Genesis of the Genesi collection

Gismondi 1754 is a renowned Italian jewelry house known for its creativity. The Genesi collection combines the beauty of nature with timeless elegance. Currently, Gismondi 1754 proudly presents the latest addition to this collection – Genesi with pink sapphires.

The inspiration for the Genesi collection came during a visit to the Natural History Museum in Genoa. Massimo Gismondi, the creative director behind Gismondi 1754, was inspired together with his son. At the museum, they admired the shape of the nautilus shell that Massimo encountered in his childhood. This unusual find served as inspiration for a new jewelry collection.

Before we go into too much detail, here’s more about Genes quickly:

7 facts about the new Genesi collection

7 facts about the new Genesi collection, if you don’t know them yet!

1. Genesi collection by Gismondi 1754: Combines nature with elegance
2. Inspired by the fascinating shape of the nautilus shell
3. Golden spiral as mathematical pattern of the collection
4. Handmade jewelry with harmonious aesthetics
5. New addition with delicate pink sapphires
6. Subtle and contemporary elegance of the pieces
7. Genesi collection combines nature and beauty in a unique way

What makes the new collection stand out?

Nautilus shell and the golden section

The nautilus shell revealed an exciting geometric pattern – the Golden Spiral. This mathematical sequence was already explored in the 13th century by Leonardo Fibonacci, an eminent mathematician. The perfect proportion and recurring nature of this design greatly inspired Massimo Gismoni. He decided to pick up this pattern in his new collection.

Bild: Gismondi

Bild: Gismondi

Genesi Collection

The jewelry pieces of the Genesi collection are characterized by their high quality and attractive design. They are the result of meticulous craftsmanship. Each piece of jewelry is designed by Massimo Gismondi himself and visualized in 3D using the latest technology. After fine-tuning, a prototype is created, which is finally made of precious gold.

Supplement with pink sapphires

The latest addition to the Genesi collection features delicate pink sapphires that add a soft touch to the collection. The pieces in the collection, such as rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets, are designed with contemporary elegance. They subtly complement the existing variants in rose gold with emeralds and white ceramic, and in white gold with diamonds.

A new chapter in jewelry design

The Genesi collection presents jewelry with pink sapphires, which takes the beauty of the nautilus shell and combines it with jewelry. The creations cleverly combine different elements into an appealing design. Genesi shows that nature can always inspire us with its patterns.

Interview with Creative Director Gismondi

Massimo Gismondi, CEO and Creative Director of Gismondi 1754, talks about the importance of the history of one of Italy’s oldest jewelry families, his passions, his vision and the future of his company.

Jewelry: luxury brands and expensive accessories

The history of Gismondi 1754 goes back 270 years. It shows that jewelry has been valued for many years. There are still so many luxury brands and valuable jewelry to discover! Do you already know?

• Most expensive jewelry in the world
• Most expensive luxury brands

Foundation, target group and breakthrough: from industrial supplier to well-known brand name company

The company was founded in 1895 by Daniel Swarovski from Bohemia. Today already in the 5th generation. Everything began with an invention: a grinding machine, manufactured in 1892, was the first foundation stone for the foundation of the internationally renowned company. As the son of a glass factory owner, he was always fascinated by the sparkle of crystals and the refraction of light. Inspired by an electrical exhibition in Vienna, he invented a machine that could cut crystal gemstones faster than by hand. In addition to speed, this machine offers one thing above all: cost-effective production. As will be shown later, this will be an important criterion for success.

In order to escape the competition and make a name for himself outside the center of the glass and crystal industry, he chose the location of Wattens. This brought everything he needed: a large, remote area and sufficient water sources for production. Today, the Swarovski company premises occupy a large part of the small town. The manufacturing process of the crystals is still secret to this day; only the closest circle of acquaintances is allowed to know the secrets of production. The only thing known is that the stones are made of quartz sand, which is processed with a viscous mass and then finally brought into shape.

Today Markus Langes-Swarovski is the managing director of the company. Due to cheap competition from China, Swarovski suffered an economic slump, but since 2015 the company has regained its composure and has an annual turnover of 3.4 billion euros.

