💎The Most Expensive Jewels in the World

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💎  Top 10 Most Expensive Jewels in the World

In this edition, we’re counting down the top 10 most expensive jewels in the world. These gems have been auctioned, acquired, and admired by collectors, royalty, and aficionados alike. Each piece on this list has set records in the high-jewelry world, capturing the imaginations of those who encounter their beauty and rarity. Some are priceless pieces, guarded in collections and museums, while others have made history through high-profile auctions, setting new standards for value and exclusivity. Join us as we explore these gems that shine brighter than the rest.

🔶🔶 10. The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace – $27.4 million

The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace is one of the most famous pieces in Cartier's jewelry collection and represents an iconic blend of elegance, history, and opulence. This remarkable necklace features 27 graduated jadeite beads, each over 15mm in diameter, skillfully carved from a single boulder of jadeite. The uniformity of color and texture across each bead speaks to the rarity of the stone and the meticulous craftsmanship involved in its creation. The necklace is secured with a luxurious 18k yellow gold clasp adorned with rubies and diamonds, adding a touch of vibrant color to the cool green jadeite and underscoring Cartier’s commitment to exquisite detailing.

The history of this necklace is as captivating as its appearance. It was originally owned by American heiress Barbara Hutton, the only child of Edna and Franklyn Laws Hutton and granddaughter of Frank W. Woolworth, founder of the Woolworth department store empire. Known as one of the wealthiest women of her time, Hutton received this jadeite masterpiece as a wedding gift from her father when she married Prince Alexis Mdivani of Georgia in 1933. The necklace quickly became a symbol of Hutton's wealth and style, representing the peak of luxury in both the jewelry world and high society.

Designed specifically for Hutton by Cartier, this jadeite necklace was later dubbed the Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace, cementing its legacy in both fashion and history. The necklace remained with Hutton throughout her tumultuous life, accompanying her through her various marriages and travels as a personal and family heirloom. After Hutton’s death in 1979, the necklace continued to gain renown, cherished by collectors for its remarkable provenance and pristine condition.

The unique origins of each bead, all carved from the same jadeite boulder, add to the piece's rarity and value. This uniformity contributed to the necklace’s most recent auction price of $27.4 million in 2014, highlighting the enduring allure of jadeite as a gemstone of high cultural and financial value. Known for its deep, lustrous green color, jadeite is considered a precious and sacred stone, especially in Asian cultures, where it is valued for its beauty, durability, and symbolic significance.

The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace continues to captivate admirers worldwide, standing as a testament to Cartier’s artistry, Barbara Hutton's legacy, and the timeless appeal of jadeite. With its rich history and exceptional craftsmanship, the necklace remains one of the most celebrated and valuable pieces in the world of high jewelry.

 🔶🔶  9. Zoe Diamond - 32.6 million

The Zoe Diamond is a celebrated gem known for its extraordinary color, remarkable rarity, and record-breaking auction performance. Weighing 9.75 carats, this pear-shaped Fancy Vivid Blue diamond has achieved renown not only for its beauty but also for its position in the world of high-value gemstones. Its vivid blue hue, a classification from the Gemological Institute of America, is the rarest and most sought-after color grade for blue diamonds, adding significantly to its allure. The gem’s clarity and nearly flawless transparency make it a standout piece, showcasing a level of purity that enhances the depth of its blue color.

The Zoe Diamond made headlines in November 2014 when it was auctioned by Sotheby’s New York as part of the collection of Rachel Lambert Mellon, known as Mrs. Paul Mellon, a prominent American philanthropist and horticulturist. Mrs. Mellon’s collection featured numerous exquisite pieces, but the Zoe Diamond emerged as the centerpiece due to its unique color and impressive provenance. At auction, the diamond sold for $32.6 million, with an astonishing per-carat price of approximately $3.3 million, setting a world record for price per carat for any diamond at that time.

