Emeralds are some of the most precious and valuable gemstones in the world. They are prized for their vivid green color and rarity. Not all emeralds are created equal, however. Some colors of emerald are more rare and desirable than others, commanding extremely high prices. So what is the most expensive emerald color? Let’s take a closer look.
What Makes Emeralds Valuable?
Emeralds get their signature green color from trace amounts of chromium and/or vanadium. The specific combination of elements present gives each emerald a unique hue ranging from yellowish green to bluish green. In general, emeralds with a pure, vivid green are considered the most valuable.
Other factors that impact an emerald’s worth include:
– Clarity – How transparent and free of inclusions it is
– Cut – How well the faceting maximizes the color and clarity
– Carat weight – Larger emeralds are exponentially more valuable
– Origin – Colombian emeralds command the highest prices
But when all other factors are equal, the depth and purity of color has the largest influence on an emerald’s market value.
Most Expensive Emerald Colors
Emerald colors toward the blue-green end of the spectrum tend to be the most rare and desirable. Here are the top 3 emerald hues that fetch the highest prices:
1. Bluish Green
Emeralds with a vibrant bluish-green hue are considered the cream of the crop and can sell for over $10,000 per carat. The hint of blue adds extra richness and brilliance to the color. Famous examples include the Rockefeller Emerald and several showpieces from Colombia’s Muzo mines.
2. Pure Green
The purest green emeralds with no secondary hues also rank among the most expensive. They radiate an intense, saturated green that has been poetically compared to the lush green of spring. The Patricia Emerald, appraised at $20 million, exemplifies this desirable pure green.
3. Greenish Blue
At the far blue end of the emerald spectrum, some rare stones exhibit a greenish-blue or bluish-green color. Their unique teal hue stands out and commands top dollar. The Blue Heart Diamond purchased for $14 million features this atypical emerald shade.
While individual preferences vary, most experts agree that stones in the blue-green range are the most valuable emerald colors. Next we’ll examine some real-world examples.
Most Expensive Emeralds Sold at Auction
Here are some record-breaking colored emeralds that have sold at auction to give a sense of real market values:
| Emerald | Color | Carat Weight | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockefeller Emerald | Bluish green | 18.04 | $5.5 million |
| Patricia Emerald | Pure green | 632 | $20 million |
| Azerbaijan Emerald | Bluish green | 38.40 | $6.1 million |
As you can see, the most expensive stones are either pure green or blue-green, weighing at least 18 carats. But large size alone doesn’t guarantee high value – color is still king.
Next let’s examine how emerald prices stack up against other colored gems.
Emerald Prices vs. Other Colored Gemstones
To give some perspective, here is how top-quality emerald prices generally compare to other precious colored stones:
| Gemstone | Price per Carat |
|---|---|
| Blue sapphire | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| Ruby | $1,000 – $100,000 |
| Colombian emerald | $2,000 – $20,000 |
| Burmese ruby | $50,000 – $500,000 |
As you can see, Colombian emeralds sit near the top, surpassed only by the finest Burmese rubies. For reference, diamonds range from $2,500 to over $1 million per carat for the rarest types.
So while emeralds are not the absolute priciest gem, fine samples in the most valued colors still command huge premiums at auction.
Should Color Influence Emerald Purchases?
When shopping for emeralds, clearly color should be a top consideration. However, experts offer a few words of caution:
– Beware of emeralds that have been dyed or treated to enhance color. Make sure any stone has an independent certification of its authenticity.
– Don’t sacrifice cut quality just to get a slightly better hue. The human eye perceives color differently in different lighting. An excellent cut maximizes brilliance.
– Consider how the emerald will be set and worn. The metal setting and other stones can influence how the emerald’s color is perceived.
While color should help guide your purchase, it shouldn’t be the only factor. Be sure to evaluate emeralds holistically before making a final decision.
Conclusion
When it comes to emeralds, the rarest and most expensive colors are pure green and bluish-green hues. These stones with vivid, saturated colors can fetch over $10,000 per carat at auction. While personal tastes differ, the market clearly favors emeralds on the blue side of the color spectrum.
However, color is just one piece of the puzzle. To get good value, also pay close attention to clarity, cut quality, and origin credibility. A fine emerald is a true balance of all these vital factors. While color commands your initial attention, look at the overall picture before making any purchase.
