Diamond Panther Bracelet
The most expensive bracelet in the world is a diamond panther bracelet. This piece of jewelry sparked a romance between Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson, the original socialite and queen of style.
In 1952, Cartier designed this bracelet in Paris. Pavé-set brilliant and single-cut diamonds and calibré-cut onyx adorn the elegantly carved body. A marquise-shaped emerald is meticulously placed in each eye. It's 195 mm long but seems like it's only 165 mm long. In American terms, that means it's 6.5 inches long and would be ideal for me. Be still, my beating heart.
Aside from the exquisite panther's sensuous contours and green eyes, the bracelet's wide articulation is the piece's most notable feature. The panther is jointed all the way around to allow the bracelet to drape around the lucky wearer's wrist instead of remaining rigid like a bangle.
Edward, Duke of Windsor and England's almost-King, did an excellent job of demonstrating his love for Wallis Simpson. Sure, abdicating the throne for her was no little matter. But it's the fact that he bought her some of the most incredible jewels the world has ever seen, most of it personally commissioned, that really impresses me. We'll just discuss one piece today: her Cartier panther bracelet, but there are several more stunning pieces on display.
Cost: 12.4 million USD
