Is Emerald More Expensive Than Sapphire and Ruby?

When it comes to the crème de la crème of gemstones, it doesn’t get better than emerald, sapphire, and ruby.

Currently, many people argue that emerald is the most expensive precious colored stone of them all. Keep reading to find out if this is true or false…

First Things First, Should You Buy Colored Precious Stones?

Definitely!

Besides their incredible hues and meanings, these precious stones are highly prized for their following attributes:

• They come together to form the ‘big three’ of colored precious gemstones. Such fame ensures that the jewels are always desired and recognized.
• Emerald, ruby and sapphire are the birthstones of May, July and September respectively – an aspect that has greatly added to their popularity.
• Their rich and captivating histories make these jewels a great conversation starter at any given point in time.

A Bit of Background

• Emerald: A part of the beryl mineral family, the emerald owes its gorgeous green hue to the traces of chromium and vanadium. Besides the color, the jewel’s long-known association with royalty as well as its birthstone status have greatly added to its appeal.
• Sapphire: Primarily known for its deep saturated hue, this gem belongs to a class of minerals known as corundum. It is desired for its durability, and its representation of wisdom, good fortune and luxury. The blue stone is often used to fulfill the ‘something blue’ demand during weddings and is, therefore, a popular option for wedding jewelry. Having said that, it’s interesting to note that the stone can actually be found in every color of the rainbow, except red. Hence, regardless of your style and preference, you’re sure to find a sapphire that works for you.
• Ruby: Highlighted for its sparkling bright red hue, the ‘king of the gems’ is often associated with the values of eternal love and devotion. Similar to the sapphire, the ruby also belongs to the corundum mineral family and gets its color from the trace amounts of chromium present within its chemical structure. Considering its long list of attributes, it’s no wonder that it is one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.

Did You Know?

• Apple uses sapphire crystals to make their Watch Series 3 screens more scratch-resistant.
• Emeralds were first mined by the Ancient Egyptians.
• The ruby derives its name from the Latin word ‘ruber,’ which means red.

Ruby vs. Sapphire vs. Emerald: What Are the Key Differences?

1) Clarity

• Ruby: Due to the immense pressure under which they are created, the majority of rubies available today are included in some way or the other. These inclusions typically occur in the form of small crystals, color patches and needles.
• Sapphire: While most sapphires are included, high-quality ones are generally eye-clean. Here, the most common inclusions are cavities, conclaves, color zoning, fingerprint inclusions, discoid fractures and silk.
• Emerald: Most emeralds found in the market today have visible inclusions. They are generally called ‘Jardin,’ which is the French word for garden. This is because the flaws have a moss-like appearance which adds to the stone’s beauty.

2) Durability

• 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.

3) Value

Generally speaking, the value of a precious gemstone greatly depends on its 4Cs (cut, carat weight, color and clarity). Having said that, the rough values of each gemstone are as follows:

• Ruby: A good-quality 1-carat ruby can roughly cost you $1000.
• Sapphire: Depending on its grade, a blue sapphire can cost anywhere between $450 to $1,600 per carat (approximately).
• Emerald: You can expect to pay anywhere between $525 and $1125 per carat for a good-quality emerald (approximately).

4) Treatment

• Ruby: In most cases, rubies are heat-treated to improve their hue.
• Sapphire: Similar to their red counterpart, sapphires are also heat-treated to intensify their color and improve their clarity.
• Emerald: Cedar oil, which is a colorless product from cedar trees, is often used to heighten the appeal of the gemstone.

Also Read: What Is More Expensive – Peridot or Emerald?

Ruby vs. Emerald: What Are They Used For?

Even today, rubies are greatly valued for their physical and emotional benefits. Not only is the jewel used to strengthen the heart, muscles and ventricles but many people also wear ruby pendants and rings to solve their sexual and fertility issues.

On the flip side, emeralds are typically used to ward off sicknesses. They aid in soothing skin rashes, headaches and allergies. In terms of its emotional impact, the emerald is quite similar to the ruby. Believers often don emerald rings to improve their mood, calm their minds and overcome their negative emotions.

Important Note: There is currently no scientific evidence that proves the ruby’s and emerald’s abilities to do the above.

Emerald vs. Ruby: Which Is More Popular?

Because of their precious gemstone and birthstone status as well as their unique set of USPs, these jewels are considered to be equally famous and are adored worldwide.

Is Emerald More Expensive Than Ruby and Sapphire?

No, it isn’t!

Therefore, a ruby ring is a suitable pick for proposals, engagements as well as wedding ceremonies.

The value of a good quality ruby per carat is higher than that of an emerald. The value of the gemstone goes on to increase further depending on its rarity. Therefore, a ruby gemstone ring is a suitable pick for proposals, engagements as well as wedding ceremonies.

Sapphire is undoubtedly the most expensive option of the three boasting an even higher starting price for an heirloom-quality 1-carat piece.

Which One Should You Opt For?

Well, that really depends on you!

If you’re on the lookout for a precious stone that is relatively affordable, has a dark calming hue and is commonly associated with royalty, emerald jewelry is your best bet.

Similarly, if you are in the market for a bright jewel that is easily recognizable and spells drama, then ruby is the one for you.

Finally, if you want an extremely luxurious stone that instantly brings to mind the deep color of the ocean, we highly recommend going for a sapphire stunner.

Needless to say, these precious gemstones are truly remarkable. And now that you know their value, you’ll be in a better position to make the right decision for you.

Can You Gift an Emerald?

Why not? As touched upon before, the emerald is the May birthstone. What’s more, it is also the celebratory stone of the 20th, 35th and 55th wedding anniversaries. Needless to say, these factors enhance the emotional quotient of the gemstone and make it one that your darling is destined to love.

Where Can You Buy Precious Gemstone Jewelry From?

From us, of course! With several products under our banner, we at Angara specialize in a variety of colored gemstones (with the ruby, emerald and sapphire being our bestsellers). You can find rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets in a multitude of styles here ranging from classic solitaires to ornate vintage-inspired jewelry. Each piece within our collection is handcrafted using the best materials money can buy and reflects the finely honed skills of our master craftsmen. Apart from this, we also give our customers the unique opportunity to customize the carat weight and gemstone grade of their chosen gem as well as the metal used for the jewelry. This ensures that you’ll wind up with a stunner that you’ll truly love.

Have You Considered Buying a GIA-Certified Gem?

Are you new to the fine jewelry game?

Because if so, we highly recommend opting for a GIA-certified gem. One of the leading gemstone authorities in the world, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) works toward protecting jewelry lovers and collectors alike from imitation pieces. Every stone that comes its way goes through a series of stringent tests, the results of which, cannot be disputed by anyone in the world.

The final certificate that comes with the evaluated gemstone is a comprehensive one that includes all the details about the jewel (such as its cut, carat weight, color and clarity, for example).