Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty leads the way in luxury real estate globally, from beachfront mansions on Palm Jumeirah to a London penthouse that is one of the most expensive in the world. Our client base, however, is not merely interested in expanding their property portfolios. They tend to be keen collectors who like to invest in the finest luxury goods, whether that is a rare artwork with historical significance or a fashion accessory that’s part of a limited release. Below we take a look at the most expensive items that exist in the world, for those who appreciate the finest things in life.
1. Artwork: Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci
When discussing the intersection of art and wealth, Leonardo da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi” stands out as a monumental example. This Renaissance masterpiece, believed to have been painted around 1500, was sold for an astronomical $450.3 million at auction in 2017. The painting portrays Jesus Christ holding a crystal orb and is notable not only for its historical significance but also for its storied provenance. The painting, which was restored before going on display at London’s National Gallery between 2011 and 2012, has drawn some scepticism from experts who believe that da Vinci only contributed to part of the painting and that restoration makes it hard to show that definitively.
Most scholars agree on the authenticity of the work and believe it to be the original work by the Renaissance master himself, which has added to its hallowed reputation. The record-breaking sale of “Salvator Mundi” is a testament to the unparalleled value attributed to works by da Vinci, whose artistic genius continues to captivate collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. The painting’s journey from rediscovery to auction highlights the intricate interplay between historical importance, artistic rarity, and market demand. With only about 15 authenticated works by da Vinci in existence, each one is a rare gem in the art world, commanding immense value and reverence.
The painting was purchased by a representative of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and is currently in storage awaiting the completion of a museum in Al-Ula, where it will go on display.
2. Supercars: Bugatti La Voiture Noire
In the world of luxury automobiles, the Bugatti La Voiture Noire is a symbol of excellence in both engineering and design. Sold for an astounding $18.7 million to an anonymous buyer, this one-of-a-kind supercar embodies the future of the automotive industry while paying tribute to its past with its distinctive appearance. La Voiture Noire, meaning ‘The Black Car’ in French, was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2019 and immediately captured the attention of car collectors the world over, though only one lucky collector was able to secure it.
The look of the car’s exterior is inspired by the Bugatti Atlantic 57 SC, a vintage coupe that was a variant of the Bugatti Type 57 series produced in the late 1930’s and 1940’s. A carbon fibre body with sweeping curves gives La Voiture Noire an imposing, elongated silhouette that mirrors the sleek beauty of the classic Type 57 SC. Both the design and the name are an homage to the ‘lost fourth Atlantic’, an all-black model that disappeared during World War II. It was one of only four such models produced and was a personal favourite of Jean Bugatti. Due to the history that surrounds it, the original car has an estimated value of $114 million.
Under the hood, the La Voiture Noire features an 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine, capable of delivering over 1,500 horsepower. This immense power translates into blistering acceleration and top speeds that cater to the elite driving enthusiasts. The interiors are bespoke, tailored to the owner’s preferences, with plush materials and integrated technology.
3. Yachts: History Supreme
For maritime enthusiasts, the History Supreme yacht is the ultimate symbol of grandeur on the high seas. Crafted by Stuart Hughes, a renowned luxury designer known for creating exclusive and bespoke electronic gadgets, the History Supreme is adorned with more than 100,000 kilograms of gold and platinum that cover everything from the boat’s decks to its anchor. The yacht was sold for an impressive $4.8 billion to an unnamed Malaysian businessman.
The construction of the History Supreme reportedly took over three years. It features a gold-plated hull that gives it a uniquely impressive appearance and the lavish deck can accommodate over 200 guests. The interiors are beautifully adorned, though it is the design of the master suite that really ups the ante. Platinum detailing has been used throughout the space and it has a wall feature that incorporates meteoric stone and shavings of genuine dinosaur bone.
The History Supreme also boasts numerous amenities, including a spa, cinema, and even a helicopter pad. While there are no specifications available regarding its performance, the yacht does serve as more of a status symbol and represents the apex of luxury on the ocean.
4. Jewellery: Pink Star Diamond
First mined in 1999 by de Beers, the Pink Star Diamond stands out as a masterpiece of both rarity and value. The gem had a weight of 132.5 carats in its natural state and was carefully cut by the Steinmetz Diamonds group to a weight of 59.6 carats over a period of 20 months. It was originally named the Steinmetz Pink and officially unveiled at a Monaco exhibition in 2003.
The largest diamond to achieve a rating of ‘Vivid Pink’ by the Gemological Institute of America due to its exceptional colour and clarity, the Pink Star was auctioned by Sotheby’s in Geneva for $83.2 million. Due to payment issues, the diamond was returned to Sotheby’s and auctioned again in Hong Kong in 2017. Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, who own one of the tallest buildings in China, bought the Pink Star for $71.2 million, setting a new record for jewellery sales.
The Pink Star’s value is attributed to its intense pink hue, which is one of the rarest colours found in diamonds. Its clarity, combined with its impressive size, makes it a unique and highly sought-after gem among collectors and investors. The diamond’s sale highlights the extraordinary lengths to which collectors will go to acquire such rare and beautiful items.
5. Watches: Graff Diamonds Hallucination
Sitting at the delicate border between art piece and timepiece, the Graff Diamonds Hallucination is a prime example of both craftsmanship and extravagance. Valued at approximately $55 million, this watch is a one-of-a-kind creation that features a spectrum of rare, multicoloured diamonds set in a platinum bracelet. The stones all have different cuts and there is no order or pattern to their placement, which creates a visual effect that has earned the watch its name. The bezel and dial are adorned with pink diamonds, standing out in a bit of a contrast to the surrounding features.
Conceptualised by Laurence Graff, CEO & Founder of Graff Diamonds, the Hallucination was first unveiled at Baselworld in 2014 and set a new benchmark for the type of high-end collector watches the firm would continue to produce over the years. Graff remains the owner of the Hallucination in the present day, which is not just a key part of his collection but a testament to his passion for his craft.
Final Take
It is hard to put a definite claim on any one luxury item being the most expensive in the world, as the value that one may place on a particular object is highly subjective. As the list above shows, price isn’t just determined by the level of detail or craftsmanship that goes into producing a high-end collectible. A good story and provenance can increase value immeasurably, which helps to make all of these the most expensive items in their class.
