Gemstones have been treasured for centuries and continue to hold their place in the luxury market as a symbol of wealth and power. These precious stones are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike, and their value can reach astronomical heights. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 most expensive gemstones in the world.
1. The Pink Star
The Pink Star Diamond boasts the highest rating of “vivid pink” from the Gemological Institute of America, and is the largest internally flawless pink diamond ever graded by the GIA. Initially a 132.5-carat rough diamond, it took two years to cut and polish into its current form, which sits at a magnificent 59.60 carats.
In 2013, the Pink Star was first auctioned at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva, where it sold for an astonishing $83 million to diamond cutter Isaac Wolf. However, the sale was later cancelled as he failed to come up with the funds. The diamond was finally sold in 2017 at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong to the renowned Hong Kong-based jeweler, Chow Tai Fook, for an incredible $71.2 million. This sale has cemented the Pink Star’s place in history as the most expensive gemstone ever sold, and it is sure to continue to fascinate diamond enthusiasts for many years to come.
2. The Oppenheimer Blue
The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond, named after its previous owner Sir Philip Oppenheimer, is a truly magnificent jewel that embodies the pinnacle of human achievement in gemstone cutting and polishing. This remarkable 14.62-carat blue diamond, which was mined in the rich mineral deposits of South Africa, was subjected to an intricate and painstaking process of cutting and polishing by the skilled and experienced artisans of Graff Diamonds, one of the most renowned diamond companies in the world. Their efforts have resulted in a diamond that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also historically significant, as it represents the largest blue diamond ever to be sold at an auction. The diamond’s journey from its origins in the South African mines to its final destination at the auction in Geneva, Switzerland in 2016 is a testament to the remarkable human ingenuity and craftsmanship that went into its creation.
3. The Blue Moon
The Blue Moon Diamond is a truly remarkable find. With a weight of 12.03 carats, this gemstone is one of the largest cushion-shaped fancy vivid blue diamonds ever auctioned. The diamond’s sale in 2015 for $48.5 million was won by a Hong Kong-based businessman who was so taken with the diamond’s beauty that he named it after his seven-year-old daughter, before gifting it to her.
While the Blue Moon Diamond is certainly a marvel of nature, it is also a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the diamond cutters and jewelers who worked with it. The process of cutting and polishing a diamond of this size and quality is no easy feat, and it takes a great deal of skill and expertise to bring out its full potential.
4. The Pink Promise
In 2017, the Pink Promise Diamond was sold at a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong for $32.5 million. This diamond, which is one of the largest pink diamonds ever to be sold at an auction, has a weight of 14.93 carats. It was mined in Australia and then sent to the prestigious diamond company, Chow Tai Fook, where it was cut and polished to perfection. The diamond market is constantly evolving and changing, and the sale of the Pink Promise is a testament to the demand for high-quality stones. It’s fascinating to see how a simple piece of rock can become one of the most expensive and coveted items in the world.
5. The Graff Pink
The Graff Pink Diamond, a rare 24.78-carat pink diamond, captured the attention of the world when it was auctioned off in 2010 in Geneva, Switzerland for a staggering $46 million. The diamond’s rich history adds to its allure, having been originally owned by Harry Winston, one of the most renowned jewelers of the 20th century. The diamond later found its way into the hands of Laurence Graff, the founder of Graff Diamonds.
It has since become a symbol of wealth and luxury, coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its value has only continued to rise over the years, with many predicting that it will be worth even more in the future. The diamond’s unique color and size make it stand out among other gems, and its rich history and association with such prestigious names only add to its mystique. It is truly a one-of-a-kind gemstone..
6. The Winston Blue
Named after its previous owner Harry Winston, this 13.22-carat diamond sold for $23.8 million at a prestigious auction in Geneva in 2014. Being the largest flawless vivid blue diamond to ever appear at an auction, it has been the subject of much interest and admiration. Mined in South Africa, the Winston Blue Diamond is a testament to the beauty that can be found in the earth’s natural resources. Its unique color, clarity, and size make it a rare find and an exquisite addition to any collection. The diamond reflects the skill and expertise of the miners, who worked tirelessly to extract and refine it, and the auctioneers, who recognized its exceptional qualities and presented it to the world. Truly, the Winston Blue Diamond is a jewel that will be cherished for generations to come.
7. The Perfect Pink
In 2010, The Perfect Pink Diamond was sold for $14 million at an auction in Hong Kong. The diamond, which weighed 14.23 carats and was sourced from South Africa, is among the rarest diamonds in the world, with only a small percentage of diamonds possessing any pink hue. The hue can range from a faint pinkish tint to a deep and vibrant pink, with the latter being the most valuable.
The Perfect Pink Diamond’s internal flawless clarity grade is another factor that makes it so valuable. A diamond’s clarity grade refers to the presence or absence of inclusions or blemishes, and the internal flawless grade is the highest grade a diamond can receive. It means that the diamond has no internal inclusions or blemishes that are visible under 10x magnification, making it incredibly rare and valuable.
Overall, The Perfect Pink Diamond represents the pinnacle of beauty and rarity in the world of diamonds. Its unique combination of size, color, and clarity makes it one of the most sought-after diamonds in the world, and its sale at auction for $14 million is a testament to its value and desirability.
8. The Moussaieff Red
The Moussaieff Red Diamond was sold at an auction in 2001 for a staggering $20 million. This 5.11-carat red diamond was discovered in Brazil, and has since been regarded as the largest red diamond ever to be sold at an auction. This magnificent gem, which boasts a rich and vibrant color, has been the subject of much admiration and fascination from gem enthusiasts and collectors all over the world.
Moussaieff Jewellers, a London-based jewelry company, was the lucky buyer of this exceptional diamond. Since then, the company has showcased the diamond in various exhibitions and events, allowing people to marvel at its beauty and rarity. The Moussaieff Red Diamond has become one of the most iconic and sought-after gems in the world of luxury jewelry, and it continues to captivate and inspire people with its brilliance.
9. The Bulgari Blue
The Bulgari Blue Diamond, one of the rarest and most precious gems in the world, was sold for a staggering $15.7 million at an auction held in 2013. The diamond, which weighs 3.80 carats and is a striking shade of blue, is internally flawless, making it an extremely valuable piece. The Bulgari Blue Diamond was originally mined in India, and was later acquired by the renowned Italian jewelry company, Bulgari. It is considered to be a true masterpiece of nature, with its beauty and rarity making it a symbol of extreme luxury and wealth. The diamond’s unique color and high level of clarity have made it highly sought after by collectors and investors alike, and it remains one of the most coveted gems in the world today.
10. The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace
The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace was sold for $27.4 million at an auction in Hong Kong in 2014. The necklace features 27 jadeite beads, each one more exquisite than the last. Jadeite, a type of jade, is known for its vivid green color and translucency. The beads are perfectly matched in color and size, and the necklace is finished with an elegant clasp, adding to its timeless beauty. However, what makes this necklace truly unique is its rich history of over a hundred years. It has been owned by some of the most powerful and influential people in the world, including Barbara Hutton, an American socialite, and the Qianlong Emperor of China’s Qing dynasty.
Conclusion
These gemstones represent the pinnacle of luxury and wealth, and are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike. While most of us may never be able to afford these precious stones, it is still fascinating to learn about their history and significance in the world of gems. The items on this list have been mined from all over the world, and cut and polished by some of the most renowned diamond companies. Each one has a unique story and has been owned by some of the wealthiest people in the world. The most expensive gemstones in the world are truly one-of-a-kind and have a value that is hard to comprehend.