Over the previous decade the worth of uncommon diamonds and gems has skyrocketed. Consumers have dropped tens of tens of millions of {dollars} on jewels, and the competitors is intensifying. It appears there is no restrict to what somebody can pay to personal the most important flawless diamond or a mesmerizing Burmese ruby. Some can pay prime greenback to have the naming rights on a celebrated stone. Others pay for the bragging rights of carrying Queen Marie Antoinette’s pearl. Some drop tens of millions within the identify of affection.
What will get prime greenback? The six costliest jewels—every above $40 million—had been fancy coloured pink and blue diamonds. They’re uncommon pure wonders that public sale consultants in comparison with nice artworks; there is just one and it might probably’t be repeated. However even higher than artwork, patrons can put on these jewels daily—although some might require a safety guard.
Right here, the 40 costliest jewels offered at public sale.
1
The Pink Star, $71.2 million
Sotheby’s Hong Kong, April 2017The Pink Star shattered each value file when it offered at Sotheby’s for an astonishing $71.2 million. At 59.60 carats, the flamboyant vivid pink internally flawless diamond is the world’s costliest diamond or jewel offered at public sale—by an extended shot. This lovely pink jewel (in regards to the measurement of a strawberry) is prized for its measurement, readability, and depth of coloration. Like an awesome murals, consultants say there’ll by no means be one other one prefer it.
2
The Oppenheimer Blue, $57.5 million
Christie’s Geneva; Might 18, 2016The world’s largest fancy vivid blue diamond to hit the public sale block, the 14.62-carat diamond may sound comparatively small in comparison with 60-carat Pink Star, however vivid blue diamonds are much more uncommon than pink so to search out one in every of this measurement and high quality is miraculous. It was named for Sir Philip Oppenheimer, the previous chairman of the De Beers diamond firm who owned the stone.
3
Reminiscence of Autumn Leaves & Dream of Autumn Leaves, $57.4 million
Sotheby’s Geneva, Might 2017As the most costly earrings offered at public sale, this set of fancy-colored pear-shaped diamonds are an unlikely pair. Related in measurement and form, one is a 14.54-carat fancy vivid blue diamond and different is a 16-carat fancy intense pink. It’s a collector’s dream to get two distinctive coloured diamonds in a single sale.
4
The Winston Pink Legacy, $50.7 million
Christie’s Geneva; November 13, 2018When the Harry Winston firm paid over $50 million for this diamond—far exceeding the $30 million estimate—it set a file value per carat for a pink diamond at public sale. Initially present in South Africa and lower in 1920, the stone belonged to the Oppenheimer household who managed De Beers. It’s now famously named for its new proprietor.
5
The Blue Moon of Josephine, $48.4 million
Sotheby’s Geneva, November 2015Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau paid a jaw-dropping sum for a 12.03-carat internally flawless fancy vivid blue diamond as a present for his seven-year-old daughter Josephine. This got here a day after he bought a 16.8-carat pink diamond for $28.5 million at rival public sale home Christie’s, which he named Candy Josephine. That’s fatherly love.
6
The Graff Pink, $46.1 million
Sotheby’s Geneva, November 2010Billionaire Laurence Graff dropped a record-breaking $46.1 million for a 24.78-carat fancy intense pink diamond. It as soon as belonged to his rival Harry Winston, however now it’s a part of Graff’s historic assortment of uncommon diamonds and bears his identify.
7
The Princie Diamond, $39.3 million
Christie’s New York; April 16, 2013Its noble lineage dates to the Nizams of Hyderabad, however extra lately it’s been the topic of a nasty household feud. The magnificent 34.65-carat fancy intense pink diamond belonged to Italian politician and businessman Renato Angiolillo. After his loss of life, his youngsters battled over his property and claimed that stepsiblings stole the stone.
8
Queen Marie Antoinette’s Pearl, $36.2 million
Sotheby’s Geneva, November 2018After a fierce bidding warfare, the victor paid a file value for this massive pure pearl and diamond pendant. Not simply any pearl, it belonged to the ill-fated French Queen Marie Antoinette and was a part of a jewellery assortment offered by Italy’s royal Bourbon-Parma home. The brand new proprietor paid a premium for the bragging rights of the Queen’s jewels.
9
The Orange, $35.5 million
Christie’s Geneva; November 12, 2013As the most important identified fancy vivid orange diamond, this 14.82-carat pear-shaped stone is a pure phenomenon. As Christie’s said of their catalog, a stone of this coloration and measurement is “the final word possession for diamond collectors.”
