5 Gems More Expensive Than Diamonds
Think of the most expensive gemstone in the world and you’ll probably picture a diamond. Some gems are far rarer, and the finest sell for far more per carat.
Here are five of them. Most people never see one in person.
1. Jadeite: Imperial Green Jade
Jadeite is the rarest member of the jade family, and the finest can sell for up to $50,000 a carat. The most prized colour is Imperial Green: rich, vivid and glowing from within.
The best jadeite comes from Burma. It’s translucent, so light passes through it and it glows. New Zealand jade is darker and more opaque, and you can buy a nice pendant for under $1,000.
In 2014 a Cartier jadeite necklace sold at auction for $27.4 million. The winning bidder was Cartier itself, buying back a necklace it had made.
Many people believe jade brings good luck, prosperity, protection and peace.
2. Taaffeite: Mistaken for Spinel
Taaffeite was discovered in 1945 by Richard Taaffe in Dublin. It looked just like spinel. Then he noticed it split light in two, and spinel doesn’t.
It’s so rare that mining companies are still hunting for more. Getting a collector to part with one is a real negotiation.
3. Alexandrite: The Colour-Change Gem
Alexandrite changes colour with the light: emerald green in daylight, ruby red by candlelight.
It was first found in Russia, and Russian alexandrite usually trades for over $20,000 a carat. Large, fine stones can reach $70,000 a carat. It’s also found in Brazil, Sri Lanka and Africa.
Big stones are very rare, so the price per carat climbs fast as the size goes up. Alexandrite also makes a beautiful engagement ring with real personality.
4. Musgravite: First Found in Australia
Musgravite is a grey-green gem from the taaffeite family. Even uncut, it can sell for up to $35,000 a carat.
It was first found right here in Australia, in the Musgrave Ranges at the Ernabella Mission. A few other places have found some since, and it mostly trades away from the open market. So if you see a cheap one online, walk away.
5. Painite: The World’s Rarest Mineral
Painite holds a Guinness World Record as the rarest mineral on earth. It’s an intense red gem, first found in Burma in the 1950s by the British mineralogist Arthur Payne.
For decades only a few pieces were known. Its crystals are hard to cut, which makes a finished stone even more special. Own one and you hold something very few people ever will.
Start Your Rare Gem Collection
Stones like these rarely reach a shop window. They change hands through trusted relationships. I’d love to help you find yours, whether it’s the first stone in your gemstone collection or the centre of a custom engagement ring nobody else has.
See more rare gemstones in Canberra, or watch the Vivid Jewels YouTube channel for more stories like this.
Got gold or jewellery you no longer wear? I also buy gold in Canberra.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rare Gemstones
Which gemstones are more expensive than diamonds?
The finest jadeite, taaffeite, alexandrite, musgravite and painite can all sell for more per carat than a regular diamond. Fine jadeite can reach $50,000 a carat, and large, fine alexandrite up to $70,000 a carat.
What is the rarest gemstone in the world?
Painite holds a Guinness World Record as the rarest mineral on earth. For decades only a few pieces were known.
Where was musgravite first found?
In Australia, in the Musgrave Ranges at the Ernabella Mission.
Can you help me find a rare gemstone?
Yes. I hunt rare gemstones for collectors and for custom engagement rings, for clients right across Australia. Send me your ideas through the design brief and we’ll start the hunt.
Got gold sitting in a drawer? Here’s how selling it works in Canberra.
