The 11 Most Expensive Necklaces in The World

Welcome to a world of unparalleled luxury and beauty, where the sparkle of diamonds and the allure of precious gemstones come together to create masterpieces worth millions. In this article, we’re going to take you on a journey through the world of the most expensive necklaces ever created. These aren’t just pieces of jewelry, they’re works of art, symbols of opulence, and testaments to the extraordinary craftsmanship of the world’s most renowned jewelers. From a necklace featuring the world’s largest internally flawless diamond to a piece that can be worn in 27 different ways, these necklaces are as unique as they are valuable. But why are these necklaces so expensive? What makes them so special? And how do they impact the jewelry market and even influence trends in luxurious ring brands? Let’s delve into these questions and more as we explore these breathtaking pieces of jewelry. Prepare to be dazzled!

The Most Expensive Necklaces

Each of these necklaces is a masterpiece in its own right, reflecting the pinnacle of jewelry design and craftsmanship. Let’s explore them one by one.

11. The “Marie Antoinette” Necklace – $3.7 Million

Named after the famous French queen Marie Antoinette, this necklace was designed by Boehmer et Bassenge. It features a 1.84-carat pink diamond and two yellow diamonds weighing 5.24 carats and 7.06 carats respectively. The necklace was sold at a Christie’s auction in Geneva in 2018. The diamonds in the necklace are set in a design reminiscent of the 18th century, a nod to the era of Marie Antoinette.

The combination of pink and yellow diamonds gives this necklace a unique and vibrant appearance. The historical connection to Marie Antoinette adds to its allure and value. The necklace’s design, inspired by the opulence of the French court, and the quality of the diamonds make it a truly exceptional piece of jewelry.

10. Christie’s Diamond Pendant – $4.8 Million

This necklace was sold at a Christie’s auction in Geneva in 2013. It showcases a 76.51-carat diamond pendant with D color and flawless clarity. The diamond is known as the “Archduke Joseph Diamond” and has a history dating back to the 19th century.

The large, flawless diamond pendant is the star of this piece, making it a truly luxurious and valuable necklace. The diamond’s size and quality, combined with its historical significance, make this necklace a unique and valuable piece of jewelry.

9. The “Red Scarlet” – $5.1 Million

Designed by James W. Currens, this necklace features a 10.10-carat pigeon blood red ruby pendant surrounded by 26 pear-shaped diamonds. The necklace was sold at a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong in 2015.

The pigeon blood red ruby is one of the rarest and most sought-after gemstones in the world. The contrast between the ruby and the surrounding diamonds makes this necklace a true masterpiece. The necklace’s design showcases the ruby’s beauty while adding a touch of elegance with the surrounding diamonds.

8. The “Mrs. Winston” Diamond Necklace – $5.8 Million

The “Mrs. Winston” necklace, named after Edna, the wife of the legendary jeweler Harry Winston, is not just a piece of jewelry but a stunning tribute to the glamour of a bygone era. Weighing in at 187.5 carats, this breathtaking piece is valued at $5.8 million and is fashioned from the purest platinum. The necklace’s substantial value can be attributed to its extraordinary assembly of 207 diamonds, carefully chosen to include baguette, round brilliant, pear, and marquise-shaped stones, all seamlessly set to create a symphony of sparkle and brilliance.

This necklace’s design draws inspiration from the refined aesthetics of the 1950s, reflecting a period when sophistication and elegance were paramount in fashion and jewelry design. The “Mrs. Winston” necklace is a modern embodiment of this cultured look, seamlessly blending the opulence of traditional styles with the demands of contemporary haute couture. Its association with high-profile events and celebrities like Jessica Alba—who adorned the necklace at the 2013 Golden Globes—adds to its allure and status as an icon of luxury.

The stunning price tag of the “Mrs. Winston” necklace comes from more than just the sheer carat weight and the celebrity endorsement. It is a physical representation of Harry Winston’s legacy in crafting extraordinary pieces of jewelry that transcend time. The brand’s reputation for exclusive and impeccably crafted jewels adds intangible value to each piece, making them coveted by collectors and enthusiasts around the globe. As a result, the “Mrs. Winston” is not just an accessory but a piece of wearable art that holds a unique place in the world of fine jewelry.

