Jewellery That Shattered Auction Records

The world of high jewellery has always been linked with rarity, prestige, and extraordinary craftsmanship — but some pieces go far beyond luxury. A select number of jewels have broken global auction records, selling for tens of millions of dollars and captivating collectors worldwide. From legendary pink diamonds to royal heirlooms tied to European monarchies, these jewels have become part of auction history.

One of the most famous record-breakers is the The Pink Star. Sold by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong in 2017, the extraordinary vivid pink diamond achieved an astonishing US$71.2 million, making it the most expensive jewel ever sold at auction at the time. The diamond took nearly two years to cut and polish from a rough 132.5-carat stone discovered by De Beers in Africa. Its intense colour, internally flawless clarity, and immense size made it one of the rarest diamonds ever offered publicly. (Jeweller Magazine)

Another iconic record-holder is the Oppenheimer Blue, a spectacular fancy vivid blue diamond named after Sir Philip Oppenheimer. In 2016, the stone sold for approximately US$57.5 million at a Christie’s auction in Geneva, briefly becoming the most expensive jewel ever sold before being overtaken by The Pink Star the following year. The emerald-cut blue diamond attracted fierce bidding because vivid blue diamonds of that size are exceptionally rare in nature. 

Oppenheimer Blue - Image credit: Christie's

In recent years, pink diamonds have continued dominating the auction world. The Williamson Pink Star achieved another milestone in 2022 when it sold for more than US$57 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong. The diamond set a world record price-per-carat for any diamond or gemstone ever sold at auction. Experts noted that the closure of Australia’s Argyle mine — historically the world’s primary source of pink diamonds — has made these gems even rarer and more valuable. (Sothebys.com)

Historic provenance also plays a major role in driving auction prices. Jewellery connected to royalty or famous historical figures often commands extraordinary attention from collectors. One notable example is the Marie-Thérèse Pink, believed to have ties to the French royal family and descendants of Marie Antoinette. In 2025, the diamond helped Christie’s achieve the highest-grossing multi-owner jewellery auction in history, with total sales reaching US$87.7 million. The jewel itself sold for approximately US$14 million and set a world auction record for a jewel created by renowned designer JAR. 

Royal jewels continue to fascinate buyers because they combine beauty with historical storytelling. A rare 18th-century diamond necklace linked to the infamous “Affair of the Diamond Necklace” surrounding Marie Antoinette drew international attention ahead of its auction appearance in Geneva. Experts estimated the necklace could fetch up to US$2.8 million due to its rarity and royal connections. 

The success of these jewels highlights several key factors that drive record-breaking auction prices: rarity, provenance, craftsmanship, and global demand. Coloured diamonds — especially pink and blue stones — dominate many of the highest auction results because natural examples are extraordinarily scarce. When combined with royal ownership, celebrity history, or legendary designers, these pieces become more than jewellery; they become cultural artefacts.

Auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s continue to push the boundaries of what collectors are willing to pay for exceptional jewels. As supplies of rare coloured diamonds diminish and demand from wealthy collectors grows, experts expect future auctions to continue breaking records.

For jewellery enthusiasts, these sales represent more than eye-watering price tags. They demonstrate how gemstones can capture history, emotion, and prestige in a way few other luxury items can. Looking to buy rare gemstone jewellery? Browse our current online jewellery auctions.