10 most expensive things in the world

Have you ever wondered what billionaires buy? Here's a list of the most expensive things in the world, from opulent yachts to iconic paintings

Published: Mar 22, 2024 05:20:07 PM IST
Updated: Mar 22, 2024 05:25:08 PM IST

Curious about possessions that make lottery jackpots look like spare change? Luxury and opulence have reached new heights in today’s world. Let’s explore the most expensive things in the world, whose staggering price tags symbolise the utmost extravagance.

What are the most expensive things in the world?

Let's look at the world's most expensive things and the staggering prices they command.

Most expensive things Price (in millions USD)
History Supreme Yacht 4,500
Antillia 2,000
Villa Leopolda 506
‘Salvator Mundi’ Painting 450.3
‘The Card Players’ Painting 250
Jeff Bezos’ Beverly Hills House 165
‘Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I’ Painting 135
The Graff Hallucination Watch 55
Carinsurance.com Domain Name 49.7
1962 Ferrari GTO 48.4

Now, let’s understand what makes these the costliest items in the world.

History Supreme Yacht

The "History Supreme", a luxury yacht, is the costliest thing in the world. Commissioned by an anonymous Malaysian businessman, the yacht was built by a British luxury goods designer, Stuart Hughes and took over three years to complete.

Launched in 2011, the History Supreme gained international fame for its unique features, including a solid gold and platinum coating covering the entire yacht. The lavish vessel boasts a master bedroom adorned with meteoric stone accents and a genuine Tyrannosaurus Rex bone.

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Antilia; Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFPAntilia; Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP

Antilia

"Antilia," a towering residential skyscraper in Mumbai, India, is the private residence of business magnate Mukesh Ambani and his family. The 27-story building is among the world's most expensive private homes.

The residence includes luxurious amenities, including multiple parking floors, a health spa, a ballroom, and even three helipads. The name "Antilia" is inspired by a mythical island.

Villa Leopolda; Photo by ERIC ESTRADE / AFPVilla Leopolda; Photo by ERIC ESTRADE / AFP

Villa Leopolda

Villa Leopolda, one of the world’s most expensive things, is a stunning historic estate situated in Villefranche-sur-Mer on the French Riviera. Built in the early 20th century, it boasts luxurious interiors and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The estate has had notable owners, including King Leopold II of Belgium, from whom it derives its name. The villa has undergone transformations over the years, blending classic and contemporary architectural styles.

‘Salvator Mundi’ Painting; Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images‘Salvator Mundi’ Painting; Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images

‘Salvator Mundi’ Painting

Attributed to the renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci, this painting depicts Jesus Christ as the Savior of the World. It is one of the costliest items in the world. Thought to have been painted around 1500, the 'Salvator Mundi' went through various owners, with its rediscovery in 2005 sparking tremendous interest in the art world.

In 2017, the painting was auctioned at Christie's in New York, setting a record as the most expensive painting ever sold at auction.

‘The Card Players’ Painting; Photo by: Pictures From History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images‘The Card Players’ Painting; Photo by: Pictures From History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

‘The Card Players’ Painting

Yet another painting among the world’s most expensive things, 'The Card Players' was created by the celebrated post-impressionist artist Paul Cézanne.

Completed during the early 1890s, this series of paintings features individuals engaged in a game of cards. One version of 'The Card Players' was sold in a private sale to the royal family of Qatar for a staggering sum, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold.

Jeff Bezos’ Beverly Hills House; Photo by RB/Bauer-Griffin/GC ImagesJeff Bezos’ Beverly Hills House; Photo by RB/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Jeff Bezos’ Beverly Hills House

Jeff Bezos' Beverly Hills house is a modern architectural marvel. The mansion spans over 13,000 square feet and boasts sleek lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a minimalist aesthetic.

Its interiors feature spacious living areas, a state-of-the-art home theatre, a wine cellar, and a gourmet kitchen that any chef would envy. The outdoor space is equally impressive, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens and panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

‘Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I’ Painting;  Photo by Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images‘Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I’ Painting; Photo by Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images

‘Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I’ Painting

The "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I" is a renowned painting by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, completed in 1907. Also known as the "Lady in Gold" or the "Woman in Gold," it portrays Adele Bloch-Bauer, the wife of a Vienna industrialist. Klimt's style, characterised by intricate patterns and symbolism, is evident in this masterpiece.

Beyond its artistic significance, the painting gained fame due to a restitution case involving Nazi looting during World War II. After a legal battle, it was restituted to Adele's niece, Maria Altmann, and later sold to Ronald Lauder for the Neue Galerie in New York.

The Graff Hallucination Watch

The Graff Hallucination Watch, created by Graff Diamonds, is renowned for its opulent and extravagant designs. It features a vibrant array of rare and fancy-coloured diamonds, including green, orange, blue, and pink diamonds, set to create a mesmerising visual spectacle. It stands as one of the most expensive watches in the world.

Source: https://www.carinsurance.com/Source: https://www.carinsurance.com/

CarInsurance.com Domain Name

The CarInsurance.com domain name is a highly valuable and sought-after digital asset in the online insurance industry. Acquired by QuinStreet, a leading internet marketing and media company, this domain serves as a platform for providing information and services related to car insurance.

As an integral part of QuinStreet's portfolio, this domain contributes to the company's online presence and authority in the insurance market, facilitating a user-friendly experience for individuals navigating car insurance options.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO; Photo by YOSHIKAZU TSUNO / AFP1962 Ferrari 250 GTO; Photo by YOSHIKAZU TSUNO / AFP

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO

The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is revered as one of the most iconic and valuable cars ever produced. Only 36 units were crafted, each bearing a unique identity. Designed by Sergio Scaglietti, the 250 GTO showcases a sleek and aerodynamic exterior, complemented by a V12 engine that roars with power on the racetrack. Beyond its racing prowess, the 250 GTO's exclusivity makes it a coveted collector's item. As a symbol of automotive excellence, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO continues to command attention from enthusiasts and experts alike. 

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