The Most Expensive Jewelry in the World
Jewelry has always been a symbol of wealth and status. From diamonds to pearls, emeralds to rubies, the world’s most expensive pieces of jewelry are often adorned with the rarest and most precious stones. They are coveted by collectors, celebrities, and royalty alike. In this article, we will explore some of the most expensive jewelry in the world, including their historical significance and the stories behind their creation.
The Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in the world, known for its stunning blue color and size. It weighs in at 45.52 carats and is estimated to be worth around $250 million. The diamond has a long and storied history, having been owned by a number of prominent individuals over the years. It is currently housed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.
The Pink Star Diamond
The Pink Star Diamond is the largest internally flawless pink diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America, weighing in at 59.60 carats. It was sold at auction for $71.2 million in 2017, making it the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction. The diamond was mined in Africa and took two years to cut and polish.
The Graff Pink Diamond
The Graff Pink Diamond is a stunning 24.78-carat pink diamond that was sold at auction for $46 million in 2010. It was previously owned by Harry Winston and was named after its new owner, Laurence Graff. The diamond is noted for its exceptional clarity and color, and is considered one of the finest pink diamonds in the world.
The Winston Blue Diamond
The Winston Blue Diamond is a stunning 13.22-carat blue diamond that was sold at auction for $23.8 million in 2014. It was previously owned by Harry Winston and was named after its new owner, Laurence Graff. The diamond is noted for its exceptional clarity and color, and is considered one of the finest blue diamonds in the world.
| Diamond | Weight (carats) | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| The Hope Diamond | 45.52 | $250 million |
| The Pink Star Diamond | 59.60 | $71.2 million |
| The Graff Pink Diamond | 24.78 | $46 million |
| The Winston Blue Diamond | 13.22 | $23.8 million |
The Pink Star Diamond
The Pink Star Diamond is one of the most expensive and rarest jewels in the world. It is a stunning 59.60-carat diamond that is known for its exceptional size, color, and clarity. The diamond was mined in South Africa in 1999 and was originally a rough stone weighing 132.5 carats. It took over two years to cut and polish the diamond into its current shape.
History
The Pink Star Diamond was first unveiled to the public in 2003 at the Monaco Blue Auction. At the time, it was known as the “Steinmetz Pink” after the company that cut and polished it. The diamond was then sold privately to a buyer who remained anonymous.
In 2013, the Pink Star Diamond was put up for auction at Sotheby’s in Geneva. The diamond was estimated to sell for around $60 million, but it ended up being withdrawn from the auction after the highest bid of $83 million was not paid.
Two years later, in 2015, the Pink Star Diamond was once again put up for auction at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong. This time, the diamond sold for a record-breaking $71.2 million to Chow Tai Fook, a Hong Kong-based jewelry company.
Auction Price
The Pink Star Diamond’s auction price of $71.2 million set a new world record for the most expensive jewel ever sold at auction. The previous record was held by the Oppenheimer Blue Diamond, which sold for $50.6 million in 2016.
The Pink Star Diamond’s high price can be attributed to its exceptional size, color, and clarity. The diamond is classified as a Type IIa diamond, which is the most chemically pure and has no traces of nitrogen. Its color is also a vivid pink, which is extremely rare for diamonds.
The Pink Star Diamond is a true masterpiece and a testament to the beauty and value of rare jewels. Its history and auction price only add to its allure and mystique.
The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond
The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond is one of the most expensive jewelry pieces in the world. It is a rare blue diamond that weighs 14.62 carats and has a rectangular shape. The diamond was named after its previous owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer, who was a member of the Oppenheimer family, which has been involved in the diamond industry for generations.
History
The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond was discovered in South Africa and was originally cut and polished by a master diamond cutter in New York. It was then sold to a private collector and remained out of the public eye for many years. In 2016, the diamond was put up for auction at Christie’s in Geneva, Switzerland.
The diamond’s rarity and exceptional quality attracted many bidders, and it eventually sold for a record-breaking price of $57.5 million, making it the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction at that time.
Auction Price
The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond’s auction price of $57.5 million was a historic moment in the diamond industry. The diamond was sold to an anonymous buyer, who named it the “Oppenheimer Blue” in honor of its previous owner.
The diamond’s sale price was a testament to its rarity and exceptional quality. It was the largest and finest blue diamond ever sold at auction, and its sale shattered the previous record held by the Blue Moon of Josephine, which sold for $48.5 million in 2015.
| Diamond Name | Sale Price | Year Sold |
|---|---|---|
| Oppenheimer Blue | $57.5 million | 2016 |
| Blue Moon of Josephine | $48.5 million | 2015 |
| Pink Star | $71.2 million | 2017 |
The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond’s sale price highlighted the value of rare and exceptional diamonds in the global market. It also cemented the Oppenheimer family’s legacy in the diamond industry, as they continue to be one of the most influential families in the industry today.