7. Etcetera’s Burmese Ruby Necklace – $6.4 Million

This necklace, designed by Etcetera, was sold at a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong in 2013. It resembles a lace collar and hosts a total of 87.78 carats of oval and white pear-shaped diamonds as well as Burmese rubies. The necklace set a world auction record for a ruby necklace.

The combination of diamonds and rubies in a lace-like design gives the necklace a unique and luxurious appearance. The Burmese rubies add a vibrant splash of color to the piece. The necklace’s design and the quality of the gemstones make it a standout piece in any collection.

6. Christie’s Diamond Necklace – $8.14 Million

This necklace was sold at a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong in 2012. It features a 104.84-carat pear-shaped diamond pendant. The diamond was cut from a rough stone of 460 carats, making it one of the largest and most beautiful diamonds ever to be auctioned. The necklace was designed by the renowned jeweler Mouawad, known for their exquisite and unique designs.

The diamond has a D color and flawless clarity, making it one of the most exquisite diamonds in the world. The pear-shaped pendant adds a touch of elegance to the piece. The diamond’s size and quality, combined with the craftsmanship of the necklace, make it a truly remarkable piece of jewelry.

5. Leviev’s Vivid Yellow Diamond Pendant – $10 Million

This necklace, created by Lev Leviev, displays a 77.12-carat vivid yellow diamond, one of the largest of its kind. Lev Leviev is known for his expertise in large diamonds, and this necklace is a testament to his skill and craftsmanship.

The yellow diamond hangs from a platinum chain adorned with smaller diamonds, creating a piece that is both elegant and eye-catching. The vivid yellow color of the diamond is rare and valuable, making this necklace a unique and valuable piece of jewelry.

4. The “Heart of the Kingdom” – $14 Million

Created by the renowned jewelry house Garrard, this necklace showcases a 40.63-carat heart-shaped Burmese ruby pendant. The ruby is one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones, adding to the value of the necklace. The necklace is valued at $14 million.

The ruby can be detached and worn as a tiara, adding to the versatility of the piece. The deep red of the ruby combined with the sparkling diamonds makes it a truly royal piece. The necklace is a testament to the craftsmanship of Garrard, one of the oldest and most prestigious jewelry houses in the world.

3. The “Heart of the Ocean” – $20 Million

Inspired by the movie Titanic, this necklace was created by jeweler Harry Winston. It features a 15-carat blue diamond pendant set in white gold. The necklace gained fame after being worn by Kate Winslet in the movie, adding to its historical significance.

The blue diamond is a rare gem, and its heart shape adds to the romantic allure of the necklace. The pendant is set in white gold, enhancing the beauty of the blue diamond and adding to the overall elegance of the piece.

2. The “Incomparable” Diamond Necklace – $55 Million

The “Incomparable” Diamond Necklace is a stunning piece of jewelry that holds the Guinness World Record for the most valuable necklace in the world, with a valuation soaring at $55 million.

This breathtaking piece owes its splendor to a centerpiece that is nothing short of an earthly treasure: a flawless 407.48-carat yellow diamond, known as the largest internally flawless diamond across the globe. The diamond presents a dramatic display of both color and clarity, suspended from a chain bedecked with an additional cascade of 229.52 carats of white diamonds. Crafted with care by Mouawad, the luxury Lebanese jewelry brand, this necklace intertwines sumptuous 18-karat rose gold with pure elegance.

The exceptional diamond that now anchors the “Incomparable” Necklace began its journey to fame in an unexpected manner. Unearthed in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the 1980s, the rough gem was found in a pile of mining debris by a young girl, who at the time was unaware of its future significance. This diamond’s voyage from a raw, disregarded stone to a polished marvel is a story of transformation echoing the histories of the greatest diamonds known to man.

Elevating the significance of the “Incomparable” Necklace is its illustrious provenance. In a fusion of luxury and philanthropy, Nita Ambani, wife of Mukesh Ambani and noted philanthropist, purchased this masterpiece as an act of familial generosity. Rather than keeping this emblem of distinction, she gifted it to her daughter-in-law, Shloka Mehta, marking a high-profile marriage within one of India’s most esteemed families in March 2019. The gifting of such a prized possession not only underscores the Ambani family’s status but also the legacy that such jewelry represents.

