astrology in India, feng shui in China)
- Natural abundance (e.g., emeralds in Colombia, sapphires in Sri Lanka)
- Fashion trends and luxury markets
- Historical value or legacy in royal jewelry
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