The Rarest Gemstones

In 2021, the interest in rare gemstones like Alexandrite is expected to rise. As consumer habits change, the desire for colored gemstones is changing demand and supply. Last year, we published our ranking of the rarest gemstones in the world. This Rarity Pyramid remains a good presentation of rarity.

One of the main reasons’ gemstone availability has changed is due to the Pandemic. COVID has dramatically changed sourcing for Alexandrite, and other rare stones. More companies have ceased mining and using other costly methods of extracting gemstones. Rough production of Alexandrite significantly dwindled in the Winter of 2020. The result has been overall less availability of any alexandrite gemstones. As demand picks up, we will see a likely increase in prices for most gemstones, and especially for super fine alexandrites in fancy shapes.

Not surprisingly, Alexandrite from countries like Brazil, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka continue to become scarcer.

In all of 2020, Sotheby’s and Christies Auction Houses listed a total of only 11 Alexandrites for Auction!

Here are the ones they listed.

Sotheby’s 2020 Alexandrite Listings

Cat’s Eye Bracelet $30,000 sold, Alexandrite and Diamond Ring and Pair of Pendent Earrings Estimate: $62,000 to $77,000 USD, Alexandrite and Diamond Ring 2.56 $80,600 sold, Pair of Alexandrite and diamond cufflinks Estimate $11,500.00, &Alexandrite Ring $24,000 sold.

Christie’s 2020 Alexandrite Listings.

Alexandrite and Diamond Ring $56,000 sold, Alexandrite and Diamond Earrings $45,100 sold, Cat’s Eye Alexandrite and Diamond Ring $121,000, Cat’s Eye Alexandrite and Diamond Ring with Gubelin Report $15,300.00, Alexandrite and Diamond Brooch $5200, Alexandrite and Diamond Ring with GIA Report $37,500 sold.