The 11 Most Expensive Jewelry in the World

In a world where opulence is a touchstone of wealth and status, jewelry stands as the ultimate symbol of luxury, holding a unique power to captivate and intrigue. From the magnificent shimmer of a diamond ring to the ethereal beauty of a pearl necklace, these breathtaking masterpieces are not just mere accessories – they’re beautiful testimonies to the artistry, craftsmanship, and often, the drama that surrounds their histories. If you’ve ever marveled at the World of Luxury, you’ll know these treasures can command price tags running into hundreds of millions of dollars. So why are these pieces so costly, and what makes them worth their weight in diamonds? Get ready to journey into the realm of the spectacular, the glittering, and the extraordinarily expensive as we unveil the most expensive jewelry pieces in the world. Hold on to your seats, because these dazzling artifacts are about to take your breath away.

1. Hope Diamond – $350 million

The most expensive piece of jewelry is the Hope Diamond, a gemstone steeped in a rich tapestry of history, mystery, and incalculable value. This rare blue diamond, weighing a staggering 45.52 carats, is so unique that the Smithsonian Institute considers it priceless and irreplaceable. As of 2009, it was insured for a jaw-dropping $250 million, although experts suggest its value could fluctuate between $200 million and $350 million, depending on market demand and a buyer’s willingness to pay.

The diamond’s origin traces back to the 17th century when it was part of a larger gem known as the French Blue, mined in India and sold to King Louis XIV of France. The French Blue was stolen during the French Revolution and later skillfully recut into what we now know as the Hope Diamond by a London jeweler.

The diamond’s name pays homage to Henry Philip Hope, a British banker who acquired it in 1839. Over the years, it has changed hands among several notable owners, including Pierre Cartier, Evalyn Walsh McLean, and Harry Winston, who eventually donated it to the Smithsonian in 1958.

What sets the Hope Diamond apart is its rare blue hue, attributed to traces of boron in its crystal structure. Adding to its allure, the diamond exhibits a mesmerizing red phosphorescence under ultraviolet light.

While its beauty is undeniable, the Hope Diamond is also shrouded in tales of a curse that has allegedly brought misfortune to many of its owners, including Marie Antoinette and Lord Francis Hope. Though there’s no scientific evidence to back this claim, the stories only add another layer to its already captivating history.

2. Peacock Brooch by Graff Diamonds – $100 million

The Peacock Brooch by Graff Diamonds isn’t just a piece of jewelry; it’s a breathtaking work of art that epitomizes luxury, craftsmanship, and the sheer brilliance of natural diamonds. Unveiled in 2013 at the TEFAF fair in Maastricht, Netherlands, this masterpiece is valued at an eye-watering $100 million, making it one of the most expensive brooches ever created.

What sets this brooch apart is its intricate design, featuring a staggering 1,305 diamonds that total 120.81 carats. But the real showstopper is the 20.02-carat pear-shaped Fancy Deep Blue diamond at its center. This gem isn’t just for show; it can be detached and worn separately, offering a versatile luxury experience. Surrounding this blue marvel are diamonds of various colors—white, pink, yellow, orange, and green—meticulously arranged to mimic the resplendent feathers of a peacock.

The creation of the Peacock Brooch is a testament to Graff’s unparalleled expertise in diamond sourcing, cutting, and setting. This isn’t a piece that was crafted overnight; it took thousands of hours of meticulous planning and precision to bring this vision to life. Every diamond was carefully selected and set to achieve a harmonious balance of color and sparkle, showcasing Graff’s commitment to excellence.

But beyond its monetary value and the sheer extravagance of the materials involved, the Peacock Brooch stands as a tribute to the beauty and diversity of nature itself. It captures the imagination and inspires awe, much like the majestic bird it’s designed to represent. In owning this brooch, you’re not just acquiring a piece of jewelry, you’re becoming the custodian of a piece of art that celebrates the extraordinary wonders of the natural world. Don’t miss our guide on the Most Expensive Jewelry Brands in the world.

3. Pink Star Diamond – $71.2 million

The Pink Star Diamond isn’t just a gemstone, it’s a celestial body in its own right, capturing the essence of rarity, beauty, and unparalleled value. Weighing in at 59.60 carats, this oval-shaped marvel boasts a fancy vivid pink color and internally flawless clarity. It’s not just any diamond, it’s the largest of its kind ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

Born from a 132.5-carat rough diamond mined by De Beers in South Africa in 1999, the Pink Star Diamond is the result of two years of painstaking cutting and polishing. The gemstone’s journey from rough to radiant is a testament to the artistry and expertise that goes into creating a diamond of this caliber.

When it comes to auction history, the Pink Star Diamond is a record-breaker. It has been sold twice at public auctions by Sotheby’s, first fetching an astounding $83 million in 2013—the highest price ever paid for any gemstone at auction. Although the initial sale fell through, the diamond made headlines again in 2017 when it was purchased for $71.2 million by Chow Tai Fook, a Hong Kong-based jeweler. This sale set another record, becoming the highest price ever paid for any diamond or jewel at auction in Asia.

