The Most Expensive Gems Ever Sold at Auction
Gemstones are some of the most sought-after treasures in the world, often featured in rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Their vibrant colors, rarity, and unique characteristics have captivated collectors and general consumers alike. Beyond the gemstones commonly seen in everyday jewelry, there are truly extraordinary stones that have commanded astonishing prices at auction, thanks to their rarity and beauty.
We've come up with a list of the six gemstones we consider the most valuable of all time. But before we delve into those, it's important to understand how colored gemstones are graded and what makes them so valuable.
How Colored Gems Are Graded
Colored gemstones have their own complex grading system, similar to that of diamonds. While many people are familiar with diamond grading, the traditional colored gemstone grading system is often overlooked.
Colored gemstones derive much of their value from their hue, tone, and saturation—qualities that, unlike in diamonds, are highly sought after unless the diamond is classified as fancy. Color is definitely the most crucial aspect of a gemstone, but as previously mentioned, it is divided into three characteristics. Hue is the basic color of the stone (red for a ruby). Tone is the lightness or darkness of the stone. Saturation is the intensity of the color.
The most expensive stones typically feature vivid, well-balanced hues with strong saturation. Like diamonds, they are also graded on clarity, cut, and carat weight. Additionally, any treatments—such as color or clarity enhancements—are considered, as they can impact both the stone's value and durability. Stones that have been treated tend to be lower priced, because they are no longer considered completely natural.
Now that you better understand how gemstones derive their value, here are (to the best of our knowledge) the six most valuable gems ever sold at auction:
1. The Sunrise Ruby
Sold for $30.3 million at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2015, the Sunrise Ruby set a record for the most expensive ruby ever to be sold at auction. It is a 25.59 carat Burmese ruby possessing a vivid red color and flawless clarity, which makes it one of the rarest existing rubies. The combination of the stone’s origin as a Burmese ruby and its intense saturation contributed to its record-breaking auction price.
2. The Blue Belle of Asia
Sold for $17.3 million at Christie’s Geneva in 2014, the Blue Belle of Asia is a 392.52 carat sapphire with a deep blue color. The stone was mined in Sri Lanka and is referred to as a Ceylon sapphire, which has a beautiful blue color and amazing clarity. It maintains the record for the most expensive sapphire ever sold at auction.
3. The Hope Spinel
Sold for $1.47 million at Bonhams London in 2015, the Hope Spinel is part of the Hope Collection, which is the same collection the Hope Diamond belongs to. Henry Philip Hope was a gem collector who amassed one of the most impressive collections a private individual has ever owned. The Hope Spinel is a 50.13 carat pink-red spinel with an impressive history, which only added to its value at auction.
4. The Rockefeller Emerald – $5.5 Million
Sold for $5.5 million at Christie’s New York in 2017, the Rockefeller Emerald was purchased by Harry Winston. It is a Colombian emerald with a deep green color and beautiful clarity, making it one of the most rare emeralds in existence.
5. The Star of Kashmir Sapphire - $3.48 Million
Sold for $3.48 million at Christie’s Geneva in 2013, the Star of Kashmir Sapphire was mined from the Kashmir region, which is where some of the world’s most beautiful sapphires are discovered. This cushion-cut sapphire weighs 19.88 carats and boasts a rich blue color with exceptional clarity—factors that contributed to its impressive price at auction.
6. The Imperial Green Jadeite Ring - $2.6 Million
Sold for $2.6 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2022, this jadeite cabochon is extremely rare and top quality, making it one of the most desired gemstones in Asian markets. This stone has an incredible deep green hue and wonderful translucency. It was set into a ring and accented with a halo of white diamonds.
The world of auction worthy high end gemstones has many incredible specimens that are sought after by both consumers and collectors, but some of them yield higher prices than others. From the bright red of the Sunrise Ruby to the deep blue of the Blue Belle of Asia, these stones are rare and exhibit refined craftsmanship by the gemstone cutter and polisher.
Once you understand how many variables influence their value, it’s easy to see why these gemstones can be so expensive. While some of these examples have broken auction records, it’s only a matter of time before a new, breathtaking gem emerges and sets a new benchmark among collectors.