Jewellery has been a symbol of wealth and status for centuries, with pieces crafted from precious metals and adorned with gemstones being particularly sought after. As such, it's no surprise that some of the most valuable and expensive pieces of jewellery in the world have sold for eye-watering sums of money.
So, what is the most expensive jewellery ever sold? The answer might surprise you.
Moussaieff Red Diamond
In 2018, the "Moussaieff Red" diamond was sold for a staggering $20 million at a Christie's auction in Geneva, Switzerland. This 13.90-carat diamond is the largest Fancy Red diamond ever to be graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and is considered to be one of the rarest gems in the world.
Pink Star Diamond
But that's not the only expensive jewellery to make headlines. In 2017, the "Pink Star" diamond sold for $71.2 million at a Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong, making it the most expensive piece of jewellery ever sold at auction. The Pink Star is a 59.60-carat oval-cut pink diamond that was mined in Africa in 1999. It took two years to cut and polish the diamond to its current state, and it is the largest Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Pink diamond that the GIA has ever graded.
Other Notable Pieces
Other notable expensive jewellery pieces include the "Oppenheimer Blue" diamond, which sold for $50.6 million in 2016, the "Blue Moon of Josephine" diamond, which sold for $48.5 million in 2015, and the "Graff Pink" diamond, which sold for $46 million in 2010.
Private Collectors
It's worth noting that many of these expensive pieces of jewellery are bought by private collectors who may never wear them in public. Instead, they are considered to be valuable assets that can be passed down through generations or resold for a profit.
So, what makes these pieces of jewellery so valuable? The answer lies in the rarity and quality of the gems, as well as the craftsmanship and history behind each piece. Many of these jewels have been passed down through royal families or have been owned by famous figures, adding to their prestige and value.
Of course, most of us will never own a piece of jewellery worth millions of dollars. But it's interesting to see just how much people are willing to pay for these precious pieces, and to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into creating them.
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