Bracelets have been loved for many centuries in different cultures. They are worn for decoration, but are often also a status symbol. This also applies to our own ARMBND collection. For example, men have their own preference compared to women and often choose a specific men's bracelet that suits their personality.
The value of very expensive bracelets is often determined by the unique design, the material, the rarity and the history. Every few years, wealthy candidates bid on the most exclusive jewelry, including special bracelets, during auctions such as Sotheby's and Christie's. But what are actually the 3 most expensive bracelets ever auctioned?
3. Bulgari Emerald Diamond Bracelet – $4 million, 2011
This pricey bracelet was auctioned by Christie's in 2011. The prestigious bracelet contains 13 rare emeralds from Colombia and Zimbabwe. These gemstones have a bright green color and are very valuable. Unique diamonds lie between the emeralds. They are considered the hardest raw material on earth and only a fifth of the diamonds can ultimately be processed into jewelry.
Both gemstones were combined in platinum mounted during the making of the bracelet. British actor Richard Burton gave this piece of jewelry as a birthday present to his then wife Elizabeth Taylor in the sixties. He bought the bracelet in Rome at the famous Bulgari boutique on the Via Condotti, during the filming of the movie Cleopatra. Both play a leading role in it. Burton later said that he introduced Elizabeth Taylor to beer and that she introduced him to Bulgari. They married twice.
2. Gulf Pearl Parure – $4.1 million, 2006
The Gulf Pearl Parure is a collection of different jewelry and was designed by the jeweler Harry Winston. He once sold these jewelry to a rich royal family. Possibly that of Saudi Arabia.
In 2006 the collection was sold again during a Christie's auction. The bracelet fetched just over $4 million. It is 19.5 centimeters long and contains a total of 24 diamonds. Half are marquise cut and the other half are brilliant cut. The row of diamonds is bordered by dozens of spherical pearls. In the middle, the bracelet is slightly wider and this is where the largest diamonds and pearls can be found. Towards the end, the bracelet becomes increasingly narrower.
It is one of the most expensive bracelets ever sold. The Gulf Pearl Parure also includes special earrings, a ring and a necklace.
1. Onyx Diamond Panther – $7 Million – 2010
Created by designer Jeanne Toussaint of Cartier in Paris around 1952. The bracelet is 195 millimeters long and features a stretched out panther made up of many diamonds and onyx minerals. Although several stones are missing, it still went under the hammer for a considerable amount during an auction by the well-known auction house Sotheby's .
At that time, there were two other candidates who tried to outdo each other by telephone bidding with an increasingly higher bid. Resulting in the highest amount ever for a bracelet. Rumor has it that Madonna bought the bracelet. At that time, she was busy with the production of the film WE about the life of Wallis Simpson and was a great admirer of hers.
The Onyx Diamond Panther was once owned by Simpson, an American socialite at the time. She became a mistress of Britain's King Edward. He was briefly King of the United Kingdom in 1936, but to marry Simpson he had to give up his kingship. Simpson had already been divorced twice, which did not go down well with the British government and parliament. So Edward's brother became king and married her anyway.