The World’s Most Valuable Jewellery Collections

Wearing jewellery seems rooted in the human desire to show off. Prehistoric people fashioned early forms of necklaces, headdresses and bracelets from objects such as shells, horns and feathers. As the art of jewellery-making evolved, jewellers made greater use of rare metals and gemstones. Gold has been the most prized material for making jewellery, due to its malleability and its bright colour.

In every culture today, there are magnificent examples of jewels such as earrings, chokers, necklaces, rings, bracelets and brooches. These jewels are generally made of gold, silver, pearls, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and a host of other precious and semi-precious stones. To give an idea of the breadth and scope of the world of jewellery, five of the most glamorous and extravagant jewellery collections in the world — and their owners — are featured below:

The Jewellery Collection of Queen Elizabeth II
The Queen of England is the owner of one of the most, if not the most breathtaking collection of jewels. Many of the pieces are of high historical as well as commercial value. Other pieces belong to a more modern, but no less valuable collection. Her vast and valuable diamond collection is particularly impressive: They formed an exhibit that was on display at Buckingham Palace throughout the summer of 2012. 
The collection includes a sapphire and diamond Cartier bracelet that was presented to the then-princess Elizabeth by her parents on the occasion of her 18th birthday.

(Image Source: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/25/article-2149425-13439E9E000005DC-420_634x142.jpg)

 It also includes a fabulous brooch in the form of a sparkling flower basket. The brooch is made of brilliantly-faceted stones that include rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. It was a gift to the princess at the birth of her first child and current heir to the throne, Prince Charles.
A Cartier brooch is a particular favourite of the Queen’s. Within the jonquil shaped flower setting is a captivating 23.6 carat pink diamond. There is a dazzling bracelet that was commissioned by her husband, Prince Phillip, as a fifth wedding anniversary present. It incorporates sapphires, diamonds and rubies, set within their intertwined initials: E and P.

(Image Source: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/24/article-2149425-13439F34000005DC-128_306x294.jpg)

The Jewellery Collection of the Late Dame Elizabeth Taylor
Even though she had an impressive film career and was known for her humanitarian efforts, Elizabeth Taylor will be forever synonymous with bold, ostentatious jewellery. Upon her death, her jewellery collection was sold at auction by Christie’s for an astronomical $137 million.

(Image Source: http://fashionetc.com/images/stories/blogs/stylematters/2011/12/
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One of the most magnificent sets in Liz taylor’s former collection was the famous Grand Duchess Vladimir Suite by Bulgari. The suite is a stunning marriage of exquisite Colombian emeralds, surrounded by sparkling diamonds. The set comprises a necklace with a pendant, a bracelet, teardrop earrings and a brooch. The brooch was actually Elizabeth’s engagement present from Richard Burton.


The Jewellery Collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum
This astonishing collection showcases some fabulous and exquisite pieces. The priceless collection comprises 3,500 jewels that cover a period 800 years. There are pieces that were worn by European royalty, and jewels from Tsarist Russia. The collection features pieces by designers such as Réné Lalique, Cartier, and Boucheron. They include jewels such as diamond bangles as well as diamond and emerald pieces.

(Image Source: http://media.vam.ac.uk/media/thira/collection_images/2006AY/2006AY0735_jpg_w.jpg)
(Image Source: http://media.vam.ac.uk/media/thira/collection_images/2006AN/2006AN8788_jpg_w.jpg)

The Russian Imperial Jewellery Collection
The Russian jewellery collection is known as the State Diamond Fund. The jewels are ablaze with diamonds and precious stones, especially rubies. The most outstanding items among the whole collection are the Imperial Diamond Tiara and the Great Imperial Crown. The crown boasts 5000 diamonds, a massive red spinel and numerous pearls. The world’s largest faceted diamond adorns the Scepter. The diamond weighs 189 carats.
(Image Source: http://www.tristarmedia.com/bestofrussia/images/crown.jpg)


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