Swarovski’s jewelry is not aimed at a specific target group, they want to produce jewelry for ‘everyone’ and are trying to get closer to the consumers with their orientation. Because stylish jewelry should not only be a gift from the rich.

In production, more than 600 researchers work daily to improve and optimize the quality of the crystals. Whether it is the purity of the crystals, the precision of the cut or the performance of the machines – quality management and analysis are a priority at Swarovski. Special quality, special brilliance and a refined cut – the standard principle that Swarovski follows with every oh-so-small stone.

The jewelry manufacturer can produce more than 100,000 different shapes, colors and facets of crystal jewelry stones. Special highlights are among others:

The smallest crystal stone in the world with a diameter of only 0.8 millimeters, but an amazing 17 facets. To celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary, Swarovski also produced the world’s largest gemstone, the “Swarovski Centenary”, which even made it into the Guinness Book of Records. It measures 40 centimeters in diameter and sparkles from 100 facets. The two crystals can be admired in the Crystal Worlds.

Crystal Worlds: A small Swarovski World

In 1995, Swarovski crystal was given its own world: the “Crystal Worlds”. Tours through the Chambers of Wonder and the garden allow visitors to immerse themselves in the world of fantasy. To make sure that even the youngest visitors do not get bored, there are also playgrounds for children on the grounds. So if you are looking for a nice idea for your next family outing, Wattens is the place to be.

In its Crystal Worlds, the largest crystal manufacturer in the world presents special features from its long company history. Among them are, as already mentioned, the “Swarovski Centenar” and the smallest crystal stone in the world. In addition to the exhibitions, there is also a pop-up store where you can purchase Swarovski products and souvenirs from your trip.

More than just jewelry manufacturers

If there is one thing you cannot blame Swarovski for, it is one-sidedness. There is more behind Swarovski than just another jewelry manufacturer. The family business has created an entire empire for itself. Over 27,000 people work for the company in a wide variety of fields. Here is a small overview of what all belongs to the product world of the Austrian company.

Necklaces, bracelets – everything the heart desires

In addition to the classic rings, necklaces and bracelets, the brand also offers watches, cell phone cases, pendants and ballpoint pens. All articles receive the certain Swarovski touch and the completely special sparkle by the in-house crystals. At Swarovski, progressive designs with new colors, shapes and facets are available every season. 16,300 types of crystals in 70 colors and 40 effects belong to Swarovski.

Swarovski’s logo, the swan, is also always present.  Various necklaces pick up the logo as main motif in different colors. A swan is also attached to the clasp of the jewelry pieces, among other things also decorated with individual crystals.

But whoever thought the swan was always the distinctive mark of Swarovski, was wrong: An alpine edelweiss, a flower from Austria, was the logo in the early years and stood for the origin of the company. The plant was to stand for the Alps and the purity of the environment. However, in the 70-80s the edelweiss was replaced by today’s famous swan. Pieces that are still marked with the old logo are considered very valuable.

Necklaces and pendants

When you think of Swarovski jewelry, most people immediately think of the popular necklaces and pendants: Impressive necklaces or classic everyday necklaces, everything is there! In addition to the swan, Swarovski’s logo, Swarovski also offers other unusual pendants, such as a blue eye, a rainbow or a snowflake. If you already own a necklace, you can also just buy pendants to give your necklace a new look. Star sign chains or birthstones serve as popular gift ideas.

Earrings

From small ear studs to long earrings that already wrap around the shoulders, everything is in the Swarovski range. From unobtrusive but charming to extravagant and loud, everything can be found. The Swarovski crystals either sparkle on long earrings with a crescent moon at the bottom or are available as a pearl watch ring with the famous swan as a distinguishing feature. A highlight in the Swarovski range: the Disney collection. Especially cute are the little Mickie Mouse earrings. A must-have for every Disney fan.

Wristbands

Bracelets were already an issue in school days: back then, it was the famous friendship bracelets that conquered the schoolyard, whether homemade or bought. But this small proof of friendship is not only for the little ones. Adults can also wear a symbol of their solidarity on their arm. Choose from the different motifs and find something that symbolizes your friendship!

