The Most Expensive Gemstones in the World: A Look at Rare and Valuable Gems

Gemstones have fascinated people for centuries with their beauty, rarity, and value. Some gemstones are more valuable than others, and the world's most valuable gemstones can fetch millions of dollars at auction. In this article, we will explore some of the world's most valuable gemstones, including their history, characteristics, and current value.

1. The Pink Star Diamond

The Pink Star Diamond is the most valuable diamond in the world and was sold at auction in 2017 for a record-breaking $71.2 million. The diamond is a 59.60-carat oval-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond and is the largest of its kind ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America. The Pink Star Diamond was discovered in 1999 by the De Beers mining company in South Africa and was cut and polished by Steinmetz Diamonds.

2. The Blue Moon Diamond

The Blue Moon Diamond is a rare blue diamond that was sold at auction in 2015 for a record-breaking $48.5 million. The diamond is a 12.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond and is the largest of its kind ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America. The Blue Moon Diamond was discovered in South Africa in 2014 and was cut and polished by Cora International.

3. The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond

The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond is one of the largest and most valuable blue diamonds in the world, weighing 14.62 carats. The diamond was named after its former owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer, and was sold at auction in 2016 for a record-breaking $57.5 million. The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond is a rectangular-shaped diamond with a fancy vivid blue color and is considered to be one of the most important blue diamonds ever sold.

4. The Pink Promise Diamond

The Pink Promise Diamond is a rare pink diamond that was sold at auction in 2017 for $32 million. The diamond is a 14.93-carat oval-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond and is the largest of its kind ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America. The Pink Promise Diamond was discovered in 2015 at the Williamson mine in Tanzania and was cut and polished by Hong Kong-based jeweler, Chow Tai Fook.

5. The Sunrise Ruby

The Sunrise Ruby is a rare ruby that was sold at auction in 2015 for a record-breaking $30.42 million. The ruby is a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby with a deep red color and exceptional clarity. The Sunrise Ruby is the most expensive ruby ever sold at auction and is considered to be one of the most important Burmese rubies in the world.

6. The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace

The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace is one of the most valuable pieces of jewelry in the world, with a value estimated at $30 million. The necklace features 27 jadeite beads of exceptional quality and translucency, ranging in size from 15.4mm to 19.2mm. The necklace was commissioned by Barbara Hutton, an American socialite, and heiress, in the 1930s and was later purchased by Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan.

7. The Moussaieff Red Diamond

The Moussaieff Red Diamond is a rare red diamond that is considered to be one of the most valuable diamonds in the world. The diamond weighs 5.11 carats and has a deep purplish-red color, making it one of the rarest diamonds in the world. The Moussaieff Red Diamond was discovered in Brazil in the 1990s and was later sold to Moussaieff Jewellers.

8. The Graff Pink Diamond

The Graff Pink Diamond is a rare pink diamond that was sold at auction in 2010 for a record-breaking $46 million. The diamond weighs 24.78 carats and has a fancy intense pink color. The diamond was originally owned by American jeweler Harry Winston and was later sold to Laurence Graff, a British jeweler. The Graff Pink Diamond is considered to be one of the most important pink diamonds in the world.

9. The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond

The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond is a rare blue diamond that has a long and fascinating history. The diamond was discovered in India in the 17th century and was later owned by several European royalty, including King Philip IV of Spain. The diamond was eventually sold at auction in 2008 to Laurence Graff for a record-breaking $24.3 million. The diamond weighs 31.06 carats and has a fancy deep blue color.

10. The Rockefeller Emerald

The Rockefeller Emerald is a rare emerald that was sold at auction in 2017 for $5.5 million. The emerald weighs 18.04 carats and has a rich green color. The emerald was originally owned by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and was later passed down to his son, David Rockefeller. The Rockefeller Emerald is considered to be one of the most important emeralds in the world.

In conclusion, the world's most valuable gemstones are some of the rarest and most beautiful natural wonders on earth. These gemstones have fascinated people for centuries and have been coveted by royalty and collectors alike. From diamonds to rubies, these gemstones are truly priceless, with some fetching millions of dollars at auction. While their monetary value may fluctuate over time, the allure and beauty of these gemstones will continue to captivate people for generations to come.