Most Expensive Barbie Dolls
Written by: jeremy Filed Under: Collectibles, Fashion on September 5th, 2008
1959 No. 1 Barbie
The first Barbie dolls were introduced by Mattel, Inc. in 1959. Produced in Japan, their clothing was hand-stitched by home workers. Creator Ruth Handler based them on a German doll called Bild Lilli, which was itself based on a comic strip character. Since then, of course, the Barbie doll has become a household name. Having been around that long, Barbie’s been through quite a few editions.
On her 40th birthday, for instance, we were introduced to the most expensive Barbie doll at the time. Created by jeweler De Beers, this unique Barbie’s dress is covered in diamonds—160 of them, to be exact. She also wears 18k white gold jewelry. This expensive Barbie has an extraordinary price tag of $85,000.
For those who prefer the nostalgia factor to the bling factor, the most expensive classic Barbie is naturally the very first—Barbie No. 1. Featuring a ponytail and zebra-striped bathing suit, this vintage Barbie doll is considerably cheaper than the De Beers Barbie at an estimated $8,000.
Currently, the world’s most expensive Barbie doll is one that was introduced in Mexico City. The doll was created to promote a new Barbie movie, Barbie and the Diamond Castle. According to Giancarlo Melloni, Barbie’s brand manager in Mexico, the film has themes near and dear to the hearts of young women—“friendship, music and shiny jewels.”
Barbie and the Diamond Castle promotional doll
Mr. Melloni is clearly breaking new ground there.
The most expensive Barbie doll was not created for sale but has been valued at 1 million pesos (US $95,361). It features a total of 318 diamonds weighing in at 20.66 carats. Forty-four of the gems decorate her dress while the rest adorn her white gold accessories.
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these prices are ricidulas and i rather watch fishing from a fishes point of view.
WHO THE HECK WOULD PAY THAT MUCH FOR A BARBIE DOLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The barbie is beautiful and covered with diamonds so its worth it.
this is most likely to be one of the greatest barbie doll outfits that ever hit earth but i dont like how it was put on a diamond castle doll. they should have made something MUCH more unique it would have been a greater hit. i wish though that i could own such a doll like this
I grew up with Barbie Dolls, even had the original Barbie herself as well as the first Ken. Many a day I wish I still had those dolls for their collectible value. It’s been fun watching her change and develop over the years, same with her clothes and the houses, cars and even pets.
That doll is not for sale. It is a publicity stunt.
I would much rather have the first barbie doll ever to have been created. Knowing that was the first barbie to ever make a child smile means more then a bunch of diamonds stuck on a dress for money.
I really think that the dolls diamonds are beautiful but I think they should NOT have put the diamonda onto a “barbie and the diamond castle” doll (yuck!) they should have put barbie into a more chic dress making the barbie look even more valuable then it all ready is! When I first saw this picture I really thought the diamonds were fake! Can you blame me though? I really think this out-fit was a failure to the barbie company…They should hire me to help them next time!