Rings

The little sparkle on your finger should not be missing. A ring is not only perfect as a proof of love for fiancés and couples. Swarovski rings can be discreet or eye-catching, just like the other jewelry items. Whether with engraving or without: rings are timeless and match every outfit. Whether only one on one hand, several on one finger or five pieces spread over 10 fingers. Sometimes Swarovski already offers several rings in a set.  The crystal manufacturer also offers unusual motifs such as small bees or lucky cloverleaves to decorate the fingers.

Jewelry Sets

Swarovski likes to present collections that can be added to a set or harmonize with each other in various combinations. If you do not want to buy just one single piece and have fallen particularly in love with a Swarovski motif, you can buy a complete set directly. The set contains two or three pieces of jewelry with the same design, in the two-piece set in most cases, for example, necklaces and earrings. The complete set is not only for jewelry lovers who want to give themselves more pleasure, but also a perfect gift idea for their partner or mother.

Men’s jewelry

Not only the ladies can benefit from the shine of the crystals, but also the men. Swarovski offers both unisex models with simple designs and men’s models. These models are mainly decorated with cufflinks, which, with the help of crystals, are given the unique Swarovski shine. In addition to the cuff links Swarovski offers leather and stainless steel bracelets and necklaces. Not as colorful and gaudy as in the ladies, the jewelry of the men is mostly plain-colored with black stones. Popular motives are crosses or skulls.

Watches

Where there is jewelry, watches are not far away. That’s the way it is in a department store and that’s also the way it is with Swarovski. The family business not only wants to make a name for itself in the world of jewelry, but also wants to bring its own watches to women and men. Here too: the typical Swarovski swan. On every Swarovski watch the swan rings the 12th hour. The different models in silver, gold or rose gold are usually available in two to five different shades.

Crystal figures: “Crystal Living”

It all started with a little mouse: In 1976 the first crystal figure of Swarvoski was born. Today they are considered collectors’ items and have a “Collectors Society” with 450,000 members in 35 countries. The models are available in various colors and sizes. Small figures bears, Disney figures or even the Batmobile are available in a price range of 30€-26.000€. Due to the large selection of motifs, the models are very suitable as gifts.

Special collections include the exclusive “Crystal Myriad” line, which creates precious pieces by hand using the Pointiage® technique, and the “Crystalline” line, which makes decorative objects such as candlesticks, vases, wine glasses and picture frames sparkle. The bestseller in the decoration line is a champagne goblet. With these product lines you bring authentic design and pure elegance into your home. Pieces that never lose their magic and always remain contemporary.
Swarovski has made a name for itself – but not only as a jewelry manufacturer. If you take a closer look at our world, you will find products from this traditional company everywhere.

This is where it all begins: if you need help with far-sightedness, you can use binoculars from Swarovski Optik. In the craft sector, for example, the company manufactures grinding and drilling tools under the Tyrolit brand. So that our roads remain safe: reflectors for traffic signs were already being manufactured by the family business under the name “Swareflex” in 1940. Swarovski even moved into the castle of Versailles: The company provides the lighting in the restored chambers of the former French royal castle. Swarovski also took a trip into the world of beauty: with its own perfume creation called “Aura”, the first beauty product was launched in 2011.

If Swarovski’s sparkle should definitely not be missing in any season, then it is in the Christmas season. A little tip from us: keep your eyes open at Christmas. Swarovski is also involved in decorating Christmas trees, for example in Berlin or the Rockefeller Christmas tree in New York.

How do you bring Swarovski into fashion? – Chanel, McQueen and Co.

Swarovski is not necessarily the first brand that pops into your head when it comes to ‘fashion’, but everyone has probably admired Swarovski on a piece of clothing. Decades of collaboration have given Swarovski a firm place in fashion. Numerous designers have chosen the jewelry label as a cooperation partner for their collections. Well-known names such as Coco Chanel, Alexander McQueen and Jean Patou were convinced of the effect of Swarovski crystals and put them in the spotlight in their collections.

