When it comes to precious gems, diamonds are often the first to come to mind. However, there are other gemstones that command a higher price than diamonds due to their rarity, beauty, and demand.
Let us delve into the enchanting world of precious gemstones and discover which stones can surpass the value of a diamond.
Emeralds
Emeralds have long been cherished for their stunning green colour, which ranges from light to dark green. These captivating gems are known for their inclusions or 'jardin', which gives each emerald its unique character. The most valuable emeralds are those with a rich, intense green hue and good transparency.
Emeralds are rarer than diamonds and require specific conditions for them to form. This scarcity coupled with high demand contributes to their high price tag. Additionally, the process of cutting and polishing an emerald requires great skill due to its brittleness; hence adding value.
Furthermore, the allure of emeralds extends beyond their physical properties. They have been associated with royalty since ancient times and were prized by Cleopatra herself!
Sapphires
Sapphires are another gemstone that can be more expensive than diamonds. Known primarily for its vibrant blue colour, sapphires also come in a variety of shades including pink, yellow and green.
The rarest type of sapphire is the Padparadscha sapphire which has a delicate pinkish-orange hue reminiscent of a tropical sunset. Its rarity combined with its captivating colour makes it highly sought after by collectors worldwide leading to prices that can significantly exceed those of an equally sized diamond.
Apart from their vivid colours, some sapphires exhibit a phenomenon known as asterism, where a star-like pattern appears on the surface of the gem. These star sapphires are highly prized and can fetch a premium price in the market.
Rubies
Rubies, with their brilliant red colour, are another gemstone that can top diamonds in terms of price. They symbolize love and passion making them an ideal choice for romantic gestures.
The value of a ruby is determined by its color, clarity, cut and carat weight. The most valuable rubies are those with a deep red hue with a hint of blue, known as 'pigeon's blood'. Like emeralds and sapphires, rubies require specific conditions to form making them rarer than diamonds.
In addition to their beauty and rarity, rubies have been revered throughout history for their supposed mystical powers. They were believed to bring good fortune to their wearer adding another layer to their allure.
Conclusion
While diamonds are undeniably beautiful and valuable, they are not always the most expensive gemstone on the market. The rarity and unique properties of emeralds, sapphires and rubies often make these precious stones more expensive than diamonds.
We invite you to explore our stunning range of handcrafted jewellery featuring these exquisite gemstones at Sophie Harley. Our collection showcases the natural beauty of these stones in designs that blend modern elegance with timeless appeal. Browse our range today!
