Pink diamonds are among the rarest and most coveted gemstones in the world, renowned for their extraordinary beauty, captivating hues, and undeniable exclusivity. From their fascinating origins deep within Australia’s Argyle Mine to their record-breaking sales at international auctions, pink diamonds have a story as unique as their vibrant colours.
Pink diamonds have long captivated collectors and investors, consistently achieving record-breaking prices at auctions worldwide. Their rarity and unique hues make them some of the most sought-after gemstones. We explore notable pink diamond sales that have set new benchmarks in the auction world.
The Graff Pink:
In November 2010, the 24.78-carat “Graff Pink” diamond was sold at Sotheby’s Geneva for $46 million (£29 million), setting a new record for the highest price ever paid for a jewel at that time. This “fancy intense pink” diamond, once owned by American jeweller Harry Winston, was purchased by diamond dealer Laurence Graff, who named it the Graff Pink.
The Unique Pink:
May 2016 saw the sale of the “Unique Pink,” a 15.38-carat pear-shaped diamond, at Sotheby’s Geneva for $31.56 million. This “fancy vivid pink” Diamond became the most expensive diamond of its kind ever sold at auction, underscoring the high demand for vivid pink diamonds.
The Sweet Josephine
In November 2015, the “Sweet Josephine,” a 16.08-carat cushion-shaped “fancy vivid pink” diamond, was sold at Christie’s Geneva for $28.55 million. This sale set a new world auction record for a pink diamond at that time.
The Pink Star
The “Pink Star,” a 59.60-carat oval mixed cut diamond, holds the record for the most expensive pink diamond ever sold at auction. It was auctioned by Sotheby’s for $71.2 million in April 2017, highlighting the exceptional value attributed to large, high-quality pink diamonds.
The Williamson Pink Star
In October 2022, the “Williamson Pink Star,” an 11.15-carat pink diamond, was sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong for approximately $57.7 million. This sale positioned the Williamson Pink Star as the second most valuable jewel or gemstone ever sold at auction, just behind the Pink Star. These record-breaking sales underscore the enduring allure and investment potential of pink diamonds. As natural supplies dwindle, particularly following the closure of Australia’s Argyle Mine in 2020, the scarcity and value of pink diamonds are expected to continue rising.