Following the sale, the diamond was named the Zoe Diamond by its anonymous buyer, a collector from Hong Kong. This renaming emphasized the gem’s singularity and contributed to its mystique. The high per-carat value underscored the rarity and demand for Fancy Vivid Blue diamonds, particularly those of this clarity and intensity.

The discovery of blue diamonds is rare, typically originating from a few specific mines, such as those in South Africa’s Cullinan Mine. The Zoe Diamond’s crystal-clear color and size make it one of the finest examples of such stones, as blue diamonds of comparable quality and size seldom reach the market. Its sale price not only reflects its intrinsic beauty and value but also highlights the increasing desire for colored diamonds in the high-jewelry market.

Today, the Zoe Diamond is regarded as a gem of unparalleled beauty and cultural significance. Its record-breaking sale and rich blue color make it one of the most notable blue diamonds ever auctioned, celebrated for its elegance and enduring allure among both collectors and gem enthusiasts worldwide.

🔶🔶 8. Graff Pink - $46.2 million

The Graff Pink is a breathtaking diamond known for its exceptional color, size, and purity, making it one of the world’s most famous and valuable pink diamonds. Originally weighing 24.78 carats, this rare, fancy intense pink diamond was once part of the private collection of American jeweler Harry Winston, who is celebrated for acquiring and trading some of the most extraordinary gemstones in the world. The diamond's history, while somewhat shrouded in mystery, spans several decades, and its unique pink hue and clarity have fascinated gem enthusiasts for generations.

The Graff Pink is classified by the Gemological Institute of America as a Type IIa diamond, which is an incredibly rare category representing less than 2% of the world’s diamonds. This classification signifies that the diamond is almost entirely devoid of nitrogen, giving it an exceptional purity and a near-translucent quality that amplifies its beautiful pink color. The stone’s color grade is "fancy intense pink," one of the highest distinctions in the pink diamond spectrum, making it especially rare and highly coveted among collectors.

In 2010, the diamond made headlines when it was sold at Sotheby’s Geneva for an astonishing $46 million, setting a new record at the time for the highest price ever paid for a diamond at auction. The buyer was none other than Laurence Graff, the British diamond dealer known for his discerning eye and dedication to enhancing rare gems. Following the purchase, Graff had the diamond subtly recut to remove flaws and maximize its brilliance, reducing it to 23.88 carats. This meticulous work further elevated the diamond’s clarity and vibrancy, unveiling new dimensions of sparkle and color.

After this enhancement, the stone was renamed the Graff Pink, cementing its association with Laurence Graff, who has handled some of the most significant diamonds in the world. Today, the Graff Pink is regarded as a symbol of beauty and rarity, celebrated for its intense hue and impeccable quality. The diamond’s status as one of the most valuable pink diamonds ever auctioned, combined with its flawless appearance and historic provenance, makes it a true icon in the world of luxury gemstones. Its legacy is marked not only by its stunning aesthetic but also by its journey through the hands of esteemed collectors and its place as a timeless piece of art in the realm of fine jewelry.

🔶🔶 7. Blue Moon of Josephine – $48.4 million

Breaking all previous records, the Blue Moon Diamond, later renamed The Blue Moon of Josephine, made history when it was sold at Sotheby’s Geneva in November 2015. The stunning gem achieved a price of over $4 million per carat, setting the world auction record for price per carat for any diamond or gemstone. This remarkable sale underscored not only the rarity of the diamond itself but also the unmatched allure of colored gems, especially those as vibrantly blue as the Blue Moon of Josephine.

With its exquisite 12.03-carat weight and a cushion-shaped cut, this fancy vivid blue diamond stands out among the world’s most extraordinary gemstones. Suzette Gomes, CEO of Cora International, commented on the diamond’s unique hue, saying, “After seeing the stone’s color and understanding its significance, it was fitting to name it the Blue Moon Diamond.” She observed that the stone’s shape resembles a full moon, but even more, the phrase “blue moon” captures the rarity of such an occurrence in nature. Much like the celestial event, a diamond of this intense, flawless blue is exceptionally rare, making it a true marvel among collectors and enthusiasts.

