Buzz surrounding high-end jewelry auctions continues to fascinate enthusiasts and investors alike as rare gems fetch astonishing sums. In recent years, several standout transactions have shattered records, commanding unprecedented prices and reinforcing the allure of exceptional craftsmanship. This article explores the most expensive jewelry sales ever recorded, spotlighting the stones that rewrote the rules of luxury.
The Pink Star Diamond – Unrivaled at 71.2 million
At the apex sits a rose-toned marvel famously known as the Pink Star. This internally flawless, fancy vivid pink diamond weighing 59.60 carats achieved a staggering 71.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong in April 2017—a benchmark that remains unbeaten as the most expensive gemstone sale in history. Mined by De Beers in South Africa in 1999 and meticulously cut over two years, its unmatched hue and clarity place it in a class of its own.
Bleu Royal – The Hottest Sale of 2023
While the Pink Star holds the all-time record, the most impressive auction result of 2023 belongs to the Bleu Royal, a 17.61-carat Fancy Vivid blue diamond of rare internally flawless clarity. Offered at Christie’s Geneva in November 2023, it fetched over 43.8 million (approximately CHF 39.5 million), marking the highest price paid for a jewelry piece at auction that year.
Estrela de Fura and Eternal Pink – Colored Gems Surge
Christie’s and Sotheby’s also witnessed record-breaking colored gemstone sales in 2023. The Estrela de Fura ruby, weighing a remarkable 55.22 carats, became the most expensive colored gemstone sold at auction when it went for 34.8 million. The Eternal Pink, a 10.57-carat Fancy Vivid purplish pink diamond, also commanded 34.8 million and set a new record for its grade and a record price per carat.
From the Vault: The Heidi Horten Collection
London’s journalistic spotlight also turned to the private domain when Christie’s auctioned the Heidi Horten jewelry collection in Geneva in May 2023. This single-owner sale shattered expectations with a jaw-dropping 202.1 million hammer price, making it one of the most valuable jewelry collections ever to be auctioned.
Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco Tie Necklace
Art Deco elegance recently resurfaced in a record sale as well. A Van Cleef & Arpels rare diamond tie necklace, crafted circa 1929 and featuring a fluid, transformable design, sold for 3.6 million at Sotheby’s in June 2024—the highest ever for a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace.
Pink Diamonds Through the Years
Several pink diamonds have written chapters in auction lore. The Graff Pink, a 24.78-carat Fancy Intense Pink diamond sold in 2010 for 46 million—then a world-record at auction. The Williamson Pink Star, an 11.15-carat Fancy Vivid Pink sold in 2022 for 57.5 million, set a record price per carat for any gemstone.
Blue Moon of Josephine – A Blue Masterpiece
In November 2015, the Blue Moon of Josephine, a cushion-shaped, fancy vivid blue diamond weighing 12.03 carats, sold for 48.4 million at Sotheby’s Geneva. That sale set another record—highest price per carat and one of the most expensive jewels ever sold.
Historical Highlights: Princie Diamond and More
Even a decade earlier, the Princie Diamond—a 34.65-carat fancy intense pink diamond with royal provenance from the Nizams of Hyderabad—sold for 39.3 million in 2013. It remains among the most valuable Golconda stones ever auctioned.
Summing Up the Top Sellers
Here's a snapshot of the most expensive jewelry sales:
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Pink Star diamond – 71.2 million (2017)
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Bleu Royal diamond – 43.8 million (2023)
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Estrela de Fura ruby – 34.8 million (2023)
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Eternal Pink diamond – 34.8 million (2023)
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Williamson Pink Star – 57.5 million (2022)
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Blue Moon of Josephine – 48.4 million (2015)
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Graff Pink – 46 million (2010)
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Princie Diamond – 39.3 million (2013)
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Heidi Horten Collection – 202 million total (2023)
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Van Cleef & Arpels tie necklace – 3.6 million (2024)
Reflection: What Drives These Extraordinary Prices?
Three factors converge to drive these record shattering prices. First, rarity—colored diamonds, especially vivid pinks, blues, or purplish pinks, are exceptionally scarce. Second, gemological quality—flawless clarity and intense hues elevate value astronomically. Third, historical provenance or extraordinary craftsmanship further amplify desirability—and price. Whether a diamond’s ownership lineage, the scandal-tinged history behind noble ownership, or revolutionary jewelry designs like Art Deco tie necklaces, these stories captivate bidders.
Why These Gems Matter Beyond Their Carats
These sales transcend mere monetary value. They reaffirm that jewelry remains both a luxury asset and a cultural artifact. Collectors invest not just in sparkle, but in stories etched within each stone. In an age where digital tokens and fleeting trends abound, these enduring physical treasures remind us that some beauty and prestige remain timeless.