Blog

Here are some worldwide records from the fine jewelry industry. Unfortunately, these stunners weren't sold by Tucson jewelry stores, but as a private jeweler I have similar and significantly more affordable pieces in my collections.

1. $30.3 million was paid in 2015 at a Sotheby’s auction for the Sunrise Ruby, the world’s most expensive ruby. The 25.6 ct. Burmese ruby was mounted between two large diamonds onto a ring by Cartier. Of course, I have ruby rings and earrings also.
2. 752 pounds is the weight of the famed Bahia - the world’s largest, and possibly unluckiest, emerald. Since its discovery in Brazil in 2001, it has been embroiled in lawsuits and intrigue. More information about emerald gemstones is here.
3. $137,235,575 was the total proceeds from the sale of renowned diamond-lover Elizabeth Taylor’s expansive jewelry collection by Christie’s New York in 2011, making it the most valuable jewelry collection ever auctioned. Diamonds certainly were Liz's best friend. She received at least seven engagement rings from her seven marriages. My wedding ring and wedding band clients marvel at my values.
4. 40.2 carats is the weight of the Uncle Sam Diamond, the largest diamond ever discovered in the United States. It was unearthed at Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park in 1924. Crater of Diamonds offers park visitors a one-of-a-kind experience—the adventure of hunting for real diamonds. You’ll search throughout a 37.5 acre plowed field that is the eroded surface of the world's eighth largest diamond-bearing volcanic crater. Plus, if you find a diamond, it is yours to keep, for free! Just understand that rough diamonds often look like rocks, they are not cut and polished, so you'll probably not want a rough set in your engagement ring or wedding ring.
5. 3,827 is the number of diamonds set into the dazzling Peacock Ring. Certified by Guinness World Records as the ring set with the largest number of diamonds, the Peacock has an estimated value of $2,744,525. I don't know who counted all those diamonds, but I'm glad it wasn't me. Of course, most of them were quite small, one one-hundredth of a carat, set together the effect is incredible. Few Tucson jewelry stores can custom make such intricate designs, especially for engagement rings, though I can.
6. 75 pounds is the weight of what is believed to be the largest pearl in the world, found in the waters off the Philippines in 2005 by a fisherman who kept it as a good luck charm for more than a decade. Imagine fishing that out of the water and then setting it in a necklace.