Top 10 Most Expensive Diamond Necklaces Owned by Celebrities

Diamonds have always captivated the rich and famous, turning simple necklaces into jaw-dropping symbols of wealth, romance, and style. Celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, and modern stars like Gigi Hadid have worn some of the priciest diamond necklaces ever crafted. These pieces aren't just jewelry, they're history, love stories, and bold statements rolled into one. If you're curious about the most dazzling and expensive diamond necklaces owned by celebrities, this list ranks the top 10 based on auction records and expert valuations.

1. Elizabeth Taylor's Taylor-Burton Diamond Necklace ($23 Million)

Elizabeth Taylor lived for the drama of diamonds, and the Taylor-Burton Necklace was her crown jewel. This stunner featured a 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond, bought by Richard Burton in 1969 for $1.05 million. Taylor wore it everywhere, from the 1970 Oscars to glamorous galas, letting it steal the show. She sold it in 1978 for nearly $3 million, but today, its value has skyrocketed to $23 million due to its size and storied past. It's not just a necklace; it's a piece of Hollywood legend.

2. Gigi Hadid's Jacob & Co Diamond Necklace ($12 Million)

Gigi Hadid knows how to make an entrance. At the 2021 Met Gala, she rocked a Jacob & Co necklace dripping with over 118 carats of diamonds, including a jaw-dropping 54-carat centerpiece. Valued at $12 million, this platinum masterpiece is a modern marvel, blending bold design with blinding sparkle. Hadid owns this showstopper, and it’s become a defining piece in her collection, proving supermodels can outshine even the brightest gems.

3. Princess Diana's Swan Lake Necklace ($12 Million)

Princess Diana's elegance was unmatched, and her Swan Lake Necklace was pure royalty. With 178 marquise- and brilliant-cut diamonds plus seven South Sea pearls, she wore it to a 1997 Swan Lake performance in London. Valued at $12 million when listed in 2017, its royal connection and delicate craftsmanship make it unforgettable. Even after fetching less at a 2023 auction, it remains a symbol of Diana's timeless grace.

4. Elizabeth Taylor's La Peregrina Pearl, Diamond, and Ruby Necklace ($11.8 Million)

When Richard Burton gifted Taylor the La Peregrina pearl, a 16th-century gem, she had Cartier set it with diamonds and rubies. The result? A necklace that screams old-world glamour. Taylor owned and flaunted it during her iconic years, and it sold for $11.8 million at Christie's in 2011. This piece isn't just jewelry; it's a love letter to history and extravagance.

5. Elizabeth Taylor's Krupp Diamond Necklace ($8.8 Million)

Taylor could turn any gem into a legend. The Krupp Diamond, a 33.19-carat Asscher-cut beauty, started as a ring from Burton but became a necklace for red-carpet versatility. Its flawless clarity dazzled at events, and when it sold for $8.8 million in 2011, it set a per-carat record. Taylor's knack for making jewelry her own shines through in this sparkling transformation.

6. Elizabeth Taylor's Bulgari Emerald and Diamond Necklace ($6.1 Million)

Burton knew Taylor's heart belonged to bold jewels. This Bulgari necklace, with over 60 carats of Colombian emeralds and diamonds, was a gift she wore to the 1967 Cannes Film Festival. It fetched $6.1 million at auction in 2011, setting a Bulgari record. The vibrant green stones paired with sparkling diamonds made it a perfect match for Taylor's larger-than-life presence.

7. Elizabeth Taylor's Mike Todd Diamond Tiara/Necklace ($4.2 Million)

Before Burton, producer Mike Todd won Taylor's heart with a convertible diamond tiara that doubled as a necklace. Packed with over 200 diamonds, this Victorian-era piece dazzled at the 1957 Oscars. Taylor owned it her whole life, and it sold for $4.2 million in 2011, setting a record for a diamond tiara. Its versatility and vintage charm make it a standout.

8. Elizabeth Taylor's Cartier Ruby and Diamond Necklace ($3.8 Million)

Taylor's love for color shone in this Cartier necklace, bursting with Burmese rubies and diamonds. A staple during her Burton years, it lit up red carpets and sold for $3.8 million in 2011, a record for ruby necklaces. Its fiery stones and bold design were made for a star who never played small.

9. Angelina Jolie's Emerald and Diamond Necklace ($4.2 Million)

Angelina Jolie brings drama to every look, and her emerald necklace from Brad Pitt is no exception. With over 100 carats of Colombian emeralds and diamonds, she wore it to the 2009 Oscars, stealing the spotlight. Valued at $4.2 million, this piece reflects Jolie's love for statement-making gems that match her commanding presence.

10. Gwyneth Paltrow's Harry Winston Diamond Necklace ($160,000)

Gwyneth Paltrow's 40-carat Harry Winston necklace may not top the list in price, but its sentimental value is priceless. A 1998 gift from her father, bought for $160,000, she’s worn it to Oscars and beyond. Paltrow still owns this classic piece, a reminder that sometimes, the story behind the sparkle matters most.

These necklaces aren't just about carats or cash; they're about the moments and personalities that made them iconic. Elizabeth Taylor's collection dominates, with her love for diamonds rewriting auction history. From Diana's royal elegance to Hadid's modern flair, these pieces capture the magic of celebrity life. Want more on celebrity style or tips for picking your own dazzling jewelry? Check out our related guides for inspiration.