Jewelry has held a special place in our hearts throughout history, whether it be as a symbol of power, status, wealth, love, tradition, or self-expression. Caught in our fascination with these sparkling stones, we can’t help but delve into the depths of the earth to discover the most dazzling ones.
Today, those who want the most exquisite jewels and jewelry in existence can shell out millions of dollars and still be unable to acquire them because some of these gemstones are truly priceless. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at a few of the most expensive jewels from across the globe and the reason behind their hefty price tags!
Graff Pink Ring - $46.2 Million
The Graff Pink is a 23.88-carat pink diamond that has gained famed for its large size and delicate pink hue. It was once owned by the jeweler Harry Winston and later bought by the jeweler Laurence Graff in a 2010 auction at a whopping $46.2 million. Laurence Graff had the stone re-cut, trimming it down from 24.78 carats to 23.88 carats, to make it shine even more brilliantly. The gemstone ring is now hailed as being “internally flawless” and has thus become part of one of the most expensive jewelry in the world.
Blue Moon of Josephine - $48.4 Million
With a flawlessly vivid blue hue reminiscent of the ocean and a 12.03-carat weight, the Blue Moon of Josephine is considered to be among the most expensive jewels. It was sold to Hong Kong real-estate billionaire Joseph Lau Luen-Hung at a Sotheby’s auction in 2015 which earned it the record-breaking tag of $48.4 million—the highest-ever price per carat. The gem was originally discovered in South Africa and was named ‘Blue Moon’ but was later renamed ‘Blue Moon of Josephine’ after Joseph Lau Luen-Hung’s daughter.
L’Incomparable Necklace - $55 Million
L’Incomparable or The Incomparable is a diamond necklace that houses 91 clear diamonds and a flawless yellow diamond, totaling 637 carats, which has made it one of the most expensive jewelry pieces out there. It was crafted by the famed Lebanese jeweler Mouawad and given a price tag of $55 million. The yellow diamond pendant alone is 407.8 carats and is said to have been discovered by a young girl among a pile of mining rubble in the 80s Democratic Republic of Congo.
Apollo and Artemis Earrings - $57.4 Million
A pair of blue and pink pear-shaped diamond earrings, Apollo and Artemis have set the record as the most expensive earrings ever to be purchased at an auction. The pink diamond, Artemis, is nearly flawless and weighs 16.00-carat. The blue diamond, Apollo, is internally flawless, weighs 14.54-carat, and holds the record for the largest internally flawless fancy vivid blue diamond on auction. This is why the pair is considered among the most expensive jewels as well as the most expensive jewelry in the world.
The Pink Star - $71.2 Million
The Pink Star was auctioned off within 5 minutes by Sotheby’s in 2017 for a phenomenal tag of $71.2 million to a Hong Kong conglomerate company Chow Tai Fook Enterprises. This 59.60-carat pink diamond was mined by De Beers in South Africa in 1999 and was originally a 132.5-carat rough diamond that was cut and polished into a flawlessly clear diamond with a vivid pink hue. It’s the largest internally flawless and fancy vivid pink graded diamond, which explains why it’s one of the most expensive jewels out there.
Peacock Brooch by Graff Diamonds - $100 Million
Valued at $100 million, the Peacock Brooch by Graff Diamonds features a whopping 1,305 diamonds in white, yellow, pink, orange, and green, weighing a total of 120.81 carats. The center houses a fancy deep blue pear-shaped diamond weighing 20.02 carats that can also be worn separately. The extravagant brooch was introduced in 2013 at the TEFAF luxury arts and antique fair in the Netherlands and is considered not only one of the most expensive jewelry pieces but also a peerless work of art and craftsmanship.
The Heritage in Bloom Necklace - $200 Million
Chinese jeweler Wallace Chan designed the Heritage in Bloom necklace with 11,551 precious gemstones weighing 383.4 carats, including 600 pink diamonds, 114 jadeites, 72 white jades, and 24 internally flawless diamonds—a labor of love that took over 47,000 hours. The diamond at the center alone is valued at $35 million. It’s no wonder that the whole set fetched an astounding price tag of $200 million to solidify its place among the most expensive jewelry in the world. The necklace features a modular design with motifs inspired by Chinese culture and can be worn in 27 ways.
The Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond is a top contender for the title of the most expensive jewel with a history dating back to the mid-17th century when it was first found in the Golkonda mines of India. It has exchanged hands with Henry Philip, Louis XIV, Abdulhamid II, Pierre Cartier, and Harry Winston who donated it to the Smithsonian Institute where it’s now part of their permanent collection. There’s no clear number on the value of the 45.52-carat deep-blue diamond pendant but estimates range from $200 to $250 and even go up to $350.
Koh-i-noor
The Koh-i-noor is the most expensive jewel in existence with a complicated history adding to its fame. It’s the largest colorless, internally flawless, brilliant cut diamond, weighing 105.6 carats, and is a part of Britain’s crown jewels. Amazingly, the original diamond weighed a staggering 793 carats until its first cut. Putting an estimate on the diamond itself is difficult but the crown jewels are estimated to be between $10 billion to $20 billion, giving Koh-i-noor the spot of the most expensive jewel.
What Makes Some Jewelry More Expensive Than Others?
Prices for the most expensive jewelry in the world are influenced by a number of factors including the quality and rarity of gemstones, metal, craftsmanship, origin, and perceived value.
Owning even one of these is a dream come true for many. However, if you’re not a die-hard collector with millions at your disposal, even an affordable option from AZEERA will be just as valuable because it’s the meaning you give to a piece of jewelry that ultimately defines its worth!
