Rarer than sapphire, emerald is valued for its rich color and symbolism.
Sapphires can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $11,000 per carat, but you'll find good-quality stones at $450 - $1,200 per carat. Emeralds range from $525 to $1,125 per carat. However, note that several factors affect the price of a gemstone, including color, carat weight, and clarity.
At approximately 20 times rarer than diamonds, emeralds cost more in price. Even though diamonds pose as the rarest and most expensive gemstones, the fact is contrary to this notion. Emeralds cost more than diamonds, as they are 20 times rarer. Therefore, it is ideal for anyone willing to expand their jewelry budget.
Red Beryl. A cousin of emerald, aquamarine, and morganite, the red variety of beryl contains manganese, which imparts a bright red hue. Once called bixbite, red beryl is one of the rarest and most desirable gems.
So back to the main question, is sapphire a rare gem? The answer is – yes! Sapphires are rarer than diamonds, but not so much in comparison to fine-quality emeralds or rubies. However, it's important to note that some types of sapphire are extremely rare.
Painite : Not just the rarest gemstone, but also the rarest mineral on earth, Painite holds the Guinness World Record for it. After its discovery in the year 1951, there existed only 2 specimens of Painite for the next many decades. By the year 2004, there were less than 2 dozens known gemstones.
Emeralds are brittle due to their inclusions, while their aquamarine mineral cousins are nearly inclusion-free and much tougher. Despite this, when put to the test your finger will be messed-up long before the emerald of your ring breaks.
Ruby – With a 9/10 rating on the Mohs scale, the ruby is an exceptionally durable gem. Sapphire – Similar to the ruby, the sapphire also features a 9/10 rating on the Mohs scale. Emerald – Featuring a 7.5-8 score on the Mohs scale, the emerald is slightly less durable than its precious gem counterparts.
Emerald: Like sapphires and rubies, emeralds are among the rarest of all gemstones. They are rarer than sapphires but not quite as rare as rubies.
The Trapiche Emerald is the rarest type of emerald. While there is plenty of information out there regarding emeralds, their various hues, places of origin, and possible inclusions; there is not much out there about this unusual variety of emerald.
Yes, emerald is safe to go in the water. It has a value of 7.5-8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which is well above the minimum value required for minerals to go underwater. However, like all gemstones, emeralds should not be immersed in water for long because it can dull the crystal's appearance and damage its structure.
3. Emeralds are rarer and often more expensive than diamonds. When it comes to rare and expensive gemstones, most of us immediately think of diamonds, but, in fact, emeralds are more than 20 times rarer than diamonds and, therefore, often command a higher price.
Rubies flaunt the highest per carat price in the global market today. Ruby is a derivative of the Latin word ruber, which denotes the color red. Ancient cultures have long associated the ruby with life because of its unique color synonymy with blood.
The color saturation also determines the price of the stone. The rarest and most expensive are intense green, dark and deep. Light-colored stones are cheaper.
May – Emerald
If you thought emerald was the most valuable birthstone, then you are incorrect. While they are rarer than diamonds, they aren't the most valuable gem.
Verdelite and Chrome Tourmaline
These gems can be larger and exhibit better clarity than emeralds and also come with lower prices and greater durability. A top choice for an emerald alternative, this modern October birthstone often receives an emerald cut.
Though sapphires are rarer than diamonds, they are often a more affordable diamond alternative or accent. The brilliance, durability and timelessness of diamonds keeps them as the more expensive of these two gems. A diamond of similar carat, cut and quality will cost more than a comparable sapphire.
Diamond – The Forever Gem
Diamonds symbolize forever love, which is why they're most commonly given as engagement and wedding rings. Diamonds that surpass the 'z-light yellow' rating on the diamond color scale are considered fancy yellow diamonds.
Washing your hands while wearing your emerald ring shouldn't be a problem; however, if you're not sure, it's best to remove it. Some hand sanitizers and cleaners contain alcohol which can be harsh for the gemstone.
Is Emerald OK for an engagement ring? Yes! Emeralds make great engagement rings: they're beautiful, rare, and durable!
2. Pink Diamond – $1.2 million per carat. The second most expensive natural gemstone on this list is a pink diamond. Pink diamonds, like red diamonds, are classified as fancy-colored diamonds.
Most brilliant diamond alternative
If you want a diamond alternative but don't want to lose out on sparkle, moissanite will be your best bet. Moissanite has a refractive index from 2.65 – 2.69, which is higher than a diamond. These stones exhibit a fiery, rainbow brilliance, making for superior sparkle.