Furthermore, this necklace is more than just a sum of its parts. Its components are certified by the Gemological Institute of America as Type IIa diamonds, a rare classification signifying their pure, nitrogen-free composition. Such purity is a rarity, distinguishing these gems as among the top echelons of diamond classification. The “Incomparable” Necklace’s assembly, which took an extraordinary four years to complete, speaks volumes about the meticulous craftsmanship and enduring patience invested into creating jewelry that doesn’t just accessorize but also mesmerizes with its unrivaled beauty and majestic lineage.

Check out our guide on the Most Expensive Jewelry Brand in the world.

1. A Heritage in Bloom – $200 Million

The most expensive necklace is the “Heritage in Bloom,” valued at a staggering $200 million. Crafted by the esteemed Chinese jeweler Wallace Chan, the “Heritage in Bloom” stands as a monument to the art of jewelry-making and the unyielding value of diamonds. This necklace is an assembly of several precious gems, but the star of the show is the $35 million colorless diamond that commands immediate attention. The necklace’s origins trace back to the Cullinan Heritage, a rough diamond of 507.55 carats known for its pristine purity as a Type IIA diamond, denoting its exceptional quality and lack of impurities.

Wallace Chan’s commitment to excellence is evident in the necklace’s construction, which demanded over 47,000 hours of meticulous labor. This colossal investment of time reflects the unparalleled dedication to creating a masterpiece of this caliber. The “Heritage in Bloom” is celebrated not just for its intrinsic worth but also for its ingenious design, which allows for versatility unseen in most high jewelry pieces. It can be transformed into 27 distinct configurations, offering the wearer an array of elegant styles from a single piece.

The ingenuity of the “Heritage in Bloom” extends to its inclusion of a harmonious blend of 600 pink diamonds, 114 pieces of icy green jadeite, and the lustrous sheen of 72 white mutton fat jades, cementing its status as a multifaceted wonder. This lavish combination is heightened by the presence of 19 more flawless diamonds, enhancing its desirability and luxury quotient. The necklace’s ability to incorporate such a diverse and exquisite collection of jewels contributes to both its financial value and its allure as one of the most sought-after pieces of jewelry in the world.

The Factors Determining the Value of a Necklace

The value of a necklace, especially those of high-end luxury pieces, is determined by several key factors:

1. Materials Used: The quality, size, and rarity of the gemstones used significantly impact the value of a necklace. This includes the type of metal used in the piece, such as gold, silver, or platinum.
2. Craftsmanship: The level of skill and artistry involved in creating the necklace also plays a crucial role. Handcrafted pieces by skilled artisans often fetch higher prices due to their uniqueness and the labor-intensive process involved in their creation.
3. Brand or Designer: The reputation and prestige of the brand or designer behind the necklace can significantly influence its value. Pieces from renowned jewelry houses or famous designers often command higher prices.
4. Historical Significance: Necklaces with a rich history or those associated with notable figures can have increased value due to their historical significance.
5. Condition: The condition of the necklace also affects its value. Pieces that are well-maintained or restored professionally can retain or even increase their value over time.
6. Market Factors: The current market prices for gemstones and precious metals can also affect the value of a necklace. Fluctuations in these prices can result in changes in the value of the piece.

The Impact of These Necklaces on the Jewelry Market

The necklaces listed above are not just valuable pieces of jewelry; they have also significantly influenced the jewelry market in various ways:

1. Setting New Standards: These necklaces have set new standards for craftsmanship and design in the jewelry industry. Their intricate designs and the high quality of their materials have raised the bar for what is considered exceptional in jewelry pieces.
2. Influencing Trends: The designs of these necklaces have often set trends in the jewelry market. For instance, the “Heart of the Ocean” necklace inspired a trend for heart-shaped blue diamond pendants after its appearance in the movie Titanic.
3. Increasing Demand for High-End Jewelry: The high prices fetched by these necklaces have highlighted the demand for high-end luxury jewelry. This has encouraged more designers and brands to create their own luxury pieces.
4. Inspiring New Creations: The unique designs and features of these necklaces have inspired jewelers around the world to create their own masterpieces. They serve as a source of inspiration for new designs and innovations in the jewelry industry.