The Blue Moon of Josephine Diamond
The Blue Moon of Josephine is a stunning 12.03-carat diamond that was named after its previous owner, Josephine Bonaparte, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. The diamond is considered to be one of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world due to its unique color and clarity.
History
The Blue Moon of Josephine was discovered in the Cullinan mine in South Africa in January 2014. The diamond was then sold to Hong Kong-based jewelry company Chow Tai Fook for a whopping $25.6 million. The company then spent over six months cutting and polishing the diamond to perfection.
The diamond was unveiled to the public in September 2015 at the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, where it was immediately recognized as one of the most valuable diamonds in the world. The Blue Moon of Josephine was then sold at a Sotheby’s auction in November 2015 for a record-breaking $48.5 million, making it the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction at that time.
Auction Price
The $48.5 million sale price of The Blue Moon of Josephine shattered the previous record for a diamond sold at auction, which was held by the Graff Pink diamond that sold for $46 million in 2010. The Blue Moon of Josephine also holds the record for the most expensive diamond per carat ever sold at auction, with a price of $4.03 million per carat.
The buyer of the diamond has chosen to remain anonymous, adding to the mystery and allure of this breathtaking gem. The Blue Moon of Josephine is now considered to be one of the most iconic and valuable diamonds in history, and its beauty and rarity will undoubtedly continue to captivate the world for generations to come.
The Graff Pink Diamond
The Graff Pink Diamond is a rare and highly valuable gemstone that has captured the attention of the world. This remarkable diamond was discovered in South Africa in 1999 and was named after its owner, Laurence Graff, a British billionaire and the founder of Graff Diamonds.
History
The Graff Pink Diamond is a type IIa diamond, which is known for its exceptional clarity and color. It weighs 24.78 carats and has a pink hue, making it one of the rarest diamonds in the world. The diamond was originally owned by Harry Winston, a famous jeweler from New York, who purchased it in 1950 from a private collector in India.
Winston then sold the diamond to a private collector, who kept it for several years before selling it to Laurence Graff in 2010. Graff paid a record-breaking $46 million for the diamond, making it the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction at that time.
Auction Price
The Graff Pink Diamond was sold at Sotheby’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale in November 2010. The auction was highly anticipated, and there was a lot of speculation about how much the diamond would sell for.
When the bidding began, it quickly became clear that the diamond was going to fetch a high price. There were several bidders, including Laurence Graff, who was bidding over the phone. The bidding went back and forth, with Graff eventually winning the diamond for $46 million.
The sale of the Graff Pink Diamond set several records. It was the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction, and it also set a new record for the price per carat for a pink diamond. The diamond’s sale price was more than double the previous record for a pink diamond, which was set in 2009 when a 5-carat pink diamond sold for $2.2 million per carat.
| Year | Owner | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Harry Winston | Unknown |
| 2010 | Laurence Graff | $46 million |
The Graff Pink Diamond remains one of the most valuable and sought-after diamonds in the world. Its rarity, beauty, and history make it a unique and highly prized gemstone.
The Winston Blue Diamond
The Winston Blue Diamond is one of the most expensive jewels in the world. This diamond is a pear-shaped, fancy vivid blue diamond weighing 13.22 carats. It was discovered in the Premier Mine in South Africa in 2014.
History
The Winston Blue Diamond was named after its former owner, Harry Winston, a well-known jewelry dealer. Winston purchased the diamond at an auction in Geneva, Switzerland, in May 2014 for a record-breaking $23.8 million. The diamond was originally cut from a 27.85-carat rough diamond, which took over six months to cut and polish.
The diamond is believed to have originated from the Cullinan mine in South Africa, which is known for producing some of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the Cullinan Diamond and the Taylor-Burton Diamond.
Auction Price
The Winston Blue Diamond was sold at the Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale in May 2014. The diamond was estimated to sell for between $21 million and $25 million but ended up selling for $23.8 million, setting a new world record for the price of a blue diamond at auction.
The diamond was purchased by Harry Winston, who renamed it the Winston Blue Diamond. Winston was known for his love of diamonds and his passion for acquiring some of the world’s most famous jewels. He owned several other famous diamonds, including the Hope Diamond and the Lesotho Promise.
The Winston Blue Diamond is now part of the Harry Winston collection and is considered one of the most valuable diamonds in the world. It is a testament to the beauty and rarity of blue diamonds and the skill of the craftsmen who cut and polished it.