10
De Grisogono Diamond and Emerald Necklace, $33.7 million
Christie’s Geneva; November 14, 2017How do you put on a 163.41-carat D coloration, flawless diamond gracefully? Fawaz Gruosi, former proprietor of the now defunct de Grisogono, created a chic necklace of tons of of emeralds and diamonds to showcase the stone’s breathtaking magnificence.
11
The Zoe Diamond, $32.6 million
Sotheby’s New York, November 2014When Bunny Mellon offered her distinctive 9.75-carat fancy vivid blue pear-shaped diamond to Hong Kong property tycoon Joseph Lau for a record-breaking value, he promptly renamed it Zoe after his daughter. Mellon used the proceeds of the sale to fund her ardour: It went to the Gerard B. Lambert Basis, which helps the Oak Spring Backyard Library and horticultural and academic endeavors.
12
The Pink Promise, $32.5 million
Christie’s Hong Kong; November 28, 2017Described by Christie’s as “the Picasso of the pink diamond world,” this 14.93-carat fancy vivid pink stone took in additional than $30 million. Except for its distinctive rose coloration, the form is distinctive. “If you have a look at the form of the stone, it’s so elegant,” says Rahul Kadakia, the home’s worldwide head of jewellery. “It’s a cross between an oval and a marquise — what we name a moval.”
13
Vivid Blue Diamond, $32 million
Sotheby’s Hong Kong, April 2016A vivid blue diamond alone is uncommon, however when it’s over 10 carats and oval-shaped, it’s much more distinctive. That’s why this 10.10-carat vivid blue diamond ring flanked by two pear-shaped diamonds fetched greater than $30 million.
14
The Distinctive Pink, $31.6 million
Sotheby’s Geneva, Might 2016When this 15.38-carat fancy vivid pink pear-shaped diamond offered in 2016, it set a world file for any vivid pink diamond at public sale. The GIA wrote: “The Distinctive Pink is a most distinctive merchandise within the fascinating world of gem stones. It’s exceptionally uncommon for any pure diamond to disclose fancy vivid pink coloration, however for one in every of 15.38 carats to exhibit such tone and saturation is astonishing.”
15
Flawless Oval Diamond, $30.8 million
Sotheby’s Hong Kong, October 2013At 118.28 carats, this D flawless oval-shaped diamond is a kind lla, a uncommon class of diamonds which can be essentially the most chemically pure and sometimes described as showing like swimming pools of crystal-clear water. On the time of its sale, the GIA reported it was the most important diamond of this measurement, form, and high quality it had ever graded.
16
Cartier Dawn Ruby Ring, $30.4 million
Sotheby’s Geneva, November 2014On this planet of coloured gem stones, a Burmese pigeon blood ruby is essentially the most uncommon and priceless. They stand aside for his or her deeply saturated coloration and pure fluorescence, which supplies the stone a vigorous interior fireplace. Business consultants say that this 25.59-carat cushion-cut Burmese ruby set between two shield-cut diamonds in a Cartier signed ring is essentially the most lovely of its type.
17
The Candy Josephine, $28.5 million
Christie’s Geneva; November 10, 2015In two days, Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau spent almost $80 million on two diamonds for his seven-year-old daughter Josephine. He paid a file value for this 16.8-carat fancy vivid pink cushion-cut diamond ring, sort lla. The subsequent day, he paid over $48 million for a vivid blue diamond at Sotheby’s. Now Josephine’s identify is without end tied to 2 record-breaking diamonds.
18
Hutton-Mdiani Jadeite Necklace, $27.6 million
Sotheby’s Hong Kong, April 2014As an emblem of supreme standing and wealth in Asia, top-quality jadeite is essentially the most coveted jewel even surpassing diamonds. That’s why a collector dropped a record-breaking $27.6 million for this necessary necklace comprised of 27 completely matched graduated jadeite beads of translucent brilliant inexperienced coloration. Owned by socialite Barbara Hutton and Princess Nina Mdivani, it additionally has a powerful provenance.
19
The Winston Legacy, $26.7 million
Christie’s Geneva; Might 15, 2013To solidify its place because the supply of the world’s premiere diamonds, the Harry Winston firm dropped almost $30 million on what was billed because the world’s largest flawless diamond on the time. The 101.73-carat D flawless pear-shaped stone got here from a 234-carat tough diamond found in a De Beers mine in Jwaneng, Botswana. It took almost two years to chop and polish earlier than it got here to public sale as what Christie’s referred to as the “good diamond.”
20
Spirit of the Rose, $26.6 million
Sotheby’s Geneva, November 2020As the most costly purple-pink diamond offered at public sale on the time, the Spirit of the Rose is called for its lovely rosy hue. Found in 2017 in Russia’s distant Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the unique 28-carat tough pink crystal was reworked into a wonderfully proportioned 14.83-carat fancy vivid purple-pink oval diamond.
21
The Cullinan Dream, $25.3 million
Christie’s New York; June 9, 2016The 24.18-carat fancy intense blue diamond was found in 2014 within the storied South African Cullinan mine. The mine is known for producing a few of world’s most historic stones, together with the Cullinan I, which is now housed within the Tower of London as a part of the Crown Jewels of England.
22
The Wittelsbach-Graff, $24.3 million
Christie’s London; December 10, 2008Courting again to 1664, the 35.56-carat fancy deep greyish-blue diamond belonged to Spanish, Austrian, and Bavarian royalty earlier than Laurence Graff paid a record-breaking sum so as to add his identify to the diamond. To the dismay of collectors and purists, Graff recut the stone to enhance its brilliance and reduce imperfections. It’s now a slimmer 31 carats—and excellent.
23
The Winston Blue, $23.8 million
Christie’s Geneva; Might 14, 2014After Harry Winston bought this 13.22-carat flawless fancy vivid blue pear-shaped diamond ring, it was renamed in honor of its founder—and to hold on his legacy because the King of Diamonds.
24
The Excellent Pink, $23.1 million
Christie’s Hong Kong; November 29, 2010In 1642, French service provider and adventurer Jean-Baptiste Tavernier recorded seeing a big pink diamond over 200 carats, proven to him by Moghuls within the Kingdom of Golconda. Within the ensuing centuries, comparatively few top-quality sizable pink diamonds had been found, and that’s why costs have skyrocketed. A working example is that this 14.23-carat rectangular-cut fancy intense sort lla pink diamond which fetched $23 million.
25
The Final Emerald-Lower Diamond, $22.1 million
Sotheby’s New York, April 2015Billed because the “good” 100-carat emerald lower diamond, the stone appeared like a pool of water. On the time, it was one in every of solely six diamonds over 100 carats to hit the public sale block. A diamond of this high quality and measurement is taken into account a pure marvel. The D flawless sort lla stone is the whitest and clearest stone conceivable.
26
The Archduke Joseph Diamond, $21.5 million
Christie’s Geneva; November 13, 2012This 76-carat D flawless diamond packs historic significance: It was found within the historical Golconda mines of India, the world’s solely diamond supply till the early 18th century and belonged to Archduke Joseph August (1872–1962), a Hungarian prince of the Habsburg dynasty. Provenance apart, it’s a unprecedented diamond in high quality, measurement and sweetness.
27
Magnificent Fancy Intense Pink Diamond Ring, $20.8 million
Sotheby’s Geneva, November 2016An funding worthy jewel: Now that the world’s primary supply of pink diamonds, the Argyle mine, was depleted and closed in 2020, the costs for pinks have skyrocketed. That’s what makes this 17-carat fancy intense pink diamond a wise funding.
28
Moussaieff Blue and Pink Diamond Necklace, $20.5 million
Christie’s Hong Kong; Might 29, 2018In the event you can’t resolve between a uncommon blue or pink diamond, Moussaieff created an beautiful necklace with two distinctive diamonds. It options an 8-carat fancy vivid blue internally flawless, pear-shaped diamond and a 1.60-carat fancy intense pink spherical diamond. The proper pairing.
29
A Uncommon Fancy Vivid Purplish-Pink Diamond, $19.9 million
Sotheby’s Hong Kong, October 2019Actual property, shares, or diamonds? It seems that uncommon pink diamonds ship the perfect returns: Over the previous 20 years, pink diamonds from the Argyle mine have risen 500% in worth. That’s why this distinctive 10.64-carat fancy vivid purplish-pink diamond fetched $20 million.
