Some of the most expensive things in the world include rare and exclusive items such as diamonds, luxury cars, private islands, and designer goods.
These items are often out of reach of ordinary people and are only available to the wealthy elite.
Despite the exorbitant prices, rich people are still willing to spend money on these items without hesitation, showing off their wealth and status.
While these assets may seem frivolous to those with little financial means, to the super-rich they are a symbol of their wealth and power.
20. L’Incomparable diamond necklace – 55 million USD
The L’Incomparable diamond necklace is an exquisite piece of jewelry that costs $55 million.
This stunning necklace features a flawless yellow diamond weighing a record 407.48 carats.
The diamond is set on a chain decorated with 90 white diamonds, making it a unique piece.
19. Graff Diamonds illusion watch – 55 million USD
The Graff Diamonds Illusion Watch is a stunning, luxurious watch worth $55 million.
This watch is decorated with rare and colorful diamonds, making it a true work of art.
This is the most expensive watch in the world and symbolizes wealth and luxury.
18. Ferrari 250 GTO 1963 – 70 million USD
The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most valuable and sought-after cars in the world, with one selling for a record $70 million in 2018.
This rare and iconic sports car is known for its beautiful design, powerful engine, and impressive racing history. Only 36 pieces were produced, making it an exclusive and coveted collector’s item.
Its value continues to increase over the years, cementing its position as one of the most expensive and desirable cars in the world.
17. Garçon à la pipe painting – 104 million USD
Pablo Picasso’s painting Garçon à la Pipe sold for a record price of $104 million in 2004.
It is considered one of the world’s most valuable works of art and demonstrates Picasso’s distinctive style and mastery of the Cubist movement.
The painting depicts a young boy holding a pipe and is a prime example of how Picasso combined traditional techniques with modern concepts to create groundbreaking works of art.
Its high price testifies to the enduring appeal and value of Picasso’s art as well as the continuing importance of art in our society.
16. Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I – 135 million USD
The iconic portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I sold for a staggering $135 million in 2006, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold.
The painting was created by famous Austrian artist Gustav Klimt and is considered a masterpiece of the Art Nouveau movement.
It is currently on display at the Neue Galerie in New York City, where visitors can marvel at its beauty and historical significance.
15. Pointing Man sculpture – 141.3 million USD
The Pointing Man sculpture created by artist Alberto Giacometti was sold for a record price of $141.3 million in a 2015 auction.
The life-sized bronze piece depicts a slender, elongated figure facing into the distance and is considered a masterpiece of modern art.
The high price reflects the rarity and significance of Giacometti’s work as well as the value of art in today’s society.
14. Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Gullwing Uhlenhaut – 143 million USD
This rare and iconic luxury car was sold for a staggering $143 million, making it one of the most expensive cars ever sold.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Gullwing Uhlenhaut was originally designed for racing in the 1950s and only two were produced for road use.
Its sleek, aerodynamic design and powerful engine make it a sought-after collector’s item.
13. Jeff Bezos’s Beverly Hills home – $165 million
Jeff Bezos’s Beverly Hills home, which recently sold for a staggering $165 million, is a luxurious mansion with 12 bedrooms, 25 bathrooms, and many lavish amenities.
It also includes tennis courts, a golf course, a movie theater, multiple guest houses, and stunning views of Los Angeles.
Despite its high price, this property may not offer the best return on investment because the housing market is constantly fluctuating.
12. Card Player painting – 250 million USD
Paul Cézanne’s painting The Card Player sold for a record $250 million in 2011, becoming the most expensive work of art ever sold.
This iconic painting depicts a group of French peasants playing cards and is considered a masterpiece of Post-Impressionism.
Its value reflects the high demand and appreciation for fine art as well as the prestige and cultural significance attached to owning such a rare work.
11. Exchange (de Kooning) – 300 million USD
Interchange (de Kooning) sold for $300 million, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever. Dutch-American artist Willem de Kooning created abstract expressionist work in 1955 and was known for his vivid colors and dynamic brushstrokes.