Swarovski 125th Anniversary Fashion Highlights

It is impossible to imagine current fashion without crystal stones. A glittering glitter decorates not only dresses and T-shirts, but also accessories such as handbags and shoes. The relationship between Swarovski and fashion is almost as old as the jewelry manufacturer itself. In honor of its long history in the fashion world, Swarovski received an award, namely the 2013 Vienna Fashion Award in the category Tribute to Fashion and Lifestyle. To mark its 125th birthday, Swarovski looks back on the highlights of its fashion history:

First steps in Haute-Couture

Charles Frederick Worth, who worked as a couturier for the nobility and royal houses, was the first to ensure that Swarovski crystals found their way into the royal apartments. Among his customers was Queen Victoria.

It was the first time that crystal found its place as a material in fashion, and this attracted the attention of the couturiers of the time.  Many fashion designers liked the possibilities of using the stone in fashion and they also put Swarovski crystals in their collections. Through these collections, Swarovski made its first steps into the world of fashion, directly in the premium and luxury segment. The costume jewelry they produced also played a major role in this.

The wild twenties did not stop the success: in the era of flapper dresses and jazz, designers such as Jeanne Lanvin, Madeleine Vionnet and Jean Patou made dresses shine through the sparkling crystals while dancing.

Swarovski and Chanel and Dior

Robert Goossens was commissioned by Chanel in 1953 to produce crystals for the luxury fashion house Chanel. The designer Coco Chanel decorated her fashion collections by sewing Swarovski crystals onto the ribbons and trimmings, adding highlights to her fashion pieces. For presentational purposes such as fashion shows, however, she only used copies and no real crystals. After the presentation in the production for the customers, the original jewels and real gold were of course used again. Curious? One of the Chanel Borschen will be exhibited in the Crystal Worlds.

Besides Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli and Cristobal Balenciaga also made the silhouettes of the women sparkle. The new trend of the 5o’s epoch was born.

The “Aurora Borealis” caused a lot of attention at Christian Dior. This is a crystal effect, which owes its name to the shimmering rainbow spectrum of the northern lights. Christian Dior used this crystal effect and embroidered his clothes by hand with these unique crystals. The high quality creations are still kept in the archive.

Alexander McQueen

Years after Daniel’s death, connections to the fashion industry were weakened, and in 1995 Nadja Swarovski tried to regain a foothold in the fashion world by joining the company.

Her collaboration with the designer Alexander McQueen in 1999 ensured this: together with him she pursued the mission of bringing crystal back into fashion. McQueen kri

This was not the only collaboration between McQueen and Swarovski: his spring/summer 2009 collection, entitled ‘Natural Dis-tinction, Un-Natural Selection’, was inspired by the world of flowers, crystals and minerals. With the help of Swarovski, he brought them to life. Alexander McQueen worked here with a so-called crystal mesh.

Just one year later, Swarovski was again working on a project with a total of 22 renowned fashion designers. This is a special project, because it was created to set a memento of Coco Chanel. The collection embodied different versions of the “little black”. The dresses of this tribute were auctioned off at a charity event. This was a special honor, as Swarovski worked with the designer in its early days, and she also helped the company achieve success in the jewelry world.

Karl Lagerfeld, Prada, Valentino: 2017-today

In 2017, a cooperation with the great fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld came about: the designer developed the “Jewelry Collection” together with the jewelry label.

The Karl Lagerfeld Jewelry Edition collection was also a major theme in the Crystal Worlds: Limited pieces from the fall/winter collection were sold in the pop-up store. Shoes, bags, and T-shirts with the designer’s signature or the image of a caricature of him. In addition, Swarovski and Lagerfeld were given the honorable task of jointly designing the debutant crown for the 2017 Opera Ball.

Other famous designers with whom Swarovski has worked were Alexander Wang, Hussein Chalayan, Anthony Vaccarello, Christopher Kane and Viktor&Rolf. Today, dresses from luxury fashion brands such as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino still regularly wear Swarovski crystals.

Swarovski on the film set

Swarovski goes Hollywood: Swarovski did not only leave its mark on the catwalks. Costumes of actresses like Sarah Jessica Parker in “Sex and the City” or Marilyn Monroe in “Blondes Preferred” carry the crystals on them. A dress from 1962 with 2500 crystals was auctioned in 2016 for 4.5 million euros.

