The most amazing diamonds and gems of 2016: Jacob & Co, Bayco

Always on the lookout for the most fabulous diamonds and gems, with equally eye-watering prices, The Jewellery Editor went to Baselworld to track down the most amazing jewels. Shop the look: ow.ly/10m84P
Our video shows gemstones that are only for the truly wealthy with millions of dollars to spend, and we tell you why they are so amazing.
Baselworld is the biggest watch and jewellery show on Earth, and The Jewellery Editor team explored the vast exhibition halls to find the most precious and impressive diamonds and gemstones you are likely to find on this planet. And it is no surprise that these outstanding jewels come with price tags that would make even the wealthiest wince.
Jacob & Co of New York is an obvious place to head for mouth-watering, gob-stopper-sized diamonds and especially coloured diamonds. Here we were in awe of an impressive pair of diamond earrings. A Fancy light blue and Fancy pink diamond, each weighing 15 carats, make up these unique earrings. Though founder Jacob Arabo is coy about revealing just how much they are worth, you can be sure it is well into the high seven figures. Or as Mr Arabo put it: “They are worth about the same as a private jet.”
Several factors make these earrings exceptional, the first being that they are coloured diamonds, which are many times more rare than white diamonds. Secondly: the size! 15 carats is awe-inspiring for any diamond, never mind a pink or blue in matching cut and weight. And then to top it off, you get two, making these the ultimate in coloured diamond earrings we saw at Baselworld.
Another high-roller from New York is Bayco, which has a keen eye for the very best of the big three: they are of course rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Run by the Hadjibay father and sons team, there are generations of knowledge and confidence in Bayco’s jewels. And with prices for top-quality stones on the rise, diamonds are not the only investment-worthy gems, as buyers turn to the most rare and exquisite sapphires, rubies and emeralds. This year we were captivated by an impressive 60 carat natural Burmese unheated sapphire necklace with a price tag of $4 million.
Private jet, earrings or a one-of-a-kind sapphire? The choice is yours, but if you are looking to impress, The Jewellery Editor has unearthed some gems that are hard to beat.