The Perfect Pink Diamond
The Perfect Pink Diamond is a 14.23 carat Fancy Vivid pink diamond that was sold at auction for a record-breaking price of $23.2 million in 2010. The diamond is oval shaped and is mounted on a platinum ring, surrounded by colorless diamonds. It is considered to be one of the most valuable pink diamonds in the world.
History of the Perfect Pink Diamond
The Perfect Pink Diamond was discovered in South Africa in 2010 and was sold at auction later that year. It was originally mined by the De Beers mining company and was cut and polished by the renowned diamond cutter, Steinmetz Group. The diamond was then sold to an anonymous buyer at the auction held by Christie’s in Hong Kong.
Pink diamonds are extremely rare and are only found in a few mines around the world. The majority of pink diamonds come from the Argyle mine in Western Australia, which is known for producing some of the most valuable pink diamonds in the world. The Perfect Pink Diamond is considered to be one of the most valuable pink diamonds ever discovered.
Auction Price
The Perfect Pink Diamond was sold at auction for a record-breaking price of $23.2 million in 2010. The auction was held by Christie’s in Hong Kong and the diamond was sold to an anonymous buyer. The price per carat of the diamond was $1.63 million, which is one of the highest prices ever paid for a pink diamond.
The high price of the Perfect Pink Diamond is due to its rarity and the fact that it is a Fancy Vivid pink diamond, which is the highest color grade for pink diamonds. The diamond is also considered to be flawless, which means that it has no internal or external blemishes.
| Carat Weight | Color Grade | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 14.23 | Fancy Vivid Pink | $23.2 million |
The Perfect Pink Diamond is a stunning example of the beauty and rarity of pink diamonds. Its high auction price is a testament to its value and desirability among collectors and connoisseurs of fine jewelry.
The Moussaieff Red Diamond
The Moussaieff Red Diamond is one of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. The diamond is a fancy red diamond, which is the rarest and most valuable color for a diamond to possess. The diamond is named after its current owner, Moussaieff Jewelers Ltd.
History
The Moussaieff Red Diamond was discovered in the 1990s in the Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia. The diamond was originally a 13.9-carat rough stone, which was cut and polished to create the 5.11-carat diamond we see today. The diamond was initially purchased by William Goldberg, a New York-based diamond dealer, who sold it to Moussaieff Jewelers in 2001.
The diamond has a long and fascinating history, and its rarity and beauty have made it a highly sought-after gemstone. The diamond has been displayed in various exhibitions around the world, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Auction Price
The Moussaieff Red Diamond is one of the most expensive diamonds in the world. In 2001, Moussaieff Jewelers purchased the diamond for an undisclosed amount, but it is believed to be around $20 million. The Moussaieff Red Diamond was last sold at auction in 2011 for a record-breaking $20 million, making it the most expensive red diamond ever sold at auction.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | The Moussaieff Red Diamond |
| Color | Fancy Red |
| Weight | 5.11 carats |
| Discovery | 1990s in the Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia |
| Current Owner | Moussaieff Jewelers Ltd. |
| Price | $20 million |
Conclusion
After exploring the most expensive jewelry in the world, it is clear that these pieces are not just accessories but works of art that have been crafted with utmost precision and care. The price tags that come with them reflect the rarity of the materials used, the level of craftsmanship involved, and the historical significance of the pieces.
While most of us may not be able to afford such extravagant jewelry, it is fascinating to learn about their history and admire their beauty from afar. The stories behind these pieces are as captivating as the jewelry itself, and they serve as a testament to the human desire for beauty and luxury.
Whether it is the famous Blue Moon diamond, the stunning Pink Star, or the iconic Graff Pink, these pieces will continue to captivate and inspire jewelry enthusiasts for generations to come.
Key Takeaways
- The most expensive jewelry in the world is not just expensive but also rare and unique.
- The price tags of these pieces reflect the rarity of the materials used, the level of craftsmanship involved, and the historical significance of the pieces.
- The stories behind these pieces are as captivating as the jewelry itself and serve as a testament to the human desire for beauty and luxury.
References
| 1. | “The Most Expensive Jewelry in the World – 2021 Update.” Luxe Digital. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://luxe.digital/lifestyle/style/most-expensive-jewelry/. |
| 2. | “The 20 Most Expensive Pieces of Jewelry in the World.” Town & Country. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/jewelry-and-watches/g19782732/most-expensive-jewelry-in-the-world/. |
| 3. | “The Most Expensive Jewels in the World.” Harper’s BAZAAR. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/jewellery-watches/a28340912/most-expensive-jewellery-in-the-world/. |