10. Ruby and Diamond Necklace ($3.8 million)
Richard Burton’s five-year trips to Bulgari’s boutique might have been inspired by Elizabeth Taylor’s husband before him, Mike Todd. Mike gave this amazing set of jewelry in August, 1957. This one was designed by Cartier. And this one only consists of a necklace and a pair of earrings.
Cartier has made a lot of stunning pieces of jewelry, and this necklace is definitely one of them. Thus, even though Christie’s estimated its value for $200,000 to $300,000 only, one buyer agreed to that statement since he bid a staggering amount of $3,778,500.
The ruby and diamond necklace was designed as a circular and baguette-cut diamond latticework bib. All seven rubies, six cushion-cut and one oval, were set at the front of the chain.
Usually, necklace chain is the least important part of the jewelry. But on this one, the chain was made of circular and baguette-cut diamonds. And even the clasp is special. It consists of cushion-cut ruby and shield-shaped diamond mounted in platinum and 18-K gold.
