The Hope Diamond is the most expensive jewelry in the world valued at $200 million. Throughout history, people have long associated jewelry with power and wealth. Today, only the super-rich can possess these pricey items.
This post will talk about jewelry that has jaw-dropping prices.
Top 18 Most Expensive Jewelry
1. The Hope Diamond–$200 million
The Hope Diamond is a renowned 45.42-carat fancy dark grayish-blue, antique cushion cut diamond that is recognized worldwide for its unparalleled beauty and value, estimated to be over $200 million. The diamond has a long history of changing hands and is believed to bring bad luck to whoever owns it, although this has not deterred many from seeking ownership of the stone. The diamond was first discovered in Golconda, India in 1666 and was purchased by King Louis XIV in 1668, who renamed it the ‘French Blue’. However, during the French Revolution, the diamond was stolen among the crown jewels. It reappeared in 1839 when it was cataloged in the gem collection of Henry Philip Hope. Several owners later, including Pierre Cartier and Evalyn Walsh McLean, the diamond was bought by jeweler Harry Winston in 1949, who eventually donated the gem to the Smithsonian Institution, where it is now displayed for the public to see.
2. Peacock Brooch by Graff Diamonds–$100 million
This Peacock Brooch was introduced in 2013 at The European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF) luxury art and antiques fair in the Netherlands. It is a masterpiece from Graff Diamonds that weighs a total of 120.81 carats. Behold the breathtaking brooch, an epitome of elegance and grandeur, adorned with a staggering 1,305 gemstones and with a height of 10 centimeters. At the heart of this magnificent piece lies a pear-shaped fancy deep blue diamond, weighing an astounding 20.02 carats. The awe-inspiring brooch is further accentuated by a mesmerizing array of white, yellow, pink, orange, and green diamonds that radiate from the center, elevating its allure to unparalleled heights.
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3. Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond–$80 Million
The Wittelsbach Diamond has a rich history and was initially owned by the Habsburg Crown. It was later transferred to Munich as part of a marriage and remained with the Wittelsbach family for centuries. The diamond was displayed in various exhibitions in the 20th century before being sold to Laurence Graff in 2008. He recut the diamond, increasing its value, and sold it for over $80 million in 2011 to the Qatari royal family. Today, it remains one of the world’s most valuable and sought-after gemstones.
4. The Pink Star–$71.2 Million
In the world of diamonds and precious jewels, the Pink Star stands out as one of the most exceptional and rarest pieces ever discovered. In 2017, this magnificent gemstone set a new record when it sold for a jaw-dropping $71.2 million at Sotheby’s auction. This fancy vivid pink internally flawless diamond weighs 59.60 carats and is considered among the most expensive diamonds and jewels on the planet. Its remarkable size, combined with the exquisite clarity and intensity of color, make it an object of unparalleled beauty and rarity. The Pink Star is roughly the size of a strawberry and has a unique and captivating presence that makes it a true masterpiece. Many experts in the field have said that there will never be another diamond quite like it, making it a truly one-of-a-kind investment.
5. Oppenheimer Blue–$57.5 Million
The Oppenheimer Blue is a 14.62-carat diamond with a beautiful vivid blue color and emerald cut, making it a rare find. It was sold for $57.5 million in 2016 to an undisclosed party. Not much is known about its history, but it is believed to have been mined in South Africa during the early 20th century. The Oppenheimer family has been involved in the diamond trade for over a century, and Sir Phillip Oppenheimer acquired the diamond as a gift for his wife, but there are no records of when or how much he paid for it. Despite its mysterious history, it remains one of the most sought-after gems in the world.
6. L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace–$55 Million
The L’Incomparable Diamond necklace is the world’s most valuable necklace, worth $55 million. It has 407.48 carats of diamonds set on an 18k gold bed and is owned by Mouawad, a luxury goods company. The centerpiece is a massive yellow diamond, internally flawless and the largest of its kind, estimated to be as big as an egg. It was discovered in a mining rubble in the Democratic Republic of Congo and was eventually set at the center of the necklace.
7. The Winston Pink Legacy–$50.7 Million
The Harry Winston company made headlines when they acquired a stunning pink diamond at a record-breaking price of over $50 million, which was significantly higher than the original estimated value of $30 million. This rare gemstone, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful and valuable diamonds in the world, was discovered in South Africa and was cut into its current shape in the year 1920. Prior to its sale, the diamond was part of the Oppenheimer family’s collection, who were known for their control over the De Beers mining company. The diamond has since been given a new name to reflect its new owner and is highly coveted by collectors and gemstone enthusiasts alike.
8. Blue Moon of Josephine–$48.4 Million
In 2014, a rare and expensive 12.03-carat diamond was purchased by Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau Luen-hung for $48.4 million. The diamond called the Blue Moon of Josephine, was named after his daughter and is known for its beautiful crystal blue color. However, Lau is a convicted felon and a fugitive, having been convicted of bribing a former minister in Macau. Despite this, he did not serve time in jail and remains a fugitive. The Blue Moon of Josephine remains a fascinating diamond with an interesting and controversial history.
9. Graff Pink–$46.2 Million
The Graff Pink diamond is a rare and exquisite gem that was sold at an auction in 2010 for a record-breaking $46.2 million. Laurence Graff, a renowned jeweler, re-cut the diamond to perfection, preserving its natural beauty and brilliance. The newly-cut Graff Pink was then mounted in a breathtaking ring, making it one of the most coveted and prized gems in the world for its rare color, beauty, and history.
10. The Princie Diamond–$39.3 Million
The 34.65-carat fancy intense pink diamond is a rare and exquisite gem with a long and distinguished history. It was first acquired by the Nizams of Hyderabad, a wealthy dynasty in southern India, and was part of their impressive collection of jewels and precious stones. Over the years, the diamond passed through the hands of several owners and eventually came to be owned by Renato Angiolillo, an Italian politician and businessman. After Angiolillo’s death, his children became involved in a complex legal dispute over his estate, which included the diamond. The family feud centered around allegations that some of the stepsiblings had unlawfully acquired the valuable gemstone. The case remains unresolved, and the fate of the diamond is uncertain.
11. Queen Marie Antoinette’s Pearl–$36.2 Million
The pearl and diamond pendant has a unique and fascinating history that adds to its value. It was the object of a fierce bidding war that ended with a wealthy individual acquiring it for an unprecedented sum of money. The pendant features an exceptional natural pearl that was once owned by the ill-fated French Queen Marie Antoinette. This pearl was part of a collection of jewelry that belonged to the royal Bourbon-Parma family of Italy, making it an exceptional piece of historical significance. The new owner of this magnificent pendant paid a premium price, not just for its material value but also for the privilege of owning a significant piece of history that will be admired and cherished for generations to come. The acquisition of this pendant will give the owner bragging rights and a sense of pride that comes with owning a rare and exquisite piece of jewelry that has a unique and fascinating history.
12. The Orange–$35.5 Million
This 14.82-carat pear-shaped diamond is a natural phenomenon and the largest known fancy vivid orange diamond. According to Christie’s catalog, a diamond of this size and color is an ultimate possession for diamond collectors. The diamond’s vivid orange hue is a result of its exposure to nitrogen during its formation. The stone’s unique color, size, and rarity make it a highly sought-after gemstone that is admired by collectors and connoisseurs alike. The diamond’s beauty and value are a testament to the power and wonder of nature.
13. De Grisogono Diamond and Emerald Necklace–$33.7 Million
Fawaz Gruosi, who was the former owner of the now-defunct de Grisogono, has created a truly magnificent and exquisite necklace to showcase the breathtaking beauty of a 163.41-carat D color, flawless diamond. The necklace is adorned with hundreds of emeralds and diamonds, and it is designed in a way that allows the wearer to flaunt the precious stone with grace and elegance. The attention to detail and the craftsmanship of the necklace are simply outstanding, making it a true masterpiece in the world of jewelry.
14. The Zoe Diamond–$32.6 Million
Bunny Mellon, the renowned American horticulturalist and philanthropist, made headlines when she sold her 9.75-carat fancy vivid blue pear-shaped diamond to Joseph Lau, a Hong Kong property tycoon, for a staggering price. Lau was so enamored with the striking gemstone that he renamed it “Zoe” after his daughter. Mellon, who was a passionate advocate for horticulture and education, chose to use the proceeds of the sale to support the Gerard B. Lambert Foundation. The foundation, which she established, is dedicated to promoting horticultural and educational initiatives, including the Oak Spring Garden Library. Through her generosity, Mellon has made a significant contribution to the advancement of horticultural and educational endeavors.
15. Cartier Sunrise Ruby Ring–$30.4 Million
Colored gemstones are highly valued, and among them, the Burmese pigeon blood ruby is considered to be the rarest and most valuable. These rubies are known for their vivid and deeply saturated color, as well as their natural fluorescence, which creates a lively inner fire within the stone. According to industry experts, a 25.59-carat cushion-cut Burmese ruby set between two shield-cut diamonds in a Cartier-signed ring is widely regarded as the most beautiful example of this gemstone.
16. Hutton-Mdiani Jadeite Necklace–$27.6 Million
One of the most highly valued items in Asia is top-quality jadeite, which is considered a symbol of wealth and status. It is even more coveted than diamonds. Recently, a collector spent a record-breaking $27.6 million on a necklace that consists of 27 perfectly matched jadeite beads. The beads are a bright, translucent green color and are graduated in size. The necklace has a rich history, having been owned by socialite Barbara Hutton and Princess Nina Mdivani.
17. The Winston Legacy–$26.7 Million
In a bid to establish itself as the ultimate destination for the finest diamonds in the world, the esteemed Harry Winston company made a jaw-dropping investment of nearly $30 million in what was touted as the largest flawless diamond the world had ever seen. The stunning 101.73-carat D flawless pear-shaped gemstone was carved out of a massive 234-carat rough diamond that was discovered in one of the renowned De Beers mines located in Jwaneng, Botswana. The process of cutting and polishing this magnificent diamond was a painstaking one and took almost two years to complete before it was finally put up for auction.
18. Chopard 201-Carat Watch–$25 Million
This Chopard watch is a true masterpiece, featuring an astonishing 874 diamonds in total. The three largest diamonds are heart-shaped and come in varying colors, including pink, blue, and white. These diamonds swivel away to unveil the watch face underneath. With a total weight of 201 carats, this watch is widely considered to be the most expensive in the world.
