What were the most precious gemstones in ancient times? How did diamonds compare with other gems?

by OB1_kenobi
cecikierk

Perhaps specify a geographical location?

(I understand some people go as far as saying "diamonds were basically worthless before DeBeer". It's not really true since a number of ancient Sanskrit texts from India (such as Kautilya's Arthashastra, a frame of legal codes) mentioned diamonds being a precious gem. However lack of modern tools and techniques to cut a diamond made diamond not as popular as other stones such as rubies and sapphires.)