These Are The Most Expensive Artifacts In The World, As Of 2022
While many collectors spend their days looking at rare paintings, sculptures and other artwork, others are specifically focused on the one artifact that is nearly impossible to get your hands on. Not only is it unique, one-of-a-kind and almost certainly has an awesome backstory, these special artifacts are also incredibly expensive, making ownership also extremely rare.
The definition of an artifact simply means the item was man made and has cultural or historical interest and can include furniture, tools, clothing and jewelry of any place and time. In today’s world, owning one of these interesting pieces are sure to increase your status among royalty and celebrities alike.
Check out 2022’s topmost expensive artifacts to date and where they rest today.
8 Harrington Commode – $6 Million
Antique commodes are beautifully handcrafted and decorative chests of drawers. According to Luxatic, one of the most famous and valuable in the world dates back to the 1700’s from the collection of Earl of Harrington. Only the rich and elite were able to purchase from Chippendale’s at the time, a custom shop that made closets, cabinets and furniture. While we don’t know who owns the English furniture today, we do know it was sold in 2010 at Sotheby’s London auction house for just under $6 million.
7 Diamond Panther Bracelet – $7 Million
Gifted by King Edward VIII to the Windsor Duchess as a wedding present, the 6.5 inch Cartier bracelet is in the design of a panther and dates back to 1952. Each eye of the panther is set with marquise-shaped emeralds. It’s jointed along the length, allowing the bracelet to drape itself rather than appearing rigid like a bangle. According to Diamonds in the Library, the bracelet was listed at Sotheby’s Exceptional Jewels and Precious Objects Formerly in the Collection of The Duchess of Windsor.
6 Goddard-Townsend Antique Secretary Desk – $12 Million
The hand-crafted desk was made of mahogany in 1760 by Quaker cabinet maker, John Goddard and is just one of nine desks in existence today. Eight of the desks are in museums but one remained at the Brown (of Brown University) family home, becoming a centerpiece antique until a Brown descendant sold the piece at auction for more than $12 million. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Boston Museum of Fine Art, Yale University Art Gallery, Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art and Preservation Society of Newport County all own works created by Goddard-Townsend.
5 Der Blaue Wittelsbach – $23.4 Million
Over the decades, the blue diamond was owned by a family of royal lineage, originating from King Philip IV of Spain, when he purchased it for his wife in 1664. The 35.56 carat diamond has been compared to the Hope Diamond. In 2008 Laurence Graff (London-based jeweler) purchased the diamond for just over $23 million and confirmed he had flaws removed, bringing criticism from experts. However, the recutting, increased its market value and Graff sold the diamond in 2010 to the former emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa for at least $80 million.
4 Artemis and the Stag – $28 Million
The early Roman Imperial or Hellenistic bronze sculpture depicts the ancient Greek goddess Artemis. The statue was discovered in the 1920’s, presented at auction in 2007 and sold for $28.6 million dollars, making it the most expensive statue ever sold. Though the winning bidder remains anonymous, they lent the famous statue to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and it remains on display there.
3 Codex Leicester – $31 Million
The well-known collection of famous writings by Leonardo da Vinci was named after Thomas Coke, later known as Earl of Leicester who purchased the manual in 1719. According to Listly, Bill Gates purchased the scientific research from auction in 1994 for a mere $31 million, scanned in each page and made the digital version available online. Da Vinci was known to invent and design multiple machines, including a parachute, flying machine and a clock.
2 Pinner Qing Dynasty Vase – $86 Million
The Chinese vase boasts the imperial seal, meaning it was likely designed for Emperor Qianlong in the late 18th century. The golden vase features fish and flower motifs and is widely praised for artistic purity and beauty. Made during a time when the Qing Dynasty took over the Ming Dynasty between 1644 and 1911, many artists were able to find peace and prosperity, creating beautiful pieces in the process. In addition, it is one of the most expensive antiques ever sold at auction.
1 The Hope Diamond – $350 Million
One of the most valuable artifacts of all time, rests in the Smithsonian Museum when Harry Winston mailed a simple brown wrapper, containing the diamond, to the museum. The Hope Diamond is a 45.25 carat diamond and has a fascinating history, owned by many notable figures over the centuries. The diamond originated from the Kollur mine in Golconda, India and was purchased by Jean Baptiste Tavernier, a French merchant. He sold it to King Louis XIV of France and over the years, it’s been gifted or stolen from one high-profile person to another.
Sources: Luxatic , Diamonds in the Library, Listly
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