The Blue Moon Diamond was initially discovered in South African mines, known for producing some of the world’s most famous diamonds. When unearthed, the rough stone weighed 29.6 carats. It took great expertise and precision to cut and polish the gem down to its final 12.03 carats, a process that revealed the diamond’s full brilliance and ensured its color remained as intense as possible.

This gem is celebrated not only for its vivid color but also for its crystal-clear clarity, attributes that contribute to its unparalleled value. The rarity of a flawless blue diamond of this size and color depth only added to the excitement surrounding the Sotheby’s auction, where it captivated the world and set new standards in the luxury gem market. Today, The Blue Moon of Josephine is revered as an extraordinary piece, embodying both the beauty of nature and the artistry of gem-cutting at its finest. It remains a symbol of exclusivity and rarity, admired by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts around the globe.

 🔶🔶  6. L'Incomparable Diamond Necklace – $55 million

The Mouawad L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace is a breathtaking creation that holds the title of the world’s most valuable necklace, valued at an astounding $55 million. This extraordinary piece features a central, flawless 407.48-carat yellow diamond, regarded as the largest internally flawless yellow diamond in existence. Suspended from a stunning 229.52-carat white diamond necklace, this egg-sized gemstone captures the viewer's gaze with its golden radiance, evoking both majesty and elegance. The necklace is further adorned with delicate, 18-karat rose gold branchlets, which intertwine gracefully among the white diamonds, adding an organic flow to this masterpiece.

The story behind the central diamond is as unique as the gem itself. It was discovered entirely by chance in the 1980s by a young girl who stumbled upon it in a pile of discarded mining rubble in the African Congo. The diamond’s miraculous discovery only adds to its mystique, symbolizing the surprising and hidden beauty that can emerge even in the most overlooked places. From this humble beginning, the rough stone was transformed into the world-renowned, flawless yellow diamond that now sits at the heart of this necklace.

This masterpiece was crafted by Mouawad, a jeweler celebrated for its history of creating luxurious, record-breaking pieces. The L’Incomparable Necklace exemplifies the brand’s dedication to crafting high jewelry that is both timeless and groundbreaking in design and quality.

Currently, the Mouawad L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace holds its position as the most expensive necklace of its kind globally, celebrated not only for its monumental value but also for its striking beauty and rare centerpiece. It stands as a symbol of the transformative power of art and nature, embodying the pinnacle of luxury jewelry and continuing to captivate those fortunate enough to see it in person.

🔶🔶 5. Oppenheimer Blue – $57.5 million

The "Oppenheimer Blue" is an iconic jewelry piece named after Sir Philip Oppenheimer and is renowned for its striking 14.62-carat vivid blue diamond, one of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in existence. The diamond's color is described as "fancy vivid blue," a classification that places it among the most exceptional gems due to both its intense hue and clarity. Similar to the Pink Star, the Oppenheimer Blue was graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as the largest vivid blue diamond in the world, a distinction that elevates its status as one of the earth’s most treasured gems.

Discovered in a South African mine during the mid-20th century, the Oppenheimer Blue’s origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery. Details surrounding its discovery and early history remain elusive due to the mining company’s closure of its archives, rendering information about its initial unearthing inaccessible. This secrecy has only added to the mystique surrounding the diamond, making it all the more alluring to collectors and enthusiasts.

What is known is that the diamond became part of the Oppenheimer family, a name synonymous with diamonds and the De Beers mining empire. Sir Philip Oppenheimer, a prominent figure in the diamond industry and member of the family behind De Beers, is believed to have gifted the stunning diamond to his wife. The exact circumstances, including where the diamond was acquired and at what price, remain private, adding another layer of intrigue to its story.