120 years of collaboration with Jimmy Choo

Also for accessories like our expensive, beloved companions the shoes can of course be embellished with Swarovski stones! Swarovski and Jimmy Choo have been working together for years. In this video you can see how two greats of the fashion world harmonize with each other:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSSYFk00G6k

The name Swarovski in the media

But the name Swarovski is not only mentioned in the media together with the latest jewelry collection. The reason for this is Victoria Swarovski, also a part of the family business. By participating in Lets Dance, she attracted attention and publicity. In the meantime she also works as a moderator. For her wedding, the young woman of the Swarovski clan chose a wedding dress that was set with 500,000 Swarovski stones. A true dream!

Charitable: Swarovski Designer Foundation

In the United States, Swarovki has now been supporting students for over 10 years through scholarships such as at London’s Central Saint Martin’s and New York’s Parsons. The background to this support is that Swarovski wants to familiarize students with the handling and use of crystals in the fashion industry. The aim is to encourage creativity and the joy of experimentation through practical exercises. The crystal application room provided by Swarovski offers this opportunity and creates a place that connects and brings together designers and artists.

Swarovski honors up-and-coming talent and outstanding results with fashion awards such as the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Newcomers can present their achievements in women’s fashion, men’s fashion and accessories. The result of this support is a designer collective of over 150 designers in cosmopolitan cities such as New York, London and Milan.

Thanks to its years of commitment and support in the design field, Swarovski has become an integral part of today’s haute couture world. Over 100 million crystals adorn the fashion looks of recent years.

Cartier – Master jewellers

Before Cartier became a major international jewellery brand, one man ensured its original success, Cartier himself. His jewels were so innovative and expensive that they were quickly traded in the highest circles.

King of Kings – Cartier the Jeweler

At the beginning of the 20th century, the English King Edward VII called Cartier “the king among the kings of jewelers”. It doesn’t get any higher than that, and so to this day Cartier is synonymous with exclusivity, luxury and the most filigree jewellery as the finest materials.

Edward VII’s appreciation was absolutely right. Cartier’s refined elegance, its innovations in manufacturing and workmanship, have been expressed in every piece of Cartier jewellery ever since.

Cartier today: State-of-the-art for Schuck

Not only Edward VII, but also the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, of course wore Cartier when she married Prince William. Everyone was enchanted by the royal family’s Cartier halo tiara, which Princess Kate Middleton wore. But she is also seen wearing Cartier in private, for example, a Cartier balloon bleu watch. Royals, celebrities, industry giants, many swear by the master jeweler.

As you would expect from a jeweller with an excellent reputation, elegance and fine taste, Cartier’s world famous jewellery is extremely sought after and this is reflected in the price of each piece.

Jewellery – The most expensive Cartier creations

$27.4 million for the Hutton-Mdivani jadeite necklace, $11.8 million for the La Peregrina necklace, and $7 million for the Diamond Panther bracelet! Want to see even more? We’ve rounded up the top 10 most expensive Cartier creations for you!

Hutton-Mdivani jadeite necklace – $27.4m.

This Cartier necklace, made of emerald green jadeite beads and secured with a ruby, diamond, platinum and gold clasp, was sold at auction to the Cartier Collection in 2014 for $27.4 million. This famous necklace was owned by Barbara Hutton, heiress to the Woolworth fortune, and Princess Nina Mdivani.

La Peregrina necklace: $11.8 million.

Is it art, is it jewellery or is it both? The La Peregrina necklace is a statement of timeless elegance. Cartier designed this necklace for one person to wear: Elizabeth Taylor. The embodiment of an enormous statement pearl, equivalent to 55 carats, is arguably Cartier’s best work. The fact that the pearl itself has a history of its own, having been worn by the Spanish queens Margarita and Isabel, adds to the mystique and beauty that surrounds this exceptional piece.

Diamond Panther bracelet: $7 million.

This Cartier-designed bracelet sold for a world record £4.5 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2010, becoming not only one of the most expensive Cartier items, but also the most expensive bracelet ever sold at auction. The onyx and diamond panther bracelet with its mesmerizing green eyes once belonged to Wallis Simpson, whose passionate affair with Edward VII led to his abdication.

Diamond Emerald Ring: $6.2 million.