30
The Crimson Flame, $18.3 million
Christie’s Hong Kong; December 1, 2015Since Marco Polo introduced Burmese rubies to Europeans within the thirteenth century, the scintillating pink gem has captivated individuals. This 15.04-carat cushion-cut pigeon blood Burmese ruby exemplifies the best high quality of rubies with its wealthy, saturated coloration and scintillating interior fireplace.
31
Fancy Vivid Blue Cushion-cut Diamond, $18.3 million
Christie’s New York; December 5, 2018An distinctive 8.08-carat fancy vivid blue diamond is much more priceless in a signed Bulgari ring. These exceptionally uncommon diamonds get their coloration from traces of boron within the stone’s construction—they usually stay some of the elusive stones within the jewellery world.
32
A Pear-Formed Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond, $18.2 million
Christie’s Geneva; November 15, 2016The demand for top-quality pink diamonds far exceeds the provision, and that’s why when a stone like this 9.14-carat pear-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond involves market, there’s all the time a buzz. A non-public Asian collector positioned the successful bid for this diamond.
33
Extremely Necessary Vivid Purple-Pink Diamond Ring, $17.8 million
Sotheby’s Hong Kong, October 2014Every time a pink diamond of greater than 5 carats involves public sale, it turns into the focal point and fetches prime greenback time after time. What makes this 8.41-carat fancy vivid purple-pink diamond much more fascinating is the superbly proportioned pear-shape set in a signed Sotheby’s Diamonds ring with white diamonds.
34
Miroir de l’Amour (Mirror of Love), $17.6 million
Christie’s Geneva, November 15, 2016When the world’s most necessary pair of flawless diamond earrings come to public sale, it’s going to create a commotion. Beautiful in measurement and sweetness, it’s a triumph to discover a matching pair. These D flawless pear-shaped diamonds—over 50 carats every—are the perfect of the perfect.
35
The Maria Cristina Royal Belle Epoque Diamond Brooch, $17.6 million
Christie’s Geneva; Might 14, 2014The epitome of affection and romance, the Cartier signed Belle Epoque diamond devant-de-corsage brooch was a marriage present from King Alfonso XII of Spain to his spouse, the Archduchess Maria Christina of Austria in November 1879. The elegant design incorporates a trio of enormous diamonds—34.8-carat pear-shaped, 23.55-carat oval-shaped, and a 6.5-carat marquise-shaped—with lily-of-the-valley diamond hyperlinks.
36
Excellent Vivid Blue Diamond Ring, $17.1 million
Sotheby’s Geneva, Might 2016An distinctive and uncommon jewel, the 7.32-carat pear-shaped fancy vivid blue is a discreet collectible. Most gained’t know you’re carrying a $17 million greenback ring. If you realize, you realize.
37
The Martian Pink, $17.4 million
Christie’s Hong Kong; Might 29, 2012Most pure pink diamonds have a tinge of purple or orange, however this 12-carat fancy intense pink stone is pure pink. Initially owned by Harry Winston, the jeweler offered it to a non-public purchaser in 1976, the identical 12 months that the U.S. launched a satellite tv for pc mission to Mars. Winston’s inheritor, Ronald Winston, named it the Martian Pink to mark the historic milestone.
38
The Sky Blue Diamond, $17.1 million
Sotheby’s Geneva, November 2016Blue diamonds are so uncommon that most individuals will solely see them in a museum, such because the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. which homes the well-known Hope Diamond. The 45.52-carat darkish grayish blue Hope Diamond is essentially the most visited artifact on the museum—which illustrates a blue diamond’s magical enchantment. This 8.01 fancy vivid blue diamond in a Cartier signed diamond ring can also be a mesmerizing jewel.
39
The Star of the Season, $16.6 million
Sotheby’s Geneva, Might 1995When Sheikh Ahmed Hassan Fitaihi of Saudi Arabia bought the 100.10-carat D flawless diamond, it set an public sale file for the very best priced jewel. A voracious jewellery collector, the Sheikh bought hundreds of necessary jewels and stones—however this one was particularly significant. Quickly after he acquired it, somebody supplied to purchase it for a large mark-up, however he refused to promote.
40
The Graff Vivid Yellow, $16.3 million
Sotheby’s Geneva, Might 2014Described as the colour of a daffodil, the 100.09-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond is without doubt one of the largest and Most worthy top-quality yellow diamonds. The 190-carat tough diamond was uncovered in South Africa in 2005 and bought by Laurence Graff who sacrificed almost 50 % of its carat weight to attain perfection.
Supply: elle