The Oppenheimer Blue gained global attention in May 2016 when it was auctioned at Christie’s in Geneva. It was sold for an astonishing $57.5 million, setting a record at the time as the highest price ever paid for a blue diamond at auction. This historic sale underscored the immense value and demand for vivid blue diamonds, particularly those with such a prestigious provenance and flawless quality.

Today, the Oppenheimer Blue stands as a symbol of enduring beauty and rarity, admired for its enchanting color, size, and the legacy it carries. It represents a pinnacle of luxury and an exceptional example of the allure of colored diamonds, especially those that bear the weight of a distinguished and storied past.

 🔶🔶 4. Pink Star - $71.2 million

The "Pink Star" is an extraordinary diamond celebrated as one of the world’s rarest and most valuable gemstones. This dazzling pink diamond weighs an impressive 59.6 carats, but its story began with an even larger raw stone weighing 132.5 carats, mined in South Africa in 1999. The journey from its rough form to its refined beauty required painstaking craftsmanship and remarkable skill. It was eventually transformed into an oval-cut masterpiece, a feat that emphasized its rich color and flawless internal structure. The Pink Star is described by many as one of “the earth’s greatest natural treasures,” and it holds a unique place in gemology as the largest internally flawless pink diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

The Pink Star first dazzled the public in 2003, when it was showcased as the "Steinmetz Pink" during a private event. This initial reveal allowed select viewers to appreciate the diamond's striking color—a rare, vibrant pink that stands out among the finest colored diamonds in the world. The gem’s allure was undeniable, and it quickly gained fame for its impeccable cut, which brought out its color and brilliance with stunning clarity. The diamond’s hue is classified as “fancy vivid pink,” the highest possible grading for a pink diamond, making it incredibly rare and highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.

In 2007, the diamond changed hands for an undisclosed sum and was renamed the "Pink Star." This new title reflected its celestial beauty and status as a prized gem, resembling a radiant star in the night sky. It continued to captivate audiences and collectors, eventually becoming an icon in the world of high-value gemstones.

The Pink Star reached a new height in 2017, when it was sold by Sotheby’s at a historic auction. It fetched a record-breaking $71.2 million, the highest price ever paid for a gemstone at auction at that time. The buyer, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, a renowned jewelry company based in Hong Kong, secured the Pink Star for its private collection, cementing its status as one of the world’s most valuable diamonds.

Today, the Pink Star stands as a symbol of unparalleled rarity and beauty, representing both the marvels of nature and the heights of human artistry. Its journey from a South African mine to a global auction spotlight has made it a legend in the realm of luxury gemstones, admired not only for its exceptional color and flawless clarity but also for its storied legacy in the world of precious jewels.

🔶🔶 3. Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond - $80 million

The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond is one of the world’s most storied and valuable gems, renowned for its deep blue color and rich historical significance. This stunning diamond, originally weighing 35.56 carats, has origins tracing back to the famed mines of India, specifically in the Kollur Mine of the Golconda region. The diamond's history stretches over 350 years, beginning with its acquisition by King Philip IV of Spain in the 17th century. Initially part of the Spanish crown jewels, it later became associated with the Wittelsbach family in Bavaria after passing through royal hands, leading to its well-known title.

For generations, the Wittelsbach Blue, as it was then known, remained a symbol of royal prestige within the Bavarian and Austrian royal families, set in various ceremonial pieces. Its journey through European nobility only added to the diamond’s mystique and reputation as a jewel of unmatched quality and heritage. The diamond’s captivating blue hue, classified as "fancy deep blue" by the Gemological Institute of America, is similar to that of the Hope Diamond, adding to its allure and status as one of the rarest gems on earth.

In 2008, the diamond was purchased by London-based jeweler Laurence Graff for $24.3 million at a Christie’s auction. This acquisition sparked considerable attention, as Graff controversially chose to recut the diamond to improve its clarity and brilliance, reducing it to 31.06 carats. This decision stirred debate within the jewelry community, as the historical integrity of the stone was altered; however, Graff’s expertise brought out the gem’s hidden fire and luster, enhancing its brilliance while preserving its vibrant blue color. Following the recut, the diamond was renamed the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond.