Sold at auction in Hong Kong in 2017, this diamond emerald ring is the most expensive Cartier ring ever sold. The 5.31-carat diamond sits between two pear-shaped emeralds in a bed of 18-karat yellow gold. Like many of the items on our list, this one is one of a kind.

“Secret Watch” with Phoenix decor: $2.7 million.

This is a unique Cartier watch that is shaped like a phoenix. Although it is not noticeable at first glance, there is a watch somewhere. The watch is made of 18 carat white gold and coated with rhodium. The eyes are emeralds, and it features a 3.53 carat pear and portrait cut diamond. The whole is covered by 3,010 brilliant-cut diamonds with a total weight of 80.13 carats. The timepiece is part of the Merveilles du Nil de Cartier collection.

Diamond ring: $2 million

Giving a far more contemporary feel to the second ring on our list, this piece is simply stunning. A blue pear-shaped diamond sits between two heart-shaped pink diamonds. In total, the ring is set with 5.19 carats worth of diamonds. Like the Cartier Diamond Emerald Ring, this piece was auctioned in Hong Kong, this time in 2016.

Large Blue Balloon Tourbillon Diamond Watch: $1.07 million.

Time for another watch. Unlike the Cartier-designed diamond Panther bracelet, this time we can talk about something you could actually wear on your wrist – an extra-large Cartier Ballon Bleu Tourbillon diamond watch that sold for $1 million. Set with baguette diamonds, the slate grey dial of this sunburst satin-finished piece measures 46mm in diameter.

“Extra Large Platinum Watch” with complex mechanism: $500,000.

This timepiece is a limited edition as only 15 pieces were made. It has a platinum case with a length of 43 millimeters, a width of 34 millimeters and a thickness of 10.7 millimeters. It has a transparent case back and a black alligator leather strap with a folding clasp. The dial is silver-colored and guilloché, with Roman numerals and blue apple-shaped hands. It also features a perpetual calendar, chronograph and power reserve indicator. Sub-dials are located at 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock and 6 o’clock, while the tourbillon is visible at 9 o’clock. The movement is hand-wound and the watch is water resistant to 30 meters.

Rotonde Tourbillon Chronograph Platinum Watch: $240,000

The Cartier Rotonde Tourbillon Chronograph Platinum is a limited edition watch of only 50 pieces ever made. The round platinum case measures 45 millimeters in diameter and 15.7 millimeters in thickness. It has a transparent case back and a black alligator leather strap with a platinum double adjustable folding clasp. The openworked slate grey dial has Roman numerals and blue sword-shaped hands. There are chronograph sundials at both 3 and 9 o’clock. Winding the timepiece is done manually. The watch is water resistant up to a distance of 30 meters.

Extra Large 47 MM Ballon Bleu Chronograph Diamond Watch: $233,000

This extra-large chronograph measures 47 millimeters in diameter and is 15 millimeters thick. Its case is made of white gold and weighs 18 carats. The case back is transparent and the bezel is set with two rows of diamonds. The bracelet is also made of white gold and set with diamonds. It also has a rhodium-plated opalin dial and diamonds with blue sword-shaped hands. The date display is at 9 o’clock, and the chronograph sundials are at 3 and 6 o’clock. It is self-winding and water-resistant to 30 meters.

The Patalia Necklace – Priceless?

The only way to end such a list is with the story of the Patalia without a necklace. One of the most exquisite pieces of jewelry ever made, the fact that Cartier produced it should come as no surprise. The necklace contained rubies, nearly 3,000 diamonds, and 7 huge diamonds ranging from 18 to 73 carats each. This alone would secure the Patalia necklace a spot on our list, but it also contained another diamond, a huge yellow diamond known as the Beers diamond. This is the seventh largest diamond ever recorded.

The story behind the jewel

In 1957, the necklace disappeared. One day, 40 years later, a Cartier employee found it in a second-hand jewellery shop – unfortunately, the diamonds and stones were missing. Fully restored to its former glory, it would be so expensive that even experts cannot put a price on it.

It’s a fascinating story, but just before you head off to check out your own jewelry, it’s worth noting that the Beers diamond resurfaced and sold at auction in the 1980s for $3.16 million.