It was sold at a private auction in 2015 to an undisclosed buyer. The high price reflects the significant impact and value of de Kooning’s work in the art world.
10. Boeing 787 Dreamliner private plane – 300 million USD
The privately owned Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the epitome of luxury and exclusivity, with a price tag of $300 million.
This modern aircraft offers unparalleled comfort and convenience to elite passengers.
From spacious bedrooms and lavish bathrooms to high-tech entertainment systems and gourmet dining options, this private jet sets the standard for luxury travel.
However, this lavish price tag may only be feasible for a select few, making it an unattainable dream for most.
9. Cullinan – 400 million USD
Cullinan is a luxury diamond sold for a record price of 400 million USD.
This is the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, weighing 3,106 carats. Cullinan was discovered in South Africa in 1905 and named after Thomas Cullinan, owner of the diamond mine where it was found.
It has since been cut into many smaller diamonds, including the famous “Star of Africa,” part of the British Crown Jewels.
8. Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi painting – 450.3 million USD
This painting, created by Leonardo da Vinci, is known as Salvator Mundi and is currently the most expensive painting ever sold at auction.
It was sold for a staggering $450.3 million in 2017, making it a highly sought-after work of art. The painting depicts Jesus Christ in a Renaissance-style portrait and its astronomical selling price reflects its rarity, historical significance and artistic mastery.
7. Leopolda Villa – 506 million USD
Villa Leopolda is a luxury French villa located in the French Riviera. This is one of the most expensive houses in the world, with an estimated value of up to 506 million USD.
The estate, which includes more than 50 acres of gardens and a private beach, is owned by many wealthy individuals, including Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and the Safra banking family.
The high price is due to luxurious amenities, stunning views and a prime location in the exclusive area of Villefranche-sur-Mer.
6. Crown Jewel – 591 million USD
The crown jewel of the British monarchy, the Koh-i-Noor diamond, is estimated to be worth $591 million.
It is a 105.6 carat diamond, once the largest diamond in the world and with a long and controversial history.
It is now part of the British Crown Jewels and is displayed at the Tower of London.
5. Air Force One – $660 million
Air Force One is the official plane of the President of the United States, with a price tag of $660 million.
This Boeing 747-8 has advanced communication systems, defensive weapons and secure communication channels. It also has luxury features such as conference rooms, medical rooms and private quarters for the President and their guests.
While it may seem like a hefty price tag, this plane is essential to the safe and efficient transportation of the President.
4. Antilia – 2 billion USD
Antilia is a private residence in Mumbai, India and is considered one of the most expensive residential areas in the world.
The 27-story villa is owned by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, estimated to be worth about 2 billion USD.
It has luxury amenities such as a helipad, multiple swimming pools, a ballroom, a private theater and a garage that can accommodate up to 168 cars.
Despite its hefty price tag, this lavish mansion has been criticized for its excessive luxury and stark contrast to India’s poverty.
3. Hubble Space Telescope – 2.1 billion USD
The Hubble Space Telescope is a powerful astronomical instrument launched into space in 1990.
It cost $2.1 billion to build and maintain, making it one of the most expensive and valuable telescopes in history.
Its advanced technology and ability to capture stunning images have greatly advanced our understanding of the universe and continue to provide useful data to scientists and researchers.
2. Supreme yachting history – $4.8 billion
Yacht History Supreme is a luxury yacht built by the British company Blohm + Voss.
It is known as the most expensive yacht in the world, with a price of 4.8 billion USD.
The yacht is made of solid gold and platinum and has a statue made from T-Rex bones. Its lavish design and price attracted much attention and controversy.
1. International Space Station – 150 billion USD
The International Space Station is a joint project between five different space agencies and is estimated to cost about $150 billion to build and maintain.
This makes it one of the most expensive structures ever built but also serves as a valuable research and collaboration platform for scientists and astronauts worldwide.