The transformation heightened the diamond’s value and visibility, with many now regarding it as one of the most valuable blue diamonds globally. Its enchanting color and rich past make it a symbol of both royal lineage and the artistry of modern gem cutting. The diamond is often showcased to the public in various exhibitions, allowing admirers to appreciate its deep blue brilliance and learn about its complex journey through history. Today, the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond stands as an extraordinary example of both natural beauty and the transformative power of expert craftsmanship, a gem admired for its rare color, remarkable clarity, and enduring legacy within the world of fine jewelry.

🔶🔶 2. The Peacock Broach - $100 million

The Peacock Brooch is a magnificent piece of jewelry and ranks as the second most expensive in the world. It was first introduced to the public in 2013 at the prestigious TEFAF art fair in the Netherlands, where it quickly became a sensation for its exquisite craftsmanship and brilliant display of color. Shaped like a majestic peacock with its tail fully fanned, this brooch is an incredible testament to high jewelry artistry, measuring a total of 120.81 carats and comprising over 1,300 diamonds in a vibrant range of hues: white, yellow, blue, and orange.

At the heart of this stunning creation lies its crown jewel—a 20.02-carat fancy deep blue pear-shaped diamond. Blue diamonds of this caliber are among the rarest in the world, making this centerpiece exceptionally valuable and distinctive. Its intense hue and remarkable clarity draw immediate attention, grounding the entire piece with a luxurious focal point that underscores the opulence of the brooch.

The tail feathers, which make up the majority of the brooch’s surface, are meticulously adorned with diamonds in a palette that includes white, pink, yellow, orange, green, and blue. These diamonds vary in size and shape, creating a lifelike texture and fluidity that mirrors the delicate yet resplendent nature of peacock feathers. At the tip of each feather is a cluster of brilliant white diamonds, arranged to resemble blossoming flowers, adding a further layer of elegance and intricacy to the design. This "blooming" effect gives the piece a sense of organic beauty, as though the feathers themselves were gently unfurling in motion.

The design, with its lavish detailing and lifelike representation, showcases a remarkable level of skill and dedication. Each diamond, from the smallest white stone to the vibrant center, is precisely cut and positioned, creating a seamless blend of colors and shapes that come together harmoniously. This attention to detail speaks to the expertise required to craft such a piece and exemplifies the artistry of jewelry-making at its highest level.

While the Peacock Brooch has captivated audiences with its beauty, the identity of its owner remains a closely guarded secret. As a privately held treasure, it is unknown where this extraordinary piece resides, only adding to its allure and mystique. The brooch is not only a symbol of wealth but also of the enduring appeal of high jewelry art—an iconic piece that remains admired from afar, adding to its mythical status in the world of rare and precious jewels.

🔶🔶 1. The Hope Diamond – $250 million

This masterpiece, considered both the most expensive and arguably the most famous piece of jewelry in the world, features a 45.52-carat blue diamond at its center. Known as the Hope Diamond, it is a type IIb diamond, which is semi-conductive and has the unique characteristic of phosphorescence. When exposed to short-wave ultraviolet light, the diamond emits a striking red glow that lingers for several seconds. The beautiful blue hue of the diamond is due to trace amounts of boron within the stone.

Encircling the Hope Diamond in its pendant are 16 white diamonds in pear and cushion cuts, with an additional 45 white diamonds adorning the necklace chain.

The storied journey of the Hope Diamond began with Jean Baptiste Tavernier, a French merchant traveler, who acquired a 112 3/16-carat diamond, likely sourced from India’s famous Kollur mine in Golconda. In 1668, Tavernier sold the gemstone to King Louis XIV of France, along with several other diamonds. By 1673, the royal court jeweler, Sieur Pitau, recut the stone to 67 1/8 carats, and it became known as the "Blue Diamond of the Crown" or "French Blue." Set in gold and worn by the King on ceremonial occasions, it was described as having a deep steely-blue color.

