The Most Expensive Jewelry Ever Sold & The Stories Behind Them

Luxury jewelry has captivated the world forever, not just because of its sparkling beauty but also because each jewel is endowed with a story, a background, and a sense of mystery. Some of the costliest jewelry in the world that have sold at auction are those with a royal background, celebrity owners, or extraordinary gems that are hard to source. They have broken records, triggered bid wars, and have achieved a mythical status in high jewelry.

From sparkling diamonds to antique pearls, these are 10 of the costliest jewelry items that have ever changed hands—and with each a remarkable story.

The Most Expensive Jewelry Sold: A Brief Overview

Before we delve in depth, a glance at the costliest jewelry items and some background on each is in order.

1. The Pink Star Diamond - $71.2 Million

A Record-Breaking, Extremely Rare Pink Diamond

The Pink Star is the most expensive diamond in recorded history. The 59.6-carat oval-cut pink diamond is graded as having the rarest level of “fancy vivid pink” by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which makes it arguably the most extraordinary diamond in the world. De Beers originally dug out the diamond in Africa in 1999 as a 132.5-carat raw diamond. Two years went by before it was finally shaped into its perfect oval form by skilled craftspeople.

Auction History

It originally sold at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2013 for a record $83 million, which its buyer failed to repay. In 2017, it went on the market again and sold at $71.2 million at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong to jewelry company icon Chow Tai Fook, which renamed it as The CTF Pink Star in its owner's honor. The Pink Star remains the largest diamond ever sold at auction as also perhaps the prettiest gemstone in existence.

2. The Oppenheimer Blue - $57.5 Million

The largest fancy vivid blue diamond on record

Named after its former owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer, is this 14.62-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which is arguably the rarest blue diamond in the world. The emerald-cut gemstone makes its depth as well as fire more accentuated, making it a work of art in itself.

Auction Battle at Christie’s

The Oppenheimer Blue was auctioned at Christie’s Geneva in 2016 with competitive bidding from collectors around the globe. After a 20-minute duel, it went on to sell at a price of $57.5 million, which at that time marked a new high as the largest blue diamond sold at auction.

So Why Is It So Costly?

• The largest fancy vivid blue diamond on record that is available on the market.
• It belonged to Sir Philip Oppenheimer, a member of the family that controlled De Beers, the world’s leading diamond company.
• This is a very rare as well as highly valued deep royal blue.
• This book is a reference guide in rare colored diamonds in high jewelry.

3. L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace - $55 Million

A Necklace Like Any Other

Held in its position as the most valuable diamond necklace in existence, the L'Incomparable Necklace is a work of pure art. The enormous 407.48-carat yellow diamond, also the largest perfect diamond graded by the GIA, is secured in 18-karat rose gold with 91 accompanying diamond accents worth over 200 carats.

A Diamond Unwittingly Discovered

This diamond is as remarkable as it is massive. The diamond itself was discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 1980s by accident. A small girl tripped over the raw 890-carat gem in a pile of rejected mining waste. Experts soon realized its significance, and after some two decades spent cutting with care, it was crafted into a gemstone with unmatched fire and clarity.

Who is its owner?

This is a piece made by high-end jewelry designer Mouawad, known for crafting some of the most expensive jewelry in the world. Not sold at auction, its approximate value of $55 million makes it as expensive as some jewelry in jewelry history.

4. The Blue Moon of Josephine - $48.4 Million

A Billionaire's Daughter Fit For A Gemstone

This 12.03-carat vivid blue diamond captured global attention in 2015 when it was purchased by Hong Kong millionaire Joseph Lau at a record $48.4 million at Sotheby’s Geneva. The diamond was subsequently christened The Blue Moon of Josephine in honor of Lau’s seven-year-old daughter Josephine.

A Gemstone Like No Other

What makes this diamond special?

• Colour & Clarity - It is one of the rarest purest blues graded, with a designation as a "fancy vivid".
• Perfect Symmetry - The stone is shaped into a perfect cushion shape with no flaws, enhancing its brilliance.
• Rarity - Blue diamonds are highly prized by collectors because these high-quality gems are relatively rare.

This gift from Lau is not the first expensive jewelry gift that he made to his daughter. The billionaire also bought the Sweet Josephine Pink Diamond as well as the Star of Josephine, joining a global premier collectors' club.

5. Hope Diamond - Around $250 Million

A Diamond Surrounded by Secrets & Myth

The Hope Diamond is arguably the most famous gemstone in the world. The 45.52-carat deep-blue diamond is a gem with a captivating and haunting history, which is often attributed with a curse that is said to have brought bad luck on its owners.

Origins and Relations with Monarchs

The diamond is rumored to have begun in India, having apparently been stolen from a temple. The diamond went on to be purchased by King Louis XIV of France, who had it re-cut and placed into his collection. After the French Revolution, the diamond went missing, resurfacing in England in the 1800s. The Hope Diamond went through a series of owners, with bankers, collectors, and socialites, before ending up in the possession of Harry Winston, a renowned American jewelry designer. In 1958, Winston donated the diamond to the Smithsonian Institution, which is on display.

So why is it that valuable?

• It is also one of the largest and least common blue diamonds in existence.
• There is a rich historical context with links to the monarchy in France.
• Believed to be cursed, which makes it that much more legendary.
• While not on the market at auction, its approximate value is over $250 million.

The Hope Diamond is not just a gemstone; it is a historical relic surrounded in mystery and intrigue.

