The value of a gemstone is influenced by much more than just its name—it is shaped by a combination of factors including color intensity, clarity, size, geographic origin, and whether the stone has undergone any treatment. While some gems, such as alexandrite, tanzanite, and cobalt spinel, are inherently rare and command high prices due to their scarcity and unique optical properties, others like amethyst, citrine, or jasper are more abundant and therefore more accessible. Yet within each gemstone family, there is a wide range of value—fine-quality examples with vivid color, high clarity, untreated status, or prestigious origin can be many times more valuable than standard commercial-grade stones.

This range is perhaps most famously seen in the so-called “Big Three” precious gemstones: sapphire, ruby, and emerald. A rich, velvety Burmese ruby or an unheated Kashmir sapphire can command tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars per carat, while lower-grade stones of the same type may be worth only a fraction of that. Similarly, a vivid green Colombian emerald with minimal inclusions can be exceptionally valuable, while more common, heavily included stones sell at much lower prices. Treatments such as heating in sapphires or oiling in emeralds are widespread and accepted within the industry—but untreated specimens with fine color and provenance are significantly rarer and more desirable to collectors.

Market trends and connoisseur demand also play a role in shaping value. Spinel, for example, was once overshadowed by ruby but is now gaining strong recognition, particularly in its red and cobalt blue forms. Ultimately, a gemstone’s beauty, rarity, natural integrity, and story all combine to determine its position in the hierarchy of value—whether it’s a treasured heirloom, a collector’s prize, or a personal indulgence.