This extraordinary diamond is also steeped in legend. Many believe it brings misfortune to its owners, possibly inspired by its unusual red phosphorescence. The supposed curse of the diamond traces back to the ill-fated Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, who were guillotined not long after acquiring it. Over time, the diamond traveled through England, Paris, and America, eventually becoming part of the collection of Evalyn Walsh McLean, an American socialite whose family also suffered numerous tragedies linked to its ownership.

After Evalyn’s death, the stone was purchased by jeweler Harry Winston, who, in 1958, donated it to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, where it remains on display today, captivating visitors with its beauty and enigmatic history.

From the dazzling brilliance of diamonds to the captivating allure of colored stones, these top 10 jewels represent the peak of luxury, history, and artistic skill. Each one tells a story of discovery, craftsmanship, and prestige that adds to its exceptional value. Whether held by royalty, collectors, or admired in museums, these jewels remind us of the timeless beauty and legacy that only the rarest gems can possess. We hope you enjoyed this journey through some of the most remarkable treasures on Earth, where nature and human creativity converge to create true masterpieces.

💎💎 Bonus Section - Two Priceless Marvels

Before we wrap up, we had to make room for two legendary gems that, while not included in our top 10 list by auction value, simply couldn’t be left out. The Cullinan and the Kohinoor diamonds are two of the most extraordinary jewels in history, each with a cultural impact and legacy that go beyond any price tag. Though they’ve never been auctioned and thus don’t qualify for a spot in our ranking, their unmatched size, beauty, and historical significance make them true icons in the world of gemstones. Excluding them felt incomplete—so let’s take a closer look at these priceless marvels that have shaped the jewelry world like no other.

🔶🔶 The Cullinan Diamond

The Cullinan Diamond is another legendary gemstone and, in its uncut form, was the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered. Weighing an astounding 3,106 carats, the diamond was unearthed in 1905 at the Premier Mine in South Africa. Because of its immense size and exceptional clarity, the diamond was ultimately cut into nine major stones and around 96 smaller stones, each remarkable in its own right. Collectively, the stones from the Cullinan Diamond are some of the most valued and historically significant gems globally, though they have never been publicly auctioned.

The two largest stones, Cullinan I and Cullinan II, are the most prominent and are set in the British Crown Jewels. Cullinan I, also known as the Great Star of Africa, is a pear-shaped diamond weighing 530.2 carats, making it the largest clear-cut diamond in the world. It is mounted in the British Sovereign's Royal Scepter. Cullinan II, the Second Star of Africa, weighs 317.4 carats and is set in the Imperial State Crown.

The Cullinan stones are not valued in terms of auction price or monetary worth since they belong to the British Crown Jewels. Their historical, cultural, and symbolic value makes them essentially priceless. Because they are not available for sale or private ownership, the Cullinan Diamond is not typically included in top 10 lists based on auction or market value. However, in terms of sheer importance and rarity, the Cullinan stones are among the most valuable and cherished diamonds globally.

 🔶🔶 The Kohinoor

The Kohinoor diamond is indeed one of the most famous jewels in the world, and its historical and cultural significance make it priceless. However, it isn’t typically included in the list of the top 10 most expensive jewels based on auction value because it has never been sold or privately valued.

The Kohinoor, a 105.6-carat colorless diamond, originated in India and is believed to have been mined in the Golconda region. Its storied past spans centuries, with the diamond passing through the hands of various rulers, including Persian, Mughal, and Sikh royalty, before being acquired by the British during the colonial era. Today, it is part of the British Crown Jewels and is set in the Crown of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, displayed at the Tower of London.

Because of its unique status as part of the Crown Jewels and its priceless designation, the Kohinoor is not valued in monetary terms or placed in auction listings, unlike other high-value diamonds such as the Pink Star or Graff Pink.