Exploring the History and Significance of 5 Iconic Jewelry Masterpieces

Over the past decade, the world of luxury jewelry has witnessed the creation of some truly jaw-dropping pieces. From stunning diamonds to intricate watches, these one-of-a-kind creations set new standards in artistry and craftsmanship. In this post, we’re spotlighting five of the most iconic and valuable jewelry pieces since 2010. Each masterpiece, crafted by legendary designers, represents the ultimate blend of luxury and innovation, captivating collectors and setting records. Dive in and discover the stories behind these extraordinary jewels and what makes them so unforgettable.

1. Graff Diamonds' Hallucination Watch (2014)

This $55 million timepiece, envisioned by Laurence Graff himself, is not just a watch; it's a dazzling collection of ultra-rare diamonds, totaling over 110 carats, meticulously set into a platinum bracelet. Under his direction, the Hallucination Watch was brought to life by Graff’s team of unparalleled gemologists and master craftsmen.

The watch features hundreds of precious stones in vibrant colors ranging from intense pinks and deep blues to fiery oranges and greens. Each diamond is cut into a variety of shapes including heart, pear, marquise, and round, designed to maximize their individual brilliance.

Crafted as a showpiece for the 2014 Baselworld, its intricate design was inspired by Graff's ambition to meld the art of high jewelry with precision watchmaking. Its debut stunned the luxury market, establishing it as a landmark in horological history. Today, the watch remains a treasure within Graff's elite collections, showcased at exclusive events to epitomize the pinnacle of luxury craftsmanship.

2. The Winston Blue Diamond (2014)

Acquired by Harry Winston in 2014 for $23.8 million at a Christie's auction, The Winston Blue Diamond is a captivating 13.22-carat vivid blue diamond from the renowned Cullinan mine in South Africa, celebrated for its impeccable pear shape and extraordinary clarity.

This gem is classified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as 'fancy vivid blue', the highest grade for colored diamonds, underscoring its exceptional rarity and allure. Set in a platinum ring, the diamond is the centerpiece, flanked by smaller pear-shaped diamonds that seamlessly enhance its stunning blue hue and brilliance. This choice of setting with pear-shaped side stones creates a seamless, flowing design that emphasizes the diamond’s exquisite shape and hue.

Named "The Winston Blue" after its acquisition, the diamond epitomizes Harry Winston’s legacy of curating and showcasing the world's most exquisite and rare gemstones. It is a key piece in Harry Winston’s collection, often displayed at major exhibitions and high-profile events, reflecting its status as a significant icon in the luxury jewelry industry.

3. The Pink Star Diamond (2017)

Originally mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999, The Pink Star is an exceptional 59.60-carat diamond that underwent an intensive 20-month cutting and polishing process to achieve its stunning oval mixed-cut shape. This meticulous process was aimed at showcasing the diamond's vivid pink color—among the rarest hues for diamonds—and its striking clarity, preserving as much carat weight as possible while enhancing its natural beauty.

In 2017, The Pink Star fetched a record $71.2 million at a Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong, making it the most expensive gemstone ever sold at auction. The buyer, renowned Hong Kong jeweler Chow Tai Fook, renamed it the "CTF Pink Star" in honor of the Chow Tai Fook brand, cementing its legacy in the annals of precious gemstones.

The gem’s classification as Type IIa by the GIA signifies its extraordinary purity and optical transparency. This distinction is shared by less than 2% of the world’s diamonds, adding to its rarity and value. Currently, the CTF Pink Star is on display in select exhibitions and is used in high-profile client showings, symbolizing the epitome of luxury and exclusivity in the world of fine jewelry. Its presence at these events not only draws attention but also serves as an educational piece on the natural rarity and significant craftsmanship behind one of the world’s most famous diamonds.

4. The Winston Pink Legacy (2018)

Acquired by Harry Winston for $50.4 million, The Winston Pink Legacy is an extraordinary 18.96-carat fancy vivid pink diamond, celebrated for its intense color and unique emerald cut. Set in a platinum ring, this gem is elegantly flanked by two shield-shaped white diamonds, chosen to accentuate the pink diamond’s striking hue and clarity. This classic three-stone setting not only enhances the diamond’s visual impact but also adds a balanced elegance, making it a significant piece in Harry Winston’s luxury jewelry collection.

The diamond’s origin from the historic South African mines, likely the Cullinan Mine known for its high-quality pink diamonds, and its rare vibrant pink color are attributed to trace elements interacting with the stone during its formation.

After its meticulous cutting and polishing, the gem was named to honor the brand's legacy, symbolizing Harry Winston’s dedication to crafting and showcasing remarkable gemstones. The Winston Pink Legacy is a highlight at select exhibitions, displayed to private clients and at prestigious events, representing the pinnacle of luxury and the brand’s expertise in extraordinary gemstones.

5. The Cullinan Dream (2016)

Named after the legendary Cullinan mine in South Africa, The Cullinan Dream is a 24.18-carat fancy intense blue diamond that was mined in 2014. This mine is renowned for producing some of the world's most famous blue diamonds, including parts of the British Crown Jewels.

The Cullinan Dream stands out due to its significant size, making it one of the largest blue diamonds ever to be discovered. The exceptional clarity and vibrant blue color of The Cullinan Dream, categorized as fancy intense, place it among the rarest of colored diamonds. This rare hue results from boron atoms intermixed within the carbon structure of the diamond, a phenomenon that occurs under unique geological conditions.

The cutting process required hundreds of hours of careful planning and execution, ensuring that the diamond not only reflects light beautifully but also displays the depth and intensity of its color. Set in a platinum ring, the 24.18-carat radiant diamond is accompanied by two elegantly placed baguette-cut white diamonds, enhancing its striking appearance.

Purchased by a private collector at auction, The Cullinan Dream set records for the price per carat for a blue diamond of its size and quality, highlighting its exceptional value and desirability. Today, it continues to be celebrated for its beauty and rarity, often displayed in exclusive exhibitions and private showings as a symbol of luxury and the extraordinary capabilities of nature and human craftsmanship.

Conclusion

The past decade has brought forth some of the most extraordinary and breathtaking jewelry pieces ever created, each one a testament to the unparalleled artistry and craftsmanship of the world's most renowned jewelers. From the mesmerizing colors of The Pink Star and The Winston Blue Diamond to the remarkable transformation of rough gems into polished masterpieces like The Cullinan Dream, these jewels are more than just adornments—they are symbols of human ingenuity.

Whether you're a collector, an enthusiast, or simply an admirer of fine jewelry, these masterpieces offer inspiration and a glimpse into the fascinating world of high jewelry. They remind us that in the realm of luxury, the pursuit of perfection and the celebration of rarity are constants that continue to drive the creation of timeless treasures.