In the realm of luxury, few items epitomize opulence like the world's most expensive jewelry pieces. These extraordinary gems not only showcase nature's brilliance but also reflect the pinnacle of human craftsmanship and the allure of exclusivity.
The Pink Star Diamond: A Record-Breaking Marvel
The Pink Star Diamond stands as a testament to nature's artistry and the zenith of diamond valuation. Weighing an impressive 59.60 carats, this fancy vivid pink diamond was sold at a Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong in 2017 for a staggering $71.2 million, setting a world record for the most expensive jewel ever sold at auction. Mined by De Beers in 1999 in South Africa, the Pink Star underwent 20 months of meticulous cutting by Steinmetz Diamonds to achieve its flawless clarity and exceptional hue.
Oppenheimer Blue: A Legacy of Royalty
The Oppenheimer Blue, a 14.62-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, fetched $57.5 million at a Christie's auction in Geneva in 2016. Named after its previous owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer, this diamond is renowned for its vibrant color and historical significance. Its sale marked a significant moment in the world of high-value gemstones, highlighting the enduring appeal of blue diamonds among collectors and investors alike.
The Blue Moon of Josephine: A Family Heirloom
In 2015, the Blue Moon of Josephine, a 12.03-carat cushion-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond, was sold for $48.4 million at a Sotheby's auction in Geneva. Purchased by Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau, the diamond was named after his daughter, Josephine. This sale not only set a record for the highest price per carat but also underscored the personal significance that such extraordinary jewels can hold for their owners.
The Graff Pink: A Jewel of Unmatched Beauty
Laurence Graff, a renowned jeweler, acquired the Graff Pink, a 24.78-carat fancy intense pink diamond, for $46.2 million in 2010. This diamond, previously owned by Harry Winston, is celebrated for its perfect cut and exceptional clarity. Its acquisition by Graff further cemented the diamond's status as one of the most coveted jewels in the world, reflecting both its intrinsic beauty and the prestige of its owner.
The Estrela de Fura: A Ruby of Unparalleled Quality
In 2023, the Estrela de Fura, a 55.22-carat Mozambique ruby, was sold for $34.8 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York. Dubbed the "world's largest gem-quality ruby," this stone is renowned for its deep red color, often referred to as "pigeon-blood" red, which is considered the highest compliment for ruby coloring. Its sale marked a significant milestone in the valuation of colored gemstones, highlighting the increasing appreciation for rubies among collectors.
The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace: A Historical Treasure
Cartier's Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace, designed in the 1930s for American heiress Barbara Hutton, was sold at a Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong in 2014 for $27.4 million. This jadeite, ruby, and diamond necklace not only exemplifies Cartier's exceptional craftsmanship but also carries a rich history, having been part of the private collection of the Mdivani family, the Georgian royal family. Its sale underscored the enduring value of historical pieces in the luxury jewelry market.
The Bleu Royal: A Modern Marvel
In 2023, the Bleu Royal, a 17.61-carat pear-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond, was sold for over $44 million at a Christie's auction in Geneva. This diamond, the largest fancy vivid blue diamond ever offered at auction, surpassed its pre-sale estimate of $35 million, setting a new record for the most expensive jewel sold at auction that year. Its sale highlighted the continued demand for rare and exceptional gemstones in the global market.