When it comes to luxury jewelry, nothing quite compares to a stunning necklace. Whether they are made from precious metals, encrusted with sparkling gemstones, or crafted with intricate designs, necklaces have long been a favorite among jewelry lovers around the world. But some necklaces are so exclusive, expensive, and rare that they make all the other pieces of jewelry pale in comparison. Here, we take a look at some of the most expensive necklaces in the world.
10- Peacock Necklace
Price: $15 million
Photo Credit: Christies
The designers spent one hundred years gathering Kashmir sapphires for the Peacock Necklace, the tenth most expensive necklace in the world. The largest sapphire, weighing 10.56 carats, is an unprecedented size for the rare and precious stone. After the mine from which the sapphires were sourced became depleted in 1887, the designers had to search for another fifteen years to find the final stone for the necklace, containing a total of 21 sapphires that totaled 109.08 carats. This one-of-a-kind art piece is the only one in the world to contain such a large quantity of the rare gemstone.
9- Blue Belle of Asia
Price: $17 million
Blue Belle of Asia is the ninth most expensive necklace in the world. Crafted with incredible skill and attention to detail, it is made from 18-karat white gold and precious stones, such as sapphires, diamonds, and rubies. The necklace has an intricate design, featuring a large 400 carats sapphire centerpiece surrounded by a halo of diamonds. The chain is adorned with a series of rubies, each arranged in a cascading pattern. It is estimated to be worth over $17 million. The necklace is said to bring its wearer good luck and is a symbol of wealth and power. It is a timeless piece of jewelry that is sure to be admired for generations to come. Blue Belle of Asia is truly a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship.
8- Hutton Mdivani Jadite
Price: $27 million
Photo Credit: Sothebys
The Hutton-Mdivani Jadite Necklace, one of the most expensive necklaces in the world, features 27 flawless jadeite beads, valued at $3 million per carat. These rare jadeite boulders, naturally forming crystals, each measure a minimum of 15mm in size, 5mm larger than the second-largest piece of jadeite on the planet. This unique necklace, crafted from a single piece of jadeite, was originally owned by the famous “Poor Little Rich Girl,” Barbara Hutton, heir to the Woolworth fortune, adding even more value to its hefty price tag.
7- Tiffany Empire Necklace
Price: $30 million
In April of 2022, The Empire Diamond necklace came to public attention once again when Beyoncé wore it. This necklace features a 128.54-carat D color flawless diamond, the largest diamond ever sold by Tiffany Company, in addition to 180-carats worth of the world’s most perfect diamonds. Uniquely, the yellow diamond appears to glow from within with 82 facets (24 more than even the highest quality cut diamonds on earth).
Furthermore, 224 individual baguette diamonds and 353 round diamonds encrust the masterpiece. This necklace has traveled the world, from a mine in Botswana to Israel for cutting and finally set in New York City. It is one of the most iconic styles of diamond necklaces in history, and on-demand service from a Tiffany jeweler is included in the cost of the necklace. Only three other women in its history have worn The Empire Diamond: Audrey Hepburn, Mrs. E. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Lady Gaga.
6- Creation I
Price: $34 million
Photo Credit: Oracleoftime
Gemologists have predicted that the record-breaking De Grisogono Creation I diamond, the sixth most expensive necklace in the world, is billions of years old. It is the largest D Flawless diamond on earth, and the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction. Uncut, it was a whopping 404.20-carats and the 27th largest diamond ever found. The diamond is a rare Type IIa diamond, meaning it does not contain any nitrogen. This has resulted in it being exceptionally clear and colorless, making it astronomically rare. It hangs from an asymmetrical diamond and emerald necklace base, comprising 6000 emeralds and 200-carats of diamonds, not counting the central diamond. The centerpiece of the necklace is a 163.41-carat emerald cut diamond, which is 40% larger than the previous record-breaking stone.
5- Incomparable Diamond Necklace
Price: $55 million
A little girl in the Democratic Republic of Congo discovered the Incomparable Diamond Necklace, containing a 407.48-carat fancy deep yellow diamond, the largest internally flawless diamond rated by GIA, amongst a pile of rubble. Set in 18K rose gold, the necklace boasts 637 carats of 2 radiant diamonds, 3 Asscher-cut diamonds, 4 oval diamonds, 5 cushion diamonds, 5 emerald-cut diamonds, 9 heart-shaped diamonds, 27 pear-shaped diamonds, and 35 round diamonds. Making it the Fifth most expensive necklace in the world.
4- Oppenheimer Blue Diamond
Price: $57.5 million
The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond Necklace, coming in as the fourth most expensive necklace in the world, captivates its audience with its rare 14.62-carat blue diamond set in a platinum necklace. Sold for an astounding $57.5 million at Christie’s in Geneva, this necklace is truly a work of art. However, it is still not the most expensive necklace. But, whoever owns this exquisite piece of jewelry is truly blessed.
3- Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace
Price: $83 million
Photo Credit: HindustanTimes
The Nizam of Hyderabad necklace is the third most expensive necklace in the world and Queen Elizabeth’s most expensive. Asaf Jah VII, the Nizam of Hyderabad, gifted the diamond necklace to Elizabeth in 1947, allowing her to choose any piece from Cartier’s collection. Elizabeth selected an abstract floral necklace with over fifty diamonds, including 13 emerald-cut diamonds and a drop diamond, designed to match a floral tiara. The Queen has worn the necklace, featured on various pieces of global currency such as the Bahamian dollar bill, and its celebrity status has increased as Kate Middleton has also worn it. As a result, the necklace has earned a place in history.
2- A Heritage in Bloom
Price: $200 million
Wallace Chan’s A Heritage in Bloom necklace is the second most expensive necklace in the world. Featuring 11,551 diamonds, totaling 383.40 carats. Including 24 diamonds with a D-colour internally flawless designation from the GIA, this necklace is truly a sight to behold. The central diamond began as a 507.55-carat rough Cullinan heritage stone, giving it a value of $35 million on its own. The necklace was carefully crafted with inspiration from Chinese culture, taking 47,000 hours to complete and featuring numerous figures carefully wrought out of precious metals and gems. Although it is not for sale, historians have called it priceless.
1- Hope Diamond Necklace
Price: $350 million
The Hope Diamond Necklace has a price tag of $350 million and is the most expensive necklace in the world. It has changed hands many times since it was first discovered in France in the seventeenth century. This 112 3/16ths carat violet diamond, first found in Golconda, India in 1673, was once owned by King Louis XIV and King Louis XV. After the failed attempt of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette to flee the country, it was seized by the French government. In 1812, the diamond was recovered and inherited by Henry Philip Hope.
The heirs of the Hope & Co banking empire, who gave it its famous name. Afterward, it went through various owners until it was finally purchased by Mrs. Evalyn Walsh McLean who had it mounted as a necklace featuring three tiers of large white diamonds with the Hope Diamond at the center. Now, the historical diamond resides in the Smithsonian collection. Where it is one of the most popular attractions. boasting 45.52 carats and a fancy dark grayish-blue color with a type IIb rating that glows red under UV light.