There is no precious metal in the world more sought after than gold. The famous “yellow metal” has been the standard by which wealth is measured for centuries, Even today, gold bullion is a primary means of private investment and wealth protection. Welcome to the world of gold, platinum, rubies and diamonds. The most expensive jewelry in the world: diamonds, gold & platinum!

Hope Diamond – $200-250 million.

The Hope Diamond is one of the most famous jewels in the world. It is a 45.42 carat, extravagant, dark gray-blue, cushion-cut antique diamond. The current value of the Hope Diamond is estimated to be around $200-250 million.

• Carat: 45,42
• Colour: Dungel grey-blue in cushion cut
• Value (estimate): $200-250 million.
• Origin: India

Buyer’s story of the Hope Diamond

The Hope diamond was discovered in Golconda, India. Its ownership passed into other hands several times. In 1688, the diamond was bought by King Louis XIV and called “French Blue”.

Until 1792, the jewel remained in the possession of the French royal family. During the French Revolution, times became turbulent. During a looting of the crown jewels, the diamond was stolen!

It was not until 1839 that the diamond reappeared in the catalogue of Henry Philip Hope’s gem collection. After passing through several more owners, including Pierre Cartier and socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean, the jewel was acquired by jeweler Harry Winston in 1949. Winston eventually donated the jewel to the Smithsonian Institution, where it remains on display today.

1. First buyer: King Louis XIV (1668)
2. Owned by the French royal family until 1792
3. Stolen during the French Revolt
4. In 1839, it reappeared in the collection of Henry Philip Hope…
5. After several more bills, his last buyer was jeweler Harry Winston…
6. Harry Winston donated the diamond to the Smithsonian Institution…

Photo: Hope Diamond (close-up)

In fact, there are very few pictures of the diamond. I was very surprised when I did the research too! Here is one of the few shots that show the true color and also the gem around the diamond itself.

Presentation: Smithsonian Meseum

How much do people know about the most famous diamond in the world? How much is it worth? Who owns the Hope Diamond? How big is it?

“The Peacock Brooch” by Graff Diamonds – $100 million.

This peacock brooch, unveiled in 2013 at the TEFAF luxury art and antiques fair in the Netherlands, has a total carat weight of 120.81g. This incredible display of beauty and extravagance from Graff Diamonds contains 1,305 gemstones and measures just over 10 centimeters in height.

The focus is on a central diamond. Its shape resembles a pear, the color scheme is dark blue and its weight alone is 20.02 carats. In addition to the central diamond, white, yellow, pink, orange and green diamonds are fanned out in the center of the brooch.

• Weight (total): 120.81g
• Height: 10cm
• Gemstones: 1,305
• Carat (central diamond): 20.02
• Complementary white, yellow, pink, orange and green diamonds

Graff Jewellers

3 out of 10 top rankings go to a jewellery house: Graff. The manufacture is a real legend, based in London. The British multinational company (jewelers) of the 1960 founded by British jeweler Laurence Graff. As a vertically integrated company, Graff’s operations include the design, manufacture and retail distribution of jewelry and watches. Their unique one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces rank 2nd, 3rd and 9th – an incredible achievement by the jewellery manufacture. Read more here: Graff Jewelers.

Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond – $80 million.

The Wittelsbach-Graff diamond has 31.06 carats. Its exclusive characteristics make it one of the most sought-after jewels in the world. The Wittelsbach Graff Diamond is an extravagant deep blue diamond with flawless clarity inside the stone. Laurence Graff bought the diamond in 2018 for a whopping $22 million.

Buyer history and regrind

The stone was discovered in the 16th century, deep in an Indian mine. At first, the stone is said to have been in the possession of King Philip IV. Through the Emperor of Austria (Leopold I) and its use as part of the Austrian and Bavarian crown jewels, the stone came to the House of Graff in 2008. Jeweler Laurence Graff purchased the Wittelsbach diamond for $22 million.

Increase in value + $58 million

Graff shows his talent here but also his willingness to take risks. After the purchase, he had the Wittelsbach-Graff diamond cut back to its current state. Today, the diamond is 31.06 carats, an ornate, deep blue cushion-cut diamond.

