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Top 10 Most Expensive Bracelets of All Time

Top 10 Most Expensive Bracelets of All Time

The oldest bracelet ever discovered wasn’t made by humans but by a close relative—the Denisovans, an extinct subspecies closely related to the equally extinct Neanderthals. But bracelets have come a long way since this stone circlet was created. Modern bracelets are far more ornate, and many of them feature price tags that exceed $1 million.

The most expensive bracelet of all time is the 1923 Cartier Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet. This bracelet sold for $7.226 million when it went to auction in 2016. The platinum bracelet contains eight deep blue Kashmir sapphires and numerous diamonds of varying sizes, making it a true treasure.

But what are the most expensive bracelets of all time? This ranking will answer this question and introduce you to the priciest luxury-quality bracelets ever sold.

Here Are the Top 10 Most Expensive Bracelets of All Time:

  1. 1923 Cartier Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet – $7.2 Million
  2. The Wallis Simpson Bracelet – $7.0 Million
  3. Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet – $6.0 Million
  4. Bvlgari Emerald and Diamond Bracelet – $4.0 Million
  5. Marie Antoinette’s Diamond Bracelets – $4.1 Million
  6. Faidee Ruby and Diamond Bracelet – $3.4 Million
  7. Boghossian Emerald and Diamond Bracelet – $3.2 Million
  8. Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet – $2.5 Million
  9. Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Bracelet – $2.4 Million
  10. 1928 Cartier Diamond Bracelet – $2.2 Million

10. 1928 Cartier Diamond Bracelet – $2.2 Million

1928-Cartier-Diamond-Bracelet
photo source: Christie’s

The Cartier brand is synonymous with luxury, and it’s not unusual to find Cartier products selling for thousands of dollars. But vintage items created by this French company tend to fetch higher-than-average prices.

This diamond bracelet, crafted in 1928, is a prime example. It’s 86 grams worth of world-class diamonds, platinum, and gold! Even better, this bracelet doubles as a choker, making it a multipurpose piece that could complement any outfit.

Sold for $2.2 million in 2022, this bracelet is more than worth its weight in precious materials.

Why It’s Expensive

There are four reasons behind this bracelet’s incredible price. Firstly, it’s a Cartier piece. Because this brand is internationally recognized as one of the most talented and reputable purveyors of luxury goods, items with the Cartier signature can sell for much higher prices than non-branded pieces.

Secondly, this bracelet is comprised of two precious metals: platinum and gold. This fact alone would make it a pricey accessory.

Thirdly, the 1928 Cartier Diamond Bracelet is a vintage piece, making it slightly more valuable than modern Cartier jewelry. Its dual-purpose usage (bracelet or choker) is a unique feature and one that helps catapult its price over the $2 million mark.

9. Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Bracelet – $2.4 Million

Van-Cleef-Arpels-Vintage-Diamond-Bracelet
photo source: Christie’s

Van Cleef & Arpels produces some of the finest luxury-quality jewelry in the world. Founded in the late 1800s, this French company has created some of the most stunning pieces, including this vintage diamond bracelet.

The band is made of platinum and gold, and it supports more than 30 diamonds. There are 11 rectangular diamonds of varying sizes, with the most significant gems sitting squarely in the middle. These are flanked by smaller marquise diamond pairs, giving the final piece a sense of symmetry.

This elegant bracelet sold for $2.4 million in 2013, making it one of the priciest bracelets of all time. But while this vintage bracelet is undeniably gorgeous, it would look even more stunning if worn with a dazzling shade of one of the world’s most expensive nail polishes.

Why It’s Expensive

This bracelet’s flawless diamonds and attractive design are the primary reasons it sold for millions. The fact that it’s a vintage piece (created in 1966) in top-notch condition also adds to its value. Still, it isn’t the most expensive Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet.

8. Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet – $2.5 Million

Van-Cleef-Arpels-Sapphire-Diamond-Bracelet
photo source: Christie’s

If you thought that the Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Bracelet was a gorgeous piece, you’ll want to check out this slightly upgraded version. This bracelet sparkles just as brightly as its 1966 counterpart, but it’s made even more precious due to the three exquisite Kashmir sapphires set in its center.

These royal blue gemstones are some of the most sought-after sapphires in the world due to their unmatched quality and hypnotic blue hues. Kashmir sapphires, especially ones of these sizes, are also incredibly scarce due to the relatively unregulated mining practices of the late 19th century.

