Rare and exotic gemstones all display some characteristic of extremely fine color, clarity, size or a combination of all three factors for that gem species. World class gemstones such as



3 carat Vivid Hot Pink Natural Burma Pink Sapphire

Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline of over 34 carats in size

An incredible Honey Golden 62 carat Sphene

Rare gemstones such as these are also excellent candidates for investments. Extremely rare gemstones are commanding ever increasing prices in the gemstone and jewelry auction world. I have seen prices on top quality red-pink Spinel reaches $5,000 per carat in the past couple of years-an unheard of price just a few years ago. Fine blue sapphire and yellow sapphire prices have more than doubled in the past few years.

Museum Quality Gemstones

What exactly are museum quality gemstones? Simply put, they are rare gemstones that are big and beautiful. To be more explicit, these gems are exceptional in their color, clarity and carat weight. If you've been to any type of natural history museum chances are they have a gem and mineral exhibit. Such exhibits are a way for people to get a glimpse of their favorite rare gemstone in both cut and uncut forms, while learning what makes them a one of a kind gemstone.

What Makes these Luxury and Exotic Gemstones Different From Other Gemstones?

Exotic rare gemstones have three distinctions.

The first distinction is size. In some exhibits you can see rather large samples of rare gemstones. Huge rubies, emeralds and sapphires are often a big hit with visitors.

The reason is that more people today see investments in gems as a smart decision, and why not? Several types of stones, such as the famous Paraiba tourmalines from Brazil, can reach over $20,000 per carat in some cases. But even if you're not looking to become a high roller in museum quality gemstones the great news is you have alternatives. You can have a rare gemstone that are beautiful and smaller, but still has incredible lasting value.

The second distinction in museum quality gemstones is the color of the gemstone. Exceptional gemstones in the museum quality category will display the finest color of that gemstone species or display a very rare color of the gemstone species. An example would be a 20 carat untreated gemstone with a hot bubble gum pink color. That color is very rare in even a 2 carat pink sapphire, so a 20 carat with that amazing color would be extremely rare. Another color example would be a very fine quality bi color sapphire. These bi color sapphires are very rare but one that displays distinct color zoning would be an exceptional rarity.

The third distinction in a luxury rare gemstone would be an unusually good clarity. Gemstone species of like emerald typically contain internal characteristics, otherwise known as inclusions. Even in very expensive emeralds, inclusions are typical. However some emeralds have been known to contain no inclusions or very small inclusions, similar to a VVS diamond. These emeralds are very rare. They are even more rare than an IF diamond! So if you combine unusually good clarity, exception color and a large carat weight, this will give that gemstone the status of a museum quality gemstone.