Diamonds have long been synonymous with wealth, power, and prestige. Among all gemstones, they hold a special place not only because of their brilliance and durability but also because of the way they capture the imagination. In the realm of high jewelry, certain diamond pieces have shattered all expectations in terms of beauty, craftsmanship, and value. These are not just ornaments—they are historical artifacts, status symbols, and investments rolled into one.
In this article, we explore the most expensive diamond jewelry ever created and sold, each piece telling a story of rarity, luxury, and the extraordinary.
1. The Hope Diamond – A Legend in Blue
Although not currently for sale and housed at the Smithsonian Institution, the Hope Diamond is one of the most legendary and valuable diamonds in history. Weighing 45.52 carats, this deep-blue diamond is believed to be worth at least $250 million. Its rare blue hue is attributed to traces of boron in its structure.
Discovered in India in the 17th century, the Hope Diamond passed through many royal and noble hands before being donated to the Smithsonian in 1958. Myths and legends surrounding a supposed curse on the diamond only add to its mystique. Despite its infamous reputation, it remains one of the most stunning and historically rich diamonds in existence.
2. The Pink Star – A Record-Breaking Masterpiece
The Pink Star diamond, formerly known as the Steinmetz Pink, made headlines in 2017 when it sold at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong for $71.2 million. This flawless, 59.6-carat pink diamond was cut from a 132.5-carat rough diamond mined in South Africa by De Beers in 1999.
What sets the Pink Star apart is not just its size but its clarity and vivid color. Natural pink diamonds are extremely rare, and those of this size and quality are virtually unheard of. The piece is now considered one of the most expensive diamond jewelry items ever sold at auction.
3. The Graff Pink – Rarity and Refinement
Another pink diamond that commands a place in history is the Graff Pink. This 24.78-carat fancy intense pink diamond was sold by Sotheby’s in Geneva in 2010 for $46 million to diamond mogul Laurence Graff.
Graff had the diamond re-cut to enhance its brilliance and clarity, slightly reducing its weight to 23.88 carats. Despite the size reduction, the value and beauty of the diamond increased. Pink diamonds are among the rarest color variations, and the Graff Pink stands as a masterpiece of nature and human artistry.
4. L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace – A Golden Treasure
One of the most expensive diamond necklaces in the world, the L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace, is valued at $55 million. It features the largest internally flawless diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America—the Incomparable Diamond, weighing 407.48 carats.
The necklace’s design is both modern and regal, set in 18-karat rose gold and adorned with 91 smaller white diamonds totaling 200 carats. It was crafted by Mouawad, a jeweler known for producing high-end, record-breaking pieces. The story behind the diamond is just as fascinating—it was discovered by a young girl in the Democratic Republic of Congo among a pile of mining rubble.
5. The Blue Moon of Josephine – A Gift of Love
In 2015, Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau bought a stunning 12.03-carat blue diamond at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva for $48.4 million, naming it the Blue Moon of Josephine after his daughter.
The diamond, a vivid blue cushion-cut gem, was mined in South Africa and is among the rarest blue diamonds ever found. Its deep, mesmerizing color and exceptional clarity make it a standout piece in the world of high jewelry. Lau also purchased several other rare diamonds for his daughters, making him a prominent collector of luxurious jewelry.
6. Winston Blue – A Statement in Simplicity
The Winston Blue, a flawless 13.22-carat vivid blue diamond, fetched $23.8 million at a Christie’s auction in Geneva in 2014. Purchased by Harry Winston Inc., it was renamed in honor of the brand’s founder, Harry Winston.
Though smaller than some of the other diamonds on this list, the Winston Blue stands out for its perfect clarity and intense color. Paired with another smaller blue diamond to form a stunning ring, it demonstrates how even more modest-sized stones can achieve astronomical value when combined with quality and branding.
7. The Cullinan Dream – The Fancy Blue Wonder
In 2016, a rare 24.18-carat fancy intense blue diamond named the Cullinan Dream sold for $25.4 million at a Christie’s auction in New York. Cut from a 122.52-carat rough stone, the Cullinan Dream is the largest fancy intense blue diamond ever sold at auction.
It features a rectangular mixed cut and is mounted on a platinum ring flanked by baguette-cut diamonds. Blue diamonds like the Cullinan Dream continue to command immense value due to their scarcity and captivating hue.
8. Peacock Brooch by Graff – Dazzling in Color
One of the most vibrant and colorful pieces ever created, the Peacock Brooch by Graff Diamonds is worth an estimated $100 million. Crafted with over 1,300 diamonds totaling 120.81 carats, this brooch features a central blue diamond weighing 20.02 carats.
The brooch is shaped like a peacock with outspread feathers, showcasing diamonds in blue, pink, yellow, and white hues. The craftsmanship and combination of colors make it both an artistic and financial marvel in the world of diamond jewelry.
The Fascination with Diamond Jewelry
Why do people pay tens of millions of dollars for diamond jewelry? Beyond their visual allure, diamonds are considered timeless and durable. For the wealthy elite, owning rare diamonds serves multiple purposes: an expression of personal taste, a way to preserve wealth, and a legacy piece to pass down through generations.
Many of the world’s most expensive diamond jewelry pieces are tied to unique stories—whether as romantic gifts, royal treasures, or serendipitous discoveries. Their rarity ensures that they remain highly sought after, and their value tends to appreciate over time, making them both beautiful and financially strategic.
Conclusion
The world of luxury diamond jewelry is more than just glitter and glamour; it is a realm where history, geology, and art converge. From vivid blue wonders like the Blue Moon of Josephine to iconic legends like the Hope Diamond, these treasures reflect the heights of human desire and nature’s marvels. While most of us may never own such extraordinary pieces, their stories continue to captivate and inspire, sparkling across time and culture.