#1 2009's World-Beating Blue Diamond Ring

The top spot, perhaps unsurprisingly goes to a blue diamond. Master jewellers Chopard set the flawless oval gemstone into a ring consisting of a diamond band set in white gold. Blue diamonds rarely occur in nature, and are caused by traces of boron in diamond's lattice structure.

Diamonds lacking visible nitrogen impurities, which tend to discolour them with a dirty yellow tinge, are rarer still. This one is a vibrant icy blue.

The most famous blue diamond in the world, the Hope Diamond, named after one of its owners of that name, now resides in the Smithsonian museum. It was once set in a necklace by Louis XV, and was supposed to be cursed, with the many supposed victims of the curse including Marie Antoinette.

The curse was a complete fabrication, based on the false idea that it had been one of two eyes of a statue in a Hindu temple, but this was never the case. 

The Hope is actually greyer than the subject of this list which, whilst not showy, is impossible to ignore. It resembles an engagement ring which, whilst a fairly hefty investment, would be unlikely to be greeted with a 'no'. It is valued at £9.8m.

Heart of the Kingdom
#2 Heart of the Kingdom Ruby

British jewellers Garrard have set this patriotically named piece on a diamond necklace. The central jewel weighs a substantial 40.63 carats (eight and one eight grams) and derives from Burma. The clear, deep red gem has been cut with a small dint at the top to yield the shape referred to by the name.

Burma has been the source of other great rubies, notably the DeLong Star ruby which now resides in the American Museum of Natural History.

That ruby was once stolen, ransomed for $25,000 and dropped off in a phone booth. This one would likely fetch more, being valued at £8.48m.

#3 The Winston Earrings

The famous jeweller Harry Winston of California loans out close to $1bn worth of jewellery to stars for Oscar night. It should therefore be no surprise to see his name associated with a piece on this list.

The 2006 earrings, which are set in platinum, are accurately described as 'Diamond Drop', in reference to the sizeable droplets of white diamond hanging free from somewhat smaller diamonds above.

They weigh 60.1 carats between them and are valued at £5.25m. And no, you have to buy them as a pair.

#4 2007's Greatest Blue Diamond Ring

The then record breaking price of £4.84m was obtained for a flawless fancy vivid blue diamond set in a simple ring in Hong Kong. The squarish cut gem which weighs 6.04 carats has an unusual dark hue and is particularly sparkling.

#5 Beyoncé and Jay Z's wedding ring

Lorraine Schwartz provided an 18 carat emerald cut diamond-in-platinum ring to seal the knot between the stars.

#6 Paris' Diamond Engagement Ring

The ring which was intended to unite the two Paris heirs: Hilton and her then fiancé, shipping millionaire Paris Latsis is 24 carat emerald cut, and thought to be worth £2.85m.

#7 De Beers 'Marie Antoinette' Diamond necklace

De Beers think that the famous French queen would have loved its 181 carats necklace with a mix of cut white and fancy vivid coloured diamonds down the centre. The price tag is £2.24m.

#8 Fergie's wedding Necklace

The Black Eyed Peas singer topped off her wedding with a gold necklace heavily slung with diamonds, designed by H Stern - a small matter of £1.92m.

#9 The Chopard Haute Joaillerie Diamond and Emerald necklace

The alternating of clear white and deep green gems gives a beautiful, shimmering, watery effect. The 191 carats of Columbian emeralds dominate the rose cut diamonds, and the effect is impossible to ignore, even from the far side of a room.

Although not officially priced, they would be expected to sell for £1.85m

Tiffany's Pendant
#10 Tiffany's Majestic Diamond Pendant

With an attention-seizing main pear-shaped white diamond of 41.4 carats surrounded by smaller, clear circular and pear diamonds, Tiffany's proudest neckwear seems something of a bargain at £1.54m. 

____________________________________________________________

Register to receive more in-depth articles from our dedicated team.

Register Here

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£1,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock