Jewelry has a way of capturing our imagination, especially when it carries a price tag that seems almost unbelievable. From diamonds that tell tales of royal families to pieces that have graced Hollywood’s elite, the world of high-end jewelry auctions is as fascinating as it is dazzling.
1. The L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace: A Display of Opulence
The L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace is a masterpiece featuring the world’s largest internally flawless diamond, weighing an impressive 407.48 carats. This extraordinary necklace was sold for $55 million in 2013, setting a world record for the most expensive necklace ever sold. The necklace was created by Lebanese jeweler Mouawad and includes 91 diamonds of varying cuts, totaling over 637 carats.
The central diamond, known as “The Incomparable,” was discovered in a pile of mining rubble by a young girl in the Democratic Republic of Congo over 30 years ago. The necklace’s design is both intricate and elegant, showcasing the impressive size and clarity of the main stone. This piece is a testament to the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who created it and the unique journey of the diamond itself. Its sale marked a significant moment in the world of luxury jewelry, captivating collectors and enthusiasts alike.
2. The Pink Star Diamond: A Record-Breaking Stunner
The Pink Star Diamond, a breathtaking 59.60-carat pink diamond, set the world record for any gemstone sold at auction when it was hammered down for an astounding $71.2 million. This rare gemstone was auctioned at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong in 2017. What makes the Pink Star truly special is its rarity and extraordinary hue, which is the strongest pink color grading given by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The buyer, a Hong Kong jeweler named Chow Tai Fook, renamed the stone to “CTF Pink Star” in honor of his late father.
This diamond, which was originally mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999, took two years to cut and polish. It had previously been sold at an auction in 2013 for $83 million, but the sale fell through when the buyer defaulted. According to Forbes, the Pink Star was then returned to the auction house until its record-breaking sale in 2017. Its exceptional size and color continue to captivate gem enthusiasts worldwide.
3. The Oppenheimer Blue: A True Blue Beauty
The Oppenheimer Blue, a mesmerizing 14.62-carat vivid blue diamond, became the most expensive blue diamond ever sold at auction when it fetched $57.5 million at a Christie’s auction in Geneva in 2016. Named after its previous owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer, who was a significant figure in the diamond industry, this gemstone is praised for its deep blue color and remarkable clarity. It was acquired by an anonymous buyer who bid over the phone, adding an air of mystery to this magnificent stone.
This diamond is set in a platinum ring flanked by two trapeze-cut diamonds on each side, enhancing its vibrant hue. The Oppenheimer Blue is known for its perfectly balanced dimensions, which contribute to its extraordinary brilliance and color saturation. According to The Guardian, the piece was part of a private collection and had never been offered at auction before, making its sale even more momentous. Its historical significance and breathtaking beauty make it a true treasure in the world of jewelry.
4. The Blue Moon of Josephine: A Father’s Gift
The Blue Moon of Josephine is a captivating 12.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond that sold for $48.4 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva in 2015. The diamond was purchased by Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau, who named it after his daughter, Josephine. This stunning gemstone, which was discovered in South Africa in 2014, is renowned for its flawless clarity and rich, vibrant blue color. Lau’s purchase was not just a show of wealth but a testament to his love and affection for his daughter.
This diamond is set in a simple yet elegant ring that allows its natural beauty to shine through. The Blue Moon of Josephine was initially estimated to sell for around $35 to $55 million, but its final sale price far exceeded expectations. According to CNN, the auction drew considerable attention from collectors and investors eager to own a piece of history. The diamond’s sale marked yet another record-breaking auction event and solidified its place among the most prized jewelry pieces in the world.
5. The Graff Pink: A Rare Pink Wonder
The Graff Pink, a 24.78-carat fancy intense pink diamond, was sold for a staggering $46 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva in 2010. This exquisite diamond was purchased by Laurence Graff, a renowned London jeweler known for his significant collection of rare gemstones. The Graff Pink is set in a ring and flanked by shield-shaped diamonds, enhancing its vivid pink color. It was previously owned by celebrity jeweler Harry Winston, adding to its allure and provenance.
Graff’s acquisition of this diamond was a highlight in his career, as it was the priciest single jewel ever sold at auction at that time. The Graff Pink’s size, color, and flawless quality make it an exceptional piece that is highly sought after by collectors. With its prestigious history and stunning appearance, the Graff Pink has become a symbol of luxury and opulence. Its story continues to captivate those who appreciate the beauty and rarity of pink diamonds.
6. The Winston Blue: A Diamond of Remarkable Hue
The Winston Blue is an awe-inspiring 13.22-carat, flawless blue diamond that was sold for $23.8 million at a Christie’s auction in Geneva in 2014. This diamond was named after the legendary American jeweler Harry Winston, whose company purchased the stone. The Winston Blue’s vivid color and perfect clarity make it an exceptional piece that stands out even among other blue diamonds.
This diamond is set in an elegant ring, designed to showcase its vibrant hue and flawless cut. The Winston Blue’s sale marked a significant milestone for Harry Winston, solidifying their reputation as a leading name in luxury jewelry. The diamond’s rarity and beauty have made it a coveted item among collectors and investors alike. Its remarkable hue and historical significance continue to captivate those who appreciate the finest in gemstones.