Known by various names—CTF Pink Star after its current owner, and Steinmetz Pink after the company that cut and polished it—this gem has been exhibited at prestigious venues like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., and the Natural History Museum in London.

What truly sets the Pink Star Diamond apart is its rarity and the science behind its unique color. Pink diamonds are scarce to begin with, but the Pink Star’s color is the result of a rare distortion in the diamond’s crystal structure during its formation. This distortion alters the way light is reflected by the stone, giving it its intense and pure pink hue.

In a world where diamonds are often seen as the epitome of luxury and status, the Pink Star Diamond elevates the standard. It’s not just a diamond, it’s a phenomenon, a tangible piece of the extraordinary, making it one of the most sought-after and valuable diamonds ever to grace our planet.

4. Oppenheimer Blue – $51.3 million

The Oppenheimer Blue is not just a diamond; it’s a legend in the world of gemstones. This 14.62-carat fancy vivid blue diamond holds the record for being the largest of its kind ever offered at auction. Owned by the late Philip Oppenheimer, the chairman of the De Beers diamond-marketing cartel, this gemstone fetched an astounding $51.3 million at auction, including commission and fees. It’s a stone that commands respect and awe, making it one of the most prized diamonds globally.

Set in a platinum ring, the Oppenheimer Blue is flanked by trapeze-shaped diamonds on either side. What adds an extra layer of exclusivity is its original ‘Eight Blades’ mounting from Verdura, a renowned jewelry designer. This signature ring features eight triangular-shaped diamonds that encircle the central blue diamond, creating a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship.

The diamond’s journey is as fascinating as its hue. Discovered in South Africa in the 1950s, it was first sold to Harry Winston, a name synonymous with luxury and elegance in the jewelry world. Winston then sold it to Oppenheimer, where it remained a part of his private collection until his passing in 1995. The diamond was later inherited by his family, who made the monumental decision to auction it at Christie’s Geneva in 2016.

But what truly sets the Oppenheimer Blue apart is its unparalleled quality. With a fancy vivid blue color—the highest grade of color intensity for blue diamonds—and a VVS1 clarity, this gem is nearly flawless. Even under magnification, it reveals very few inclusions. Adding to its mystique is a red phosphorescence that it exhibits under ultraviolet light, making it a marvel of nature and science.

Blue diamonds are a rarity, and the Oppenheimer Blue is the epitome of this scarcity. Its blue color is a result of traces of boron within its crystal structure, altering how the stone reflects light. This, combined with its size and exceptional quality, makes the Oppenheimer Blue not just a diamond, but a treasure among treasures in the world of gemstones.

5. Blue Moon Diamond (Blue Moon of Josephine) – $48.4 million

The Blue Moon Diamond is more than just a gemstone; it’s a celestial masterpiece that has captivated the world with its unparalleled beauty and record-shattering value. Weighing a substantial 12.03 carats, this oval-shaped wonder is graced with a fancy vivid blue color and internally flawless clarity. It holds the title of the largest diamond of its kind ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), making it a paragon in the world of precious stones.

This diamond’s origin story is as fascinating as the gem itself. It was initially part of a 132.5-carat rough diamond unearthed by De Beers in South Africa in 1999. The transformation from a rough diamond to the Blue Moon Diamond we see today was a labor of love, requiring two years of meticulous cutting and polishing.

The Blue Moon Diamond has a storied auction history, having been sold by Sotheby’s. The pinnacle of its journey came in 2015 when it was acquired at a Sotheby’s auction for a staggering $48.4 million by Hong Kong-based jeweler Joseph Lau Luen-hung. Renamed The Blue Moon of Josephine in honor of his daughter, this sale set a world record for the highest price-per-carat ever paid for any diamond or jewel at auction.

What sets the Blue Moon Diamond in a league of its own is its rarity and the science behind its mesmerizing color. Blue diamonds are exceedingly rare, and the Blue Moon’s color is attributed to traces of boron in its crystal structure. This unique element alters the way light interacts with the stone, resulting in its intense and pure blue hue.

6. L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace – $55 million

L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace holds the record for the most valuable necklace in the world, featuring an egg-sized diamond weighing 407.48 carats. The diamond, discovered by a young girl in the Congo, is suspended from a rose gold setting with 90 white diamonds and is worth a jaw-dropping $55 million.

7. Graff Pink Diamond – $46 million

The Graff Pink, a 24.78-carat Fancy Intense Pink diamond, is known for its perfect rectangular step cut. This exceptional diamond was sold at auction for a staggering $46 million in 2010, further solidifying Graff’s status as a prominent player in the world of luxury jewelry.

8. Hope Spinel – $1.47 million

The Hope Spinel is a large, 50.13-carat spinel with a deep pink, almost ruby color. Its close association with the Hope Diamond adds a layer of intrigue to its history. This precious stone was sold at auction for a substantial $1.47 million.

9. Heart of the Ocean Diamond – $20 million

Drawing inspiration from the iconic piece depicted in the film Titanic, Harry Winston created a real version of the Heart of the Ocean Diamond. The breathtaking pendant boasts a 15-carat blue diamond, and its estimated worth sits at around $20 million.