6. The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond – $23.4 Million

A Shrouded History with a Royal Diamond

The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond is a 31.06-carat deep blue diamond that dates from the 17th century. The diamond once belonged to the Bavarian Crown Jewels before passing through centuries in possession of European royals.

From Monarchs to Auction Houses

It was recorded in 1664, when it was presented as a dowry gift to King Philip IV of Spain from his daughter, Infanta Margarita Teresa, on her engagement with Emperor Leopold I of Austria. The diamond went on to be a cherished member of the House of Wittelsbach, which ruled Bavaria. However, in early 20th century, diamond went missing from royal treasures. The diamond resurfaced at a Christie’s auction in 2008, which acquired it at a cost of $23.4 million from famous jewelry designer Laurence Graff.

Controversial Recutting

Graff took a drastic step in re-cutting the diamond, reducing its weight from 35.56 carats to 31.06 carats in a move that aims at improving its luster and clarity. Some critics slammed the step as a mutilation of a gem with a historical background, while others embraced its new look as making the diamond more lovely. Today, still, is the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond listed as one of the wealthiest blue diamonds in the world, with its value far in excess of its original cost at auction.

7. Graff's The Peacock Brooch - $100 Million (Private Sale)

A Masterwork in Colorful Diamonds

While some on this list have not sold at auction, Graff Diamonds' Peacock Brooch is worth a staggering $100 million and is included as one of the most expensive jewelry in the entire world.

A Spectacle in Color

This beautiful brooch is in a shape that imitates a peacock with a collection of colored diamonds amounting to a total of 120.81 carats. The centerpiece is a 20.02-carat fancy deep blue diamond that is located at the center, reminiscent of a peacock's feathers' "eye".

This work is adorned with diamonds in colours:

• Fancy vivid yellow
• Extremely pink
• Fancy green
• Fancy white

Who is its owner?

Graff hasn't made a public declaration regarding the client, but this exquisite brooch is perhaps the most expensive jewelry item ever crafted.

8. Marie Antoinette Pear Necklace - $36 Million

A Necklace Fit for a Queen

This beautiful pearl necklace that once belonged to Marie Antoinette sold in 2018 at Sotheby’s Geneva for a staggering amount of $36 million.

Marie Antoinette, infamous Queen of France, owned a sumptuous collection of jewelry. Preparing for the French Revolution, she sent her treasured jewels out of France in hopes she could recover them at a later time. She did not leave alive, but her pearls survived undamaged and hid out more than 200 years.

Why is it so valuable?

• The chain is accentuated with largesque, authentic pearls, which in the 18th century were far more elusive.
• Its royal heritage makes it a historical relic worth its worth.

The sensational and intriguing story of Marie Antoinette add to its draw. This jewelry is currently one of the most expensive royal jewelry sold at auction, a testament that historical significance is as important as gemstones.

9. The Bulgari Blue Diamond - $15.7 Million

A Rare, Triangular-Cut Blue Diamond

Bulgari Blue Diamond is a stunning 10.95-carat vivid blue diamond surrounded by a 9.87-carat white diamond in a gorgeous two-stone ring. The ring is regarded as one of the most famous blue diamonds that have ever been made by high-end jewelry designer Bulgari.

A Special Love History Behind The Ring

This extraordinary ring was originally purchased by a collector in 1972 as a gift for his wife, whom he cherished. The ring was a testament to their devotion, and it resided in private collection for many years before it went on sale in 2010.

Auction at Christie's

The ring was expected to be sold at a price of $5 million, but in a fiery battle at Christie’s New York, it shattered estimates, fetching a sum of $15.7 million—the highest priced Bulgari ring sold until that date. With its rarity of a rare blue diamond, flawless symmetry, and a design that is iconic, it is seen as a greatly cherished jewel in the entire world.

10. The Pink Promise Diamond - $32.4 Million

A Perfectly Cut Pink Diamond

The Pink Promise Diamond is a 14.93-carat fancy vivid pink diamond, with flawless clarity as well as saturated color. The defining feature is its oval shape, which accentuates its brilliance.

Transformation & Recutting

The diamond originally weighed 16.21 carats, although it was later recut by gemstone specialist Sotheby’s Stephen Silver in a bid to enhance its colour saturation and clarity. The risky procedure paid off, as its ultimate shape was that of a ideally shaped pink diamond with great brilliance.

Christie's Hong Kong Sale

The Pink Promise diamond in 2017 went on sale at Christie’s Hong Kong in a staggering $32.4 million. The sale set a record price per carat at that time.

What Is Special About these Items of Jewelry?

Each of these extraordinary jewelry pieces is imbued with something that makes each worth a million. Whether a gemstone that is precious, a historical background that is extraordinary, or a connection with celebrities and royals, these attributes send their prices soaring into orbit:

• Hard to Find Gemstones - Flawless pink, yellow, and blue diamonds are extremely rare.
• Historic Significance – Objects like Marie Antoinette's pearls and the Hope Diamond have centuries-long royal as well as mythic history.
• Tailor-Made Craftsmanship - Luxury brands like Bulgari, Graff, and Mouawad utilize high quality material as well as master craftsmanship.
• Bidder Wars at Auctions - Billionaires' bidding sends prices soaring.
• Famous & Monarchic Ownership - The merit of a work is highly increased if it once owned a famous historical icon.

These jewelry are not just accessories; they are masterworks, symbols of power, and historical artifacts that have attracted the attention of the entire globe.