The recut improved the clarity and brilliance of the jewel and increased its value enormously. In 2011, the diamond was sold for over $80 million to its current owner, a member of the Qatari royal family.

• Purchase: 2008
• Purchase price: $22 million.
• Sold: $80 million (Royal Family of Qatar).
• Carat: 31.06
• Origin: India
• Special features: Deep blue, flawless purity

“Pink Star” – $71.2 million

This fancy, vivid pink diamond weighs 59.6 carats and is the largest “inside flawless, fancy, vivid pink” diamond ever graded by the GIA.

In 2017, the “Pink Star” fetched $71.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong. This made the stone the most expensive jewel sold at auction to date. The auction was not long, as the Pink Star was acquired in just five minutes by Hong Kong conglomerate Chow Tai Fook Enterprises. Only the Wittelsbach-Graff diamond surpassed it due to Graff’s skillful recutting. He increased the value of the Wittelsbach-Graff diamond from $22 million to $80 million.

Originally mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999, the Pink Star weighed 132.5 carats before being polished and restored to its current stunning condition.

The “Pink Star” is a stunning 59.6 carat diamond.

• Selling price: $71.2 million.
• Rough diamond in carat: 132.5
• Carat: 59.6
• Origin: Africa
• The largest “inside flawless, chic, vivid pink” diamond (GIA rating).

Oppenheimer Blue – $57.5 million.

The Oppenheimer Blue will be the largest vivid blue diamond ever sold at auction.

This blue diamond shocked the public when it sold for a whopping $57.5 million at a Christie’s auction in May 2016. At the time, this 14.62 emerald-cut stone, once owned by Sir Philip Oppenheimer, was the world’s most expensive jewel ever sold at auction.

• Largest natural blue diamond ever likely to exist
• Carat: 14,62
• Cut: Emerald

In this video, François Curiel, Chairman of Christie’s Asia Pacific and China, tells the story of the Oppenheimer Blue.

L’Incomparable diamond necklace – $55m.

The world’s most valuable necklace, created by jeweler Mouawad, contains the world’s largest internally flawless diamond.

Hard to believe but true. A little girl discovered the stone, amidst mine debris. In 1980, she found the L’Incomparable diamond in the mine tailings in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Later, the 407.48 carat diamond is attached to a rose gold chain adorned with 230 carats of smaller diamonds.

The stone was last offered in Singapore, reflecting Asia’s growing appetite for precious gems and expensive jewels.

• Carat: 407.4
• Processed in rose gold chain with additional 203 carat

Blue Moon by Josephine – $48.4 million

In 2015, Hong Kong billionaire and collector Joseph Lau purchased this diamond ring for $48.4 million at auction and named it “Blue Moon of Josephine” after his 7-year-old daughter Josephine. The 12.03-carat blue moon diamond was discovered in 2014 at the Cullinan mine in South Africa.

Graff Pink – $46.2 million.

The Type IIa graded modified emerald cut was estimated at $30-50 million, selling for $46.2 million.

For over 60 years, the Graff Pink was in a private collection, now it is owned by one of the most prestigious jewelry houses in the world. Through recutting, the recut 23.88 carat diamond displayed new color, clarity and inner flawlessness. “The Pink Legacy”, as the gemstone is also called, was auctioned in Geneva in 2010, at Christie’s auction house.

• Carat: 23,88
• Purchase price: $46.2 million.
• Purchase date: 2010

Hutton-Mdivani jadeite necklace – $27.4m.

This Cartier necklace made of emerald green jadeite beads has many details and highlights like the ruby clasp, diamonds, platinum and gold. A real highlight for collectors and jewelry lovers. In 2014, the Hutton-Mdivani jadeite necklace was sold at auction for $27.4 million. This famous necklace was owned by Barbara Hutton, heiress to the Woolworth fortune, and Princess Nina Mdivani.

Chopard 201-carat watch – $25 million.

The Chopard 201-carat watch is the most expensive watch in the world. This dazzling Chopard watch contains a total of 874 diamonds. The three largest diamonds, all heart-shaped and ranging from pink to blue to white, swing apart to reveal the dial below. This 201-carat watch is considered the most expensive in the world.

• Purchase price: $25 million.
• 874 diamonds
• Carat: 201