What is High Jewelry
"High jewelry is the haute couture of the jewelry world," says jewelry historian Vivienne Becker. Just as luxury fashion houses like Chanel offer both ready-to-wear and couture collections—where ready-to-wear targets a wider audience and couture pieces are custom-tailored for the buyer—the same principle applies to jewelry. While leading brands like Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Harry Winston offer fine jewelry collections with widely recognized designs like Cartier's LOVE or Van Cleef's Alhambra, their high jewelry creations are in a class of their own. These high jewelry pieces can be fully bespoke, one-of-a-kind treasures, or tailored designs that elevate personal taste to an extraordinary level.
Although high jewelry is often more expensive than fine jewelry, its value isn't determined by price alone. The essence of high jewelry lies in its exceptional quality, the size and rarity of the diamonds and gemstones, and the artistry behind the design. What truly sets high jewelry apart is the meticulous craftsmanship, the rarity of the piece, and the creativity and innovation infused into every design. The finishing and polishing of high jewelry are also far superior to that of mass-market fine jewelry—each piece often requiring hundreds of hours of skilled labor. Only the most talented artisans are entrusted with the design, creation, and refinement of these extraordinary pieces, ensuring that every high jewelry creation is a true work of art.
Collecting High Jewelry
One reason to collect High Jewelry is these pieces retain and in many cases even gain value over time. High jewelry is like wearable art that won't depreciate like most couture fashion pieces. Collecting High jewelry is a passion for those that love rare diamonds and gem stones. High jewelry pieces are a reflection of their provenance and heritage but aren't trend driven. The enduring value of High jewelry is in part due to the quality and rarity of the stones and materials.
Some of the most incredible High Jewelry pieces were seen all over social media during the three day pre-wedding celebration for Anant Ambini and Radhika Merchant. The Ambani family's High jewelry collection includes some of the rarest and most precious stones in the world. The jewelry collection of Nita Ambani, Isha Ambani and Shloka Ambani is potentially valued in the billions of dollars. Nita Ambani gifted Shloka Ambani the L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace. This necklace features the world’s largest internally flawless diamond, a 407.48 carat step-cut yellow diamond, suspended from a 229.52 carat white diamond necklace, and intertwined with 18-karat rose gold branchlets. The rose gold chain is adorned with 91 other diamonds, totaling another 200 carats with an estimated value of over $55 million.

During the recent pre-wedding festivities, Nita Ambani wore an impressive emerald and diamond necklace that featured two massive slab-like emerald stones. Sister of the groom, Isha Ambani also wore statement making emerald ring, earrings and a dramatic necklace. Not surprisingly Isha wore Couture Chanel with her High Jewelry during the festivities.
High jewelry is more than just a luxury purchase—it's an investment in craftsmanship, rarity, and artistry. As we’ve explored, high jewelry stands apart not only for its breathtaking beauty but for the dedication and skill that goes into creating each piece. These exceptional treasures are timeless, often appreciating in value over time, and embody the highest standards of jewelry design. Whether bespoke or from the collections of the world's most prestigious maisons, high jewelry represents the intersection of art, history, and personal expression.
The extraordinary collections of families like the Ambanis showcase just how rare and coveted these pieces can be, further cementing high jewelry's place as a symbol of luxury and status. While trends may come and go, high jewelry transcends the moment, remaining a reflection of exceptional taste and an enduring passion for the finest in design.
Advantages to Buying High Jewelry on the Secondary Market
Access
Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of High Jewelry from the world’s most prestigious maisons, including renowned designers and established jewelers. As a leading global marketplace, Sotheby’s offers pristine High Jewelry pieces featuring the rarest gemstones and exceptional craftsmanship. Our jewelry specialists work closely with collectors worldwide to source the most coveted and sought-after creations.
Flexibility
Sotheby’s offers multiple purchasing options for High Jewelry, including online and in person at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris, and London. We also offer a bespoke concierge service to help source specific High Jewelry pieces not available online.
Value
While various boutiques often feature select collections of High Jewelry, finding particular designs, rare gemstones, or one-of-a-kind pieces can be difficult due to limited availability. Sotheby’s provides a curated selection of exceptional High Jewelry, from vintage masterpieces to modern creations, available for purchase without the need to visit a store. Shopping with Sotheby’s allows you to discover extraordinary pieces in one place, saving time while ensuring the authenticity, value, and quality of each piece.
Discovery
One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the opportunity to discover rare, unique, and limited-edition High Jewelry pieces that are no longer available through traditional retail channels. Our curated selection of High Jewelry is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.
Buy and Sell High Jewelry At Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has impressive High Jewelry available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of High Jewelry available for immediate purchase on marketplace. If you would like to view a High Jewelry creation, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source an exceptional High Jewelry creation from its global supplier network.
- Explore upcoming jewelry at auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Contact a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Speak to a Jewelry Specialist about selling High Jewelry.
Trust our worldwide network of leading jewelry specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.