7 Of The Most Expensive Jewels Ever Sold At Auction
These ostentatious collectible items signify the epitome of luxury and prestige
This week, jewellery connoisseurs in the region were in for a dazzling treat when the Sotheby’s gallery in Dubai lit up with an exquisite display of magnificent jewels. The exceptional pieces, which include a rare Cartier yellow diamond brooch and a brilliant sapphire and diamond set, form part of the Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale, set to take place in Geneva in May.
The annual diamond extravaganza is known to host some of the most bespoke and expensive jewellery pieces in the world, truly exhibiting the epitome of wealth and luxury.
Other diamond auctions across the globe have also sold some remarkable items, with elite clientele unafraid to drop immense sums of money in order to own some of the most coveted gems in the world.
In the spirit of indulgence and splendour, here are some of the most expensive gems and jewellery pieces ever sold at auction.
The Pink Star, $71.2 million
In April 2017, The Pink Star broke records when it was sold for a hefty $71.2 million at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong. The vivid pink gem sports 59.60 carats and is revered for its cut, clarity and intensity of colour. Deemed internally flawless, the magnificent gem was a cut from rough stone in 1999, and has since been on display at the Natural History Museum in London before being purchased by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises in the historic sale.
The Oppenheimer Blue, $57.6 million
Once owned by Philip Oppenheimer of the illustrious diamond-minding Oppenheimer family, the vivid blue diamond is even rarer to find than a magnificent pink gem, making it one of the most extraordinary diamonds in the world. At 14.62 carats, the gem is set on a platinum band and bounded by two smaller gems on either side. The Oppenheimer Blue was sold at Christie’s in Geneva in 2016, breaking the record of the most expensive blue diamond ever sold at auction, a title previously held by the Blue Moon of Josephine.
The Winston Pink Legacy, $50.7 million
Originally found in South Africa and belonging to the Oppenheimer family, the 18.96-carat pink diamond was bought by the Harry Winston company – after whom the gem is now named after. Its $50.7 million purchase price set a record for the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction.
Marie Antoinette’s Pearl and Diamond Pendant, $36.2 million
A jewellery piece that has passed through generations, Queen Marie Antoinette’s pearl and diamond pendant was sold for $36.2 million in Geneva in 2018, setting a record for the most expensive natural pearl ever sold. The pearl is suspended from a diamond bow pendant that initially formed part of a three-part necklace. The coveted item has a colourful history having travelled from France to Austria during the 1700s and being passed between royal family members. It was eventually purchased by an anonymous bidder who owns the item today.
The Orange, $35.5 million
Sold by Christie’s in Geneva in 2013, the fancy vivid orange diamond is a 14.82-carat pear-shaped marvel. It’s approximately 9 carats heavier than the second-largest orange diamond ever discovered, and was bought by an anonymous bidder for $35.5 million.
Cartier Sunrise Ruby Ring, $30.4 million
This Burmese pigeon blood ruby is prized for its intense colour and brilliance. The 25.59-carat ruby is set within a Cartier ring and cushioned between two diamonds. It was sold in Geneva for $30.4 million in 2014.
Empress Eugenie Bow Brooch, $10.5 million
Known for her love of ostentatious jewellery, Empress Eugenie’s Bow Brooch features five diamond fringes and two opulent diamond-encrusted tassels. When the royal couple – Empress Eugenie and Emperor Napoleon III were exiled from France in the 1800s, the brooch was one of the many exquisite jewellery items the couple left behind. It was eventually sold for $10.5 million to be added to the collection the at Louvre Museum.
