Dive into the dazzling world of fame and fortune as we unveil the most expensive jewels owned by individuals. From red-carpet stunners to private collections, these glittering gems are more than just accessories—they’re statements of wealth, style, and personal stories. Join us on a journey through the extraordinary baubles adorning the likes of Hollywood royalty and music sensations.
From rare diamonds to vivid-colored gemstones, each jewel tells a tale of extravagance and glamor. Whether it’s a symbol of love, a status symbol, or a timeless investment, these owned gems are a reflection of a lifestyle where luxury knows no bounds. Let’s explore the world of the rich and famous through the prism of their most precious and priceless possessions!
10. The Moon of Baroda Diamond
Color: Canary yellow
Carat: 24.04 carats
Owner: Undisclosed
Image source: Only Natural Diamonds
The Moon of Baroda, a 24.04-carat canary yellow diamond, embodies a rich history steeped in both legend and prestige. Originating from the Golconda mines in India, its tale traces back centuries, rumored to have been part of an idol in a Hindu temple before adorning royal collections.
Initially discovered near Hyderabad between the 15th and 17th centuries, the uncut diamond weighed 25.95 carats before making its journey to the western city of Baroda. Despite changing hands over time and its current undisclosed owner, the Moon of Baroda’s value remains steeped in its rare canary yellow hue, a rarity among diamonds. Its hefty price tag of $750,000 reflects its exceptional size, color, and historical significance.
Did You Know?
This luminary gem rose to global recognition when it graced the legendary Marilyn Monroe during the filming of “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” in 1953.
9. The Taylor-Burton Diamond
Color: D color
Carat: 69.42 carats
Owner: Robert Mouawad
Image source: Internetstones.com
The Taylor-Burton Diamond, a dazzling gem weighing 69.42 carats with a rare D color, holds an illustrious history and enduring allure. Discovered in the Premier Mine in South Africa, its journey began in 1966 when the stone’s exceptional size and exceptional clarity earned it worldwide acclaim. Originally weighing an astounding 240 carats when discovered in 1966, it was cut into a flawless, pear-shaped 69.42-carat stone graded as the top-tier D color.
Known for its exceptional brilliance and clarity, the diamond was first owned by actor Richard Burton as a gift for Elizabeth Taylor in 1969, hence the famed Taylor-Burton name. The diamond was later sold in 1978 following the couple’s divorce for a jaw-dropping $5 million, over $1 million per carat at the time.
Did You Know?
Elizabeth Taylor often wore the diamond publicly, notably during premieres and events, showcasing its brilliance and adding to its iconic status.
8. The Krupp Diamond
Color: D color
Carat: 33.19 carats
Owner: Elizabeth Taylor
Image source: Worthy’s Blog
Originally part of the collection of Vera Krupp, a German heiress, this diamond found new fame after being purchased by Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor. In 1968, Richard Burton acquired the diamond for Taylor for a reported $307,000. Taylor often adorned herself with the Krupp Diamond, showcasing its exceptional brilliance at public events.
The diamond’s D color grade, indicating exceptional colorlessness, adds to its allure and value. Elizabeth Taylor cherished this stone, making it a centerpiece of her jewelry collection until her passing in 2011. At an auction of her estate, the Krupp Diamond fetched a staggering $8,818,500, underscoring its historical significance and rarity.
Did You Know?
Before Taylor, the diamond belonged to Vera Krupp, part of the Krupp family, one of Germany’s wealthiest industrialist dynasties, adding historical significance to its lineage.
7. The Winston Blue Diamond
Color: Vivid blue
Carat: 13.22 carats
Owner: Harry Winston, Inc.
Image source: Forbes
The Winston Blue Diamond, a captivating gem boasting a vivid blue hue and weighing 13.22 carats, represents a pinnacle of rarity and allure in the world of high-end diamonds. Mined in South Africa, this exceptional stone found its way into the esteemed collection of Harry Winston, Inc., a renowned jewelry house synonymous with luxury and elegance.
The vivid blue color grade, a rarity among diamonds, elevates this stone to a level of unparalleled desirability. Its intense hue, combined with its substantial size, makes it a coveted treasure among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Did You Know?
Originally part of the celebrated Oppenheimer Blue Collection, this diamond fetched an impressive $23.8 million at auction, setting records for its per-carat price. Harry Winston, Inc. retains ownership, emphasizing the stone’s prestige within its illustrious portfolio.
6. The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Beads Necklace
Color: Bright emerald green
Carat: 29.62 carats
Owner: Barbara Hutton
Image source: The Jewelry Editor
The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Beads Necklace, adorned with 27 perfectly matched bright emerald green jadeite beads totaling 29.62 carats, stands as a testament to both opulence and artistic finesse in the world of fine jewelry. Originally owned by heiress Barbara Hutton, this necklace holds a rich historical legacy.
Crafted in the 1930s, the necklace was a part of Hutton’s exquisite collection, symbolizing her affinity for rare and exquisite gems. Its vibrant green color, an emblem of jadeite’s highest quality, elevates its value and allure. The necklace’s design, featuring beads of consistent size, color, and texture, is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship.
