There are many different gemstones that are found naturally on our blue planet and the best of these are usually reserved for very special jewellery. This article highlights some of the very best gemstones along with values.
- Cartier Panther Bracelet – Given to Wallis Simpson by Edward VIII, this stunning onyx and diamond collection has deep green emeralds for eyes. Both Wallis and Edward commissioned jewellery pieces from Cartier during their relationship, most of which was auctioned at Sotheby’s in 2010.
- Star of Asia – This 330-carat sapphire is unique in so many ways; a six-ray star shape makes this perfectly cut sapphire very special, indeed. This gemstone is part of India’s Crown Jewels and was said to have been found in an ancient Burmese mine. This majestic sapphire is now housed in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and can be viewed by the general public.
- The Hope Diamond – This huge gemstone is said to be cursed; the perfect deep-blue diamond was believed to have been stolen from the brow of a Hindi idol at a temple by a priest, who was believed to have fallen victim to a curse that was placed on the diamond when it was first stolen. This stone weighs in at a whopping 45.52 carats and is the only one of its kind; in the 17th century, Louis XIV purchased the stone, but it was stolen during the French Revolution, again, believed to have been part of the Hope Diamond curse. Premier jeweller Cartier set the diamond into the white diamond necklace where it now resides. While you might not be able to acquire the Hope Diamond, there is some fine antique jewellery at https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/, one of Sydney’s leading antique dealers.
- Napoleon Diamond Necklace – A stunning diamond necklace commissioned by Napoleon for his second wife Marie-Louise, the necklace contains a total of 234 diamonds, with 28 old mine cut diamonds. One can only guess at the cost; the necklace is now on display at the National Museum of Natural History.
- Dresden Green Diamond – Another one of a kind piece, this superb green diamond weighs in at 41 carats and is thought to be the largest natural green diamond even found. Said to have been found in India, the diamond was purchased by Friedrich Augustus 1 of Saxony in the 18th century. The price was 4 tons of gold, which would be the equivalent of billions of dollars and the diamond can be viewed in Dresden Castle.
- Taylor-Burton Diamond – A businessman by the name of Harry Winston purchased the rough diamond of 247 carats, which was perfectly cut to a 70-carat pear shape. Eventually, this caught the attention of Welsh actor Richard Burton, who bought the diamond for Elizabeth Taylor.
- The Graff Pink Diamond – Said to be the biggest flawless pink diamond ever found, weighing in at 23.88 carats in its finished form. The pink diamond was acquired by Laurence Graff and less than one carat was lost in the cutting process. While he removed 20 flaws, the vivid colour is unique.
- Grace Kelly’s Diamond Engagement Ring – Prince Rainer of Monaco presented actress Grace Kelly with a stunning 10.47 carat diamond ring that she wore everywhere. The ring was featured in the hit movie High Society with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra and is said to be worth a cool $4m.
