Pink Diamond

Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
​See also : Jewels
Chronology : 1990-1999  1999  21st century  2000-2009  2007  2020 to now  2020  2021

Intro

The type IIa classification assesses that the gem has no detectable levels of nitrogen in its crystal lattice. Type IIa diamonds often possess an exceptional optically clear quality.

Pink coloration in diamonds arises from plastic deformation distorting the crystal lattice during formation, a process affecting less than 0.5% of diamonds per GIA research, enhancing their scarcity over nitrogen-induced yellows.

​The scale of clarity is : Flawless, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2.

Why is the fancy vivid pink diamond considered as better than any other pink ? Some diamonds with other pink hues could be upgraded to fancy vivid pink : why and how ? Same questions for fancy vivid blue with respect to other blue hues.
Fancy Vivid Pink Diamonds
Fancy Vivid Pink diamonds are regarded as superior to other pink hues primarily due to their exceptional color saturation and intensity, which make them rarer and significantly more valuable. In the GIA color grading system for fancy colored diamonds, the scale ranges from Faint to Fancy Vivid, with Fancy Vivid representing the strongest, most vibrant pink without being overly dark or diluted. This high saturation results in exponentially higher prices compared to lighter shades like Fancy Light Pink, as the vivid intensity is much harder to find in nature. For example, a Fancy Vivid Pink of the same size and clarity can be worth far more than a Fancy Intense or Fancy Light simply because of this purity and strength of color, often commanding premium status in auctions and collections.
​Diamonds with other pink hues (or even non-pink hues like brown) can sometimes be "upgraded" to Fancy Vivid Pink through enhancements or modifications, though this typically refers to treatments rather than natural changes, and treated stones are usually less valuable than untreated naturals. The "why" stems from the desire to achieve that rare vivid saturation for aesthetic or market value reasons, as lower-grade pinks or off-hue diamonds (e.g., brownish-pink) may lack the intensity buyers seek. Methods include:
  • Recutting: Changing the diamond's shape (e.g., from emerald cut to radiant) can concentrate the color by altering light reflection, potentially elevating a Fancy Intense Pink to Fancy Vivid.
  • High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) Treatment: This process applies extreme heat and pressure to alter the diamond's crystal structure, enhancing or shifting the hue toward a more vivid pink.
  • Irradiation and Heating: Exposing the diamond to radiation followed by controlled heating can intensify pink tones, sometimes transforming lighter or different-hued stones.
  • Coating: A thin layer of pink material (e.g., sputtered coating) can be applied to the surface to boost the appearance of vivid pink, though this is temporary and wears off over time.
These treatments must be disclosed by reputable sellers, and GIA certificates will note if a diamond is enhanced.

I guess that the capability for upgrading to fancy vivid remains scarce ?
Scarcity of Upgrading Capability
​Yes, the capability to upgrade to Fancy Vivid Pink remains scarce. While the technologies (HPHT, irradiation) are commercially available and widespread for general color enhancement, achieving true vivid grades is limited by variability in outcomes—success depends on the diamond's original composition, defect distribution, and precise process control, with no 100% predictability. Natural vivid pinks are already rare (e.g., 90% from closed mines like Argyle), and treatments often yield less stable or uniform results, with high-quality vivid upgrades being uncommon due to risks like fading, detection challenges, and the need for specialized labs. Only a small fraction of treated stones reach this elite saturation without compromising integrity.

Fancy Vivid Pink

1
​1999 IF The Pink Star by De Beers
2013 hammered at 76 MCHF including premium by Sotheby's, UNPAID
2017 SOLD for HK$ 550M by Sotheby's

The Pink Star is unquestionably and by far the greatest polished diamond that ever hit the auction market. It should have fetched CHF 76M including premium at Sotheby's on November 13, 2013 but that sale was cancelled for buyer payment deficiency. 

It had been expected beyond US $ 60M, a conservative estimate when we consider that it is "only" US$ 1M per carat, but nevertheless ambitious because no other diamond has ever reached such a price at auction. 

Its come back was eagerly awaited by all the fans of highest jewelry and of auction history. It was sold for HK $ 550M by Sotheby's on April 4, 2017, lot 1801. Its expected value has been kept unchanged before from the 2013 auction.

Its subtle color, Fancy Vivid Pink, is the best graded among diamond colors. Internally Flawless means a perfect clarity. Its weight, 59.60 carats, is the highest recorded for finished flawless diamonds of that color. The fancy vivid pink weighing more than 10 carats are extremely rare.Its oval shape and its polish are the perfect result of two years of work executed by Steinmetz Diamonds.

It comes from a rough gem of 142.5 carats unearthed in 1999 by De Beers somewhere in Africa, which is currently the best location for new fabulous diamonds. Its mixed cut had required more than 50 subsequent models from epoxy casts. It was unveiled to the public in 2003.