7. The Orange: A Fiery Gem
The Orange is the largest fancy vivid orange diamond ever to appear at auction, weighing an impressive 14.82 carats. It was sold for $35.5 million at a Christie’s auction in Geneva in 2013, setting a world record for an orange diamond. The Orange’s intense color and flawless clarity make it a rare and valuable gemstone that captivated collectors worldwide.
The diamond is set in a simple yet elegant ring that highlights its fiery hue. Its sale marked a significant moment in the world of colored diamonds, as the demand for orange diamonds has been steadily increasing. The Orange’s unique color and exceptional quality have made it a prized possession for its anonymous buyer. Its vibrant hue and remarkable size continue to fascinate those who appreciate the beauty of rare gemstones.
8. The Perfect Pink: A Dreamy Gemstone
The Perfect Pink is an exquisite 14.23-carat fancy intense pink diamond that was sold for $23.2 million at a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong in 2010. This diamond was purchased by an anonymous buyer, adding an air of mystery to its story. The Perfect Pink’s vibrant color and flawless clarity make it a truly exceptional piece that stands out among other pink diamonds.
This diamond is set in a beautiful ring, designed to showcase its breathtaking hue and perfect proportions. The Perfect Pink’s sale marked a significant moment in the world of colored diamonds, as it was one of the highest prices ever paid for a pink diamond at auction. Its rarity and beauty have made it a coveted item among collectors and investors alike. The Perfect Pink continues to captivate those who appreciate the finest in gemstones, with its dreamy hue and remarkable quality.
9. The Blue Belle of Asia: A Sapphire Sensation
The Blue Belle of Asia is an extraordinary 392.52-carat sapphire that was sold for $17.3 million at a Christie’s auction in Geneva in 2014. This sapphire, which originated in Sri Lanka, is renowned for its breathtaking deep blue color and remarkable size. The Blue Belle of Asia holds the record for the highest price ever paid for a sapphire at auction, making it a truly coveted gem.
The sapphire is set in an elegant necklace, designed to showcase its stunning color and impressive size. Its sale marked a significant moment in the world of colored gemstones, as the demand for high-quality sapphires continues to rise. The Blue Belle of Asia’s rarity and beauty have made it a prized possession for its anonymous buyer. Its deep blue hue and exceptional quality continue to captivate those who appreciate the finest in gemstones.
10. The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace: A Blend of History and Elegance
The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace, once owned by heiress Barbara Hutton, was sold for $27.4 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong in 2014. This exquisite necklace features 27 jadeite beads of remarkable size and color, which are among the rarest in the world. The necklace is complemented by a ruby and diamond clasp, designed by Cartier.
The jadeite beads are known for their intense green color and exceptional translucency, making them highly sought after by collectors. The necklace’s sale marked a significant moment in the world of jadeite jewelry, as it set a world record for the highest price ever paid for a jadeite piece at auction. Its historical significance and breathtaking beauty have made it a coveted item among collectors and investors alike. The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace continues to captivate those who appreciate the finest in jewelry, with its blend of history and elegance.
11. The Hope Spinel: A Historical Treasure
The Hope Spinel is a remarkable 50.13-carat spinel that was sold for $1.4 million at a Bonhams auction in London in 2015. This spinel, which was once part of the collection of Henry Philip Hope, is renowned for its rich pinkish-red color and exceptional clarity. The Hope Spinel holds the record for the highest price ever paid for a spinel at auction, making it a truly coveted gem.
The spinel is set in an elegant brooch, designed to showcase its stunning color and impressive size. Its sale marked a significant moment in the world of colored gemstones, as the demand for high-quality spinels continues to rise. The Hope Spinel’s rarity and beauty have made it a prized possession for its anonymous buyer. Its rich color and historical significance continue to captivate those who appreciate the finest in gemstones.
12. The Peacock Brooch: A Masterpiece of Design
The Peacock Brooch, created by Graff Diamonds, was sold for an impressive $100 million in 2013. This exquisite brooch features a stunning array of colored diamonds, including a 20.02-carat fancy deep green/blue diamond set at its center. The brooch’s intricate design and remarkable craftsmanship make it a true masterpiece of jewelry art.
The brooch features over 1,300 diamonds, including pink, yellow, and orange stones, totaling over 120 carats. Its sale marked a significant moment in the world of luxury jewelry, as it set a world record for the highest price ever paid for a brooch at auction. The Peacock Brooch’s rarity and beauty have made it a coveted item among collectors and investors alike. Its intricate design and stunning array of colors continue to captivate those who appreciate the finest in jewelry craftsmanship.
13. The Sunrise Ruby: A Fiery Gemstone
The Sunrise Ruby is an extraordinary 25.59-carat Burmese ruby that was sold for $30.3 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva in 2015. This ruby, which is renowned for its vibrant red color and exceptional clarity, is considered one of the finest rubies ever discovered. The Sunrise Ruby holds the record for the highest price ever paid for a ruby at auction, making it a truly coveted gem.
The ruby is set in a beautiful ring, designed to showcase its stunning color and impressive size. Its sale marked a significant moment in the world of colored gemstones, as the demand for high-quality rubies continues to rise. The Sunrise Ruby’s rarity and beauty have made it a prized possession for its anonymous buyer. Its vibrant color and exceptional quality continue to captivate those who appreciate the finest in gemstones.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Consult a financial professional before making investment or other financial decisions. The author and publisher make no warranties of any kind.