Did You Know?
Barbara Hutton, an heiress known for her lavish lifestyle, owned this necklace as part of her stunning jewelry collection, reflecting her appreciation for rare and exquisite gems.
5. The Graff Diamond
Color: Pink
Carat: 24.78 carats
Owner: Laurence Graff
Image source: Robb Report
This exceptional diamond, once part of the rarest and most renowned gemstone mines, eventually found its way into the esteemed collection of Laurence Graff, a prominent figure in the diamond industry. Renowned for his expertise and appreciation of exceptional diamonds, Graff’s ownership elevated the diamond’s prestige.
Beyond its historical significance, the Graff Diamond remains relevant in the contemporary world of luxury jewelry. Its sale in 2010 reaffirmed the enduring demand and appreciation for exquisite colored diamonds, impacting valuations and perceptions of rarity in the market.
Did You Know?
Pink diamonds are exceptionally rare, and the vivid hue of the Graff Diamond adds to its uniqueness. Colored diamonds, especially in larger sizes with intense color saturation, are highly sought after by collectors and investors.
4. L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace
Color: Yellow
Carat: 407.48 carats
Owner: Nita Ambani
Image source: The Jewelry Editor
The L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace, valued at a staggering $55 million, stands as an extraordinary testament to unparalleled luxury and elegance. This masterpiece features a remarkable yellow diamond, the centerpiece of the necklace, weighing an astounding 407.48 carats, making it one of the world’s largest internally flawless diamonds.
Crafted by the luxury jewelry house Mouawad, this necklace boasts a design that accentuates the sheer opulence of the showcased diamond. The stunning stone is complemented by 91 smaller diamonds set in 18K gold, enhancing its brilliance and magnificence.
The necklace’s yellow diamond was discovered in the jungles of the Democratic Republic of Congo and required years of expert cutting and polishing to reveal its extraordinary beauty.
Did You Know?
Owned by Nita Ambani, an influential figure in India known for her patronage of the arts and philanthropy, the L’Incomparable Necklace reflects both her refined taste and appreciation for exceptional craftsmanship.
3. The CTF Pink Star Diamond
Color: Fancy vivid pink
Carat: 59.6 carats
Owner: Dr. Henry Cheng Kar-Shun
Image source: Only Natural Diamonds
Weighing an impressive 59.6 carats, this extraordinary gem boasts the rare distinction of being classified as a fancy vivid pink diamond, the highest grade for colored diamonds. Originally mined in Africa, this exceptional stone required years of meticulous cutting and polishing to achieve its flawless and breathtaking appearance.
The vivid pink hue, combined with its substantial size, positions it among the most coveted diamonds globally. Before its auctions, the Pink Star had been exhibited at various renowned locations worldwide, including museums and galleries, allowing the public to marvel at its beauty and rarity.
Did You Know?
Originally known as the “Steinmetz Pink,” this diamond was mined in Africa and took over two years to cut and polish to achieve its flawless appearance.
2. The Peacock Brooch
Color: Deep blue
Carat: 20.02 carats
Owner: Laurence Graff
Image source: The Jewelry Editor
The Peacock Brooch, a stunning testament to rare beauty and exquisite craftsmanship, holds a place among the most remarkable jewelry pieces. Owned by Laurence Graff, a luminary in the world of high-end diamonds, this brooch features a mesmerizing 20.02-carat deep blue diamond as its centerpiece.
Crafted by Graff himself, this brooch showcases unparalleled artistry. The deep blue diamond, known for its rarity and intense color saturation, captures attention with its rich hue and exceptional brilliance.
The unveiling of the Peacock Brooch at Maastricht’s TEFAF fair marked a momentous occasion in the world of haute jewelry. TEFAF, renowned for showcasing the most extraordinary and valuable objects in the art and antique world, provided the perfect stage for this masterpiece.
Did You Know?
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the brooch represents an investment in rare and high-value gemstones, maintaining its allure as a tangible asset in the world of luxury goods.
1. The Hope Diamond
Color: Fancy dark grayish-blue
Carat: 45.52 carats
Owner: Smithsonian Institution
Image source: Wikipedia
The Hope Diamond reigns as the most expensive acquired jewel, commanding a staggering price tag of $350 million. This iconic gem, renowned for its mesmerizing fancy dark grayish-blue hue and substantial 45.52-carat weight, stands as a symbol of unparalleled rarity and allure in the world of diamonds.
Its history is steeped in mystery and intrigue, believed to have originated from the Kollur mines in India. Legends, curses, and tales of its passage through illustrious hands, including royalty and renowned figures, have added to its mystique over the centuries.
The diamond passed through several notable owners, including King Louis XIV of France and socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean, each contributing to its colorful history. Since 1958, the Hope Diamond has been on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, captivating millions of visitors annually.
Did You Know?
When exposed to ultraviolet light, the diamond exhibits a striking red phosphorescence, adding to its unique characteristics and intrigue.
