INFOGRAPHIC: What economic crisis? Jewellery for those who don’t feel the pinch
This is the jewellery that the vast majority of us will only ever admire from a distance. Owned by the rich, the famous and the royal, they are some of the most beautiful pieces ever made, and the subject of an infographic that is fascinating and envy-inducing in equal measure.
Outlining the 12 most expensive pieces of jewellery in the world, it’s not only a wish-list for lovers of bling everywhere, but a fascinating insight into some of the world’s most recognisable pieces.
Worn by both Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, arguably the world’s most famous engagement ring comes in at number 12. That the stunning Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring is now worth a cool $0.5m is less staggering than the fact that it was neither custom-made nor unique. Almost unbelievably it was bought off the shelf in 1981 for a relatively meagre £28,000.
At the opposite end of the scale, The Imperial State Crown owned by the Royal Family cannot be valued at all. With 11 emeralds, five rubies, 17 sapphires, 273 pearls and 2,868 diamonds, and of course an inextricable link with British history, it is truly priceless.
Away from the Royal Family, the ‘Heart of the Ocean’ diamond appears on the list at number four. Modelled on the fictional jewel from the film ‘Titanic’, this diamond is worth $17m – more than double what the actual ship cost to build in 1909. Far from resting on the seabed, it was last seen gracing the neck of Celine Dion at the 1998 Oscars.
Other highlights of the list are ‘Marie Antoinette’s’ necklace, valued at $3.5m but made long after its namesake lost the ability to wear it, and the $7.5m panther bracelet owned by Wallis Simpson and now rumoured to be among Madonna’s collection.
And yes, these pieces are out of reach for all but the wealthiest one per cent, but every piece jewellery has a history, however short, a story, however personal, and a value, even if it isn’t followed by several zeros. That’s why we love it.
Infographic produced by Jewellery World