There’s nothing cheap about this bracelet. On the contrary, everything about this piece exudes wealth and elegance, from its platinum band to its remarkable gems. Maybe that’s why it fetched a solid $2.5 million at auction in 2016.

Why It’s Expensive

The Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet is expensive because it features large, luxury-quality Kashmir sapphires and dozens of colorless diamonds. In addition, the band is made of platinum, which is a costly precious metal.

All-in-all, this piece’s remarkably pricey materials are responsible for making it such an expensive item.

7. Boghossian Emerald and Diamond Bracelet – $3.2 Million

Boghossian-Emerald-and-Diamond-Bracelet
photo source: Christie’s

The House of Boghossian consists of more than five generations of talented jewelry artisans. But this sparkling bracelet isn’t a Boghossian-made piece. Instead, it’s the product of designer Edmond Chin’s hard work, made explicitly for the infamous jewelry-making Boghossian family.

It features seven comparatively massive emerald gemstones, each one accentuated by dozens of smaller emeralds. Though these stones are affixed to gold, every available centimeter of this bracelet’s surface that isn’t showing off luxurious emeralds is covered in dazzling diamonds.

Considering the size and decadence of this bracelet, it’s no wonder it sold for $3.2 million in 2018.

Why It’s Expensive

There’s no doubt about it—this bracelet’s multi-million-dollar price tag stems from the fact that it features massive emeralds and numerous diamonds, all of which are set in a gold frame. The fact that a talented designer crafted it also adds to its initial material value.

6. Faidee Ruby and Diamond Bracelet – $3.4 Million

Faidee-Ruby-and-Diamond-Bracelet
photo source: Christie’s

Faidee is one of the most reputable sources of Burmese rubies. Notably, rubies are the most expensive birthstones. As such, it’s not surprising that this bracelet sold for a whopping $3.4 million when it went to auction in 2016.

Featuring almost 30 faceted rubies and diamonds, this bracelet consists of a platinum and gold band that sparkles almost as brightly as the gems set into it.

Still, it’s hard to take your eyes off this bracelet’s rubies, each of which is the ideal Pigeon’s Blood hue. This color is the most sought-after and attractive ruby shade.

Why It’s Expensive

This bracelet’s numerous Pigeon Blood rubies and glittering diamonds make it a unique treasure. In addition, these jewels are set in a platinum and gold band, making this piece more valuable.

The only thing that could make the Faidee Ruby and Diamond Bracelet costlier is if it had significant historical value, like the next item in this ranking.

5. Marie Antoinette’s Diamond Bracelets – $4.1 Million

Marie-Antoinette's-Diamond-Bracelets
photo source: Christie’s

Marie Antoinette was the last Queen of France, and she was wildly unpopular at the end of her reign. But time heals all wounds, which becomes evident when you consider the incredible prices paid for Marie Antoinette’s belongings.

The pair of diamond bracelets that once belonged to this queen sold for more than $8 million, giving each piece a value of about $4.1 million. These matching bracelets were some of the last pieces of jewelry ever commissioned by the unlucky ruler, making them historically significant.

Why It’s Expensive

Donning a precious piece of history is a luxury that money often can’t buy. So when these stunning diamond bracelets went up for auction in 2021, bidders began fiercely competing for the chance to own them.

High demand (coupled with precious materials and historical value) is responsible for this one-of-a-kind item’s staggering value.

4. Bvlgari Emerald and Diamond Bracelet – $4.0 Million

Bvlgari-Emerald-and-Diamond-Bracelet
photo source: Christie’s

Bvlgari (also spelled Bulgari) is an Italian luxury brand that excels at producing expensive pieces. But this emerald and diamond bracelet may be one of the highest-value items Bvlgari ever created.

Crafted in 1963, this opulent bracelet once belonged to the classic Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor.

The platinum band features thirteen nearly flawless multi-size emeralds, with the center jewel being the largest and most eye-catching. These emeralds are expertly paired with several different cuts of diamonds, resulting in a distinct design.

This bracelet would look at home on the wrist of the world’s wealthiest and most affluent individuals, and it has a price to match. Elizabeth Taylor’s Bvlgari bracelet sold for $4 million in 2011.

Why It’s Expensive

This piece has everything going for it. First, it’s adorned with precious gemstones, including dozens of diamonds.

Second, it’s a vintage piece once owned by one of the world’s most famous Hollywood actresses! When you consider these factors, its million-dollar sale price makes complete sense.

3. Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet – $6.0 Million

Kashmir-Sapphire-and-Diamond-Bracelet
photo source: Christie’s

If you’ve ever wanted to own a bracelet that costs as much as a mid-tier mansion, this sapphire and diamond bracelet will tickle your fancy. It sold for $6.03 million in 2020, making it one of the most expensive bracelets ever sold!

And though this bracelet’s numerous diamonds (which glitter like freshly fallen snow) are significant features of this piece, its massive Kashmir sapphire is the real star of the show. This deep blue gem weighs more than 43 carats, making it one of the largest high-quality Kashmir sapphires ever unearthed.

The best way to complement the natural beauty of this bracelet would be to pair it with one of the most expensive necklaces. If possible, be sure to choose one that also contains ocean-blue sapphires.

Why It’s Expensive

The exceedingly rare blue stone set in the center of this bracelet would likely be worth millions on its own. However, the fact that it’s accompanied by approximately 60 diamonds and set in costly platinum easily makes this bracelet one of the most expensive bracelets ever created.

2. The Wallis Simpson Bracelet – $7.0 Million

The-Wallis-Simpson-Bracelet
photo source: SMH

Wallis Simpson, also known as the Duchess of Windsor, was a controversial figure during the late 1930s. Her marriage to King Edward VIII (who renounced his title to marry Simpson) was viewed as a scandalous decision, and it forever changed the course of the English monarchy.

Because Simpson’s private life led to significant and long-lasting political changes, items that once belonged to her continue to fetch high prices. Her Cartier diamond bracelet is one of the most expensive examples, selling for $7 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2010.

To this day, the bracelet (colloquially known as The Wallis Simpson Bracelet) is one of the priciest Cartier items ever sold.

Why It’s Expensive

This bracelet is valuable because it was owned by a notable historical figure, Wallis Simpson. As with items owned by the most famous celebrities, Simpson’s belongings have fetched incredible prices due to her notoriety.

This custom-made bracelet is also a Cartier piece, adding to its initial historical value. Its inlaid diamonds are also quite valuable, raising the bracelet’s price even higher.

To summarize, historical significance, brand recognition, and high-quality materials are the primary reasons this bracelet sold for millions.

1. 1923 Cartier Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet – $7.2 Million

1923-Cartier-Sapphire-and-Diamond-Bracelet
photo source: Christie’s

The most expensive bracelet of all time is the 1923 Carter Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet. This delicate Art Deco bracelet is a rare vintage find, remaining virtually flawless even after almost a century.

It contains eight prized Kashmir sapphires, each one a stunning and identical shade of royal blue. Each of the sapphires is sized to draw the eye toward the two center gems, with the stones growing slightly smaller toward the ends of the platinum band.

The astounding number of diamonds embedded in the bracelet links make these sapphires even more brilliant. The red leather Cartier case included with this bracelet is the metaphorical cherry on top.

This bracelet sold for a jaw-dropping $7.2 million when it went to auction in 2016.

Why It’s Expensive

As we mentioned previously, Kashmir sapphires are some of the priciest gemstones in the world. This bracelet features no less than eight of these coveted jewels and an astounding number of luminous diamonds.

The band is made of platinum, a precious metal that’s often costlier than gold. Additionally, this is a vintage bracelet made by one of the most well-respected luxury brands in the world, Cartier.

The combination of these features ensures that this bracelet is (and will always be) an exceptionally expensive piece.

Why Are Some Bracelets So Expensive?

A standard department store bracelet might cost between $20 and $100. This comparatively low price range begs the question—why are some bracelets worth millions?

The most expensive bracelets of all time tend to share a few commonalities that make them exceptionally valuable. For example, many of these high-priced bracelets feature:

  • Precious materials
  • Famous previous owners
  • Luxury branding
  • Historical significance

When these qualities combine, prices skyrocket. Vintage or antique bracelets in flawless condition can also command much higher prices than pieces with signs of wear.

So, if you’re looking to own one of the most expensive bracelets on the planet, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for pieces that exhibit all four of the above traits.

What Is the Most Expensive Bracelet of All Time?

The most expensive bracelet of all time is the Cartier Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet, made in 1923. It’s a vintage piece in flawless condition, with exquisite and highly coveted Kashmir sapphires. These stunning blue sapphires are made even more eye-catching thanks to the numerous diamonds embedded in each link.

These costly jewels are set in platinum, one of the most expensive precious metals on the planet. This bracelet sold for $7.226 million, making it pricier than the infamous Wallis Simpson bracelet.

To learn more about the world’s most expensive lifestyle items, check out these related articles!