10. Graff Hallucination Bracelet-Watch – $55 million

The Graff Hallucination is known as the world’s most expensive jewelry watch. This stunning piece is encrusted with 110 carats of rare multi-colored diamonds and valued at a staggering $55 million. This eye-catching luxury item showcases Graff’s exquisite craftsmanship and unerring attention to detail.

11. Apollo and Artemis – $57.4 million

Named after the Greek gods, the Apollo and Artemis earrings are a pair of mismatched earrings, each featuring an exceptionally rare diamond. Apollo, the blue diamond, weighs 14.54 carats, and Artemis, the pink diamond, weighs 16 carats. In 2017, the pair sold at auction for an impressive $57.4 million, making them the most expensive earrings ever sold.

Why the High Price of Luxury Jewelry

The dazzling world of jewelry, particularly its most expensive pieces, is as intricate as the precious items it celebrates. To fully understand why these gems command such high prices, it’s essential to grasp the factors that contribute to their value.

Firstly, the gemstones themselves are meticulously assessed based on the universally accepted 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. The cut of the gem influences its brilliance and sparkle; color can range from colorless to a deep hue; clarity refers to the internal and external flaws, or inclusions, of the stone; and carat weight measures the size of the gem. In general, the higher a gemstone ranks on these factors, the more expensive it will be.

The brand or designer behind the jewelry piece also plays a significant role in determining its value. Renowned brands and designers such as Graff, Harry Winston, or Tiffany & Co. command higher prices due to their established reputation for quality and craftsmanship. Discover more about these and other top luxury engagement ring brands in our dedicated article

The history of the piece and the rarity of the gems used also add layers of value. Jewelry pieces with a rich provenance or those associated with notable personalities often attract higher prices due to their historical significance. Additionally, rarer gems like blue or pink diamonds, or exceptionally large gems, drive the price up due to their scarcity.

Lastly, these ultra-expensive pieces often change hands at high-profile auctions, such as those conducted by Christie’s and Sotheby’s. The excitement and competition at these auctions often push the final sale price well above the estimated value.

Thus, the staggering prices of these jewelry pieces are not simply the product of a single factor, but the culmination of a myriad of elements, from the intrinsic properties of the gemstones to the intangible allure of brand prestige and historical significance.

Record-Breaking Auctions

Auctions are the grand stage where the drama of high-stakes jewelry sales unfolds. They are a testament to the enduring allure of precious gemstones and the fascination we hold for the unique and the exquisite. Among the high-profile jewelry auctions, there are some pieces, like the Pink Star Diamond and the Blue Moon Diamond, that have not just made a mark, but broken records.

The Pink Star Diamond, for example, holds the record for the highest price ever paid for a diamond or piece of jewelry at auction. This incredible 59.60-carat pink diamond achieved a staggering $71.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in April 2017. Not far behind is the Blue Moon Diamond, a breathtaking 12.03-carat diamond that fetched $48.4 million at a Sotheby’s auction, further underscoring the tremendous appeal and value of these unique gemstones.

These auctions are not just about the sale of jewelry; they are major events that often make headlines globally. They serve as a captivating intersection of art, history, craftsmanship, and wealth, revealing a fascinating insight into the world of luxury goods and the spending power of the ultra-rich.

The results of these auctions have far-reaching implications. They significantly impact the global jewelry market, often setting trends and shifting the spotlight to certain gemstones, designers, or styles. A record-breaking sale of a colored diamond, for example, can amplify interest in colored diamonds worldwide, influencing their demand and price.

Moreover, these auctions serve as a barometer of what the wealthiest are willing to spend on jewelry. The staggering sums paid for these precious items reflect not only the financial capability of the buyers but also their appreciation for the rare and the beautiful.

Finally, these record-breaking sales set a precedent for future auctions. They become the benchmark against which future pieces are valued, influencing the expectations of sellers, buyers, and the auction houses themselves. The lure of surpassing a previous record adds an additional layer of excitement and anticipation to upcoming auctions, perpetuating the cycle of fascination and demand for these extraordinary pieces of jewelry.

Conclusion

Navigating through the world of luxury jewelry reveals the extraordinary craftsmanship, rich history, and scarcity that justify the astronomical prices of these items. From the enigmatic Hope Diamond to the record-breaking Pink Star Diamond, these pieces embody the essence of rarity and extravagance.

Beyond their glittering exteriors, understanding the price tags involves appreciating the quality of gems, brand prestige, historical relevance, and the thrill of high-profile auctions. These factors collectively contribute to the exorbitant value and desirability of these luxurious pieces.

In conclusion, luxury jewelry’s enduring allure reflects our fascination with beauty, rarity, and uniqueness. As these elements continue to captivate, the world of high-end jewelry will persist in its dazzling allure, commanding remarkable prices and admiration. Learn more about how to bring this luxury lifestyle into your everyday routine in our guide about the Top Tips to Live a Luxurious Lifestyle