Please watch the videos shared by Sotheby's : the 2013 pre sale video and the short video introducing the 2017 auction.

​Pink Star history
The Pink Star, originally known as the Steinmetz Pink, is a remarkable 59.60-carat oval mixed-cut diamond (featuring a step-cut crown and brilliant-cut pavilion), graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as Fancy Vivid Pink—the highest color saturation for pink diamonds—with Internally Flawless clarity and classified as Type IIa, denoting exceptional chemical purity and structural perfection. Pink diamonds derive their rare hue from plastic deformation in the crystal lattice during formation deep in the Earth's mantle, and the Pink Star stands out for its large size, intense color, and lack of secondary hues, making it one of the most valuable gems in history.
The diamond was mined by De Beers in South Africa in 1999 as a 132.5-carat rough stone, though exact mine details remain undisclosed in public records. Acquired by the Steinmetz Diamond Group, it underwent an intensive 20-month cutting and polishing process—a meticulous effort involving the removal of over half its rough weight to maximize color intensity and brilliance while achieving flawless clarity. The finished gem was unveiled in Monaco on May 29, 2003, initially named the Steinmetz Pink in honor of its cutters.
Shortly after, it gained public prominence when featured in the Smithsonian Institution's "The Splendor of Diamonds" exhibit in Washington, D.C., alongside other iconic stones like the De Beers Millennium Star (203.04 carats), the Heart of Eternity (27.64 carats), and the Moussaieff Red (5.11 carats). By 2007, it was renamed the Pink Star, entering a period of private ownership with limited public exposure until its auction debut.
The Pink Star made headlines on November 13, 2013, at Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale in Geneva, where it fetched a then-record $83 million (CHF 76.325 million including fees) after intense bidding, surpassing the previous auction high set by the Graff Pink diamond. The buyer, New York diamond cutter Isaac Wolf, promptly renamed it the Pink Dream, but he defaulted on payment, leading Sotheby's to reclaim the stone under a guarantee agreement and void the sale.
It resurfaced on April 4, 2017, at Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction in Hong Kong, where it sold for $71.2 million (HK$553,037,500 including fees) to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, a Hong Kong-based jewelry conglomerate, in a bidding war that lasted about five minutes. This price re-established it as the most expensive diamond or jewel ever sold at auction, a record it holds as of January 2026, and marked the highest value for any item sold at auction in Asia at the time. Chow Tai Fook renamed it the CTF Pink Star in tribute to the company's founder, Chow Tai Fook, and its initials, and it has remained in their private collection since, with no subsequent sales, public exhibitions, or notable events reported through 2026. The diamond's journey underscores the escalating demand for rare colored diamonds, often viewed as alternative investments amid market volatility.​

2
2021 IF, The Williamson Pink Star
2022 SOLD for HK$ 450M by Sotheby's

The open pit Williamson diamond mine was discovered in 1940 in Tanganyika, later Tanzania, by its namesake first owner. Locally known as the Mwadui mine, it is one of the best diamond mines outside of South Africa.

The Williamson is famous for its high quality pink diamonds. A virtually flawless pink cut down to 23.6 carats was presented in 1947 by Williamson to Princess Elizabeth at her wedding with Prince Philip.  Assembled by Cartier as the centre of a jonquil shaped brooch, it was frequently pinned on Her Majesty's coat.

On October 7, 2022, Sotheby's sold for HK $ 450M the Williamson Pink Star, lot 1115, which is $ 5M per carat. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.

Strongly saturated, it is referred by the auction house as one of the purest and pinkest diamonds. Weighing 11.15 carats, it is the second biggest internally flawless fancy vivid pink ever listed at auction. It was cushion cut by Diacore from a 32 carat rough diamond found at the Williamson mine.

It is assembled on a 18 karat white and pink gold ring in a surrounding of small pink and white diamonds.

History of the Williamson Pink Star

The Williamson Pink Star is an exceptional 11.15-carat cushion-shaped Fancy Vivid Pink diamond, graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) with the highest color saturation for pink diamonds, Internally Flawless clarity, and classified as Type IIa for its chemical purity and lack of nitrogen impurities. Its vivid pink hue—often described as "bubblegum" pink—arises from plastic deformation in the crystal lattice during formation, a rare phenomenon with no confirmed trace elements like manganese involved, contrary to early theories. Among pink diamonds, which represent fewer than 5% of colored diamonds (themselves less than 3% of all diamonds graded by GIA), those exceeding 10 carats with Fancy Vivid grading are extraordinarily scarce; of 1,000 pink diamonds examined by GIA between 2008 and 2016, 83% weighed under 1 carat.
The diamond originates from the Williamson mine (also known as the Mwadui mine) in Tanzania, discovered in 1940 by Canadian geologist Dr. John Thorburn Williamson. This alluvial deposit became renowned for producing high-quality pink diamonds, including the historic 23.6-carat Williamson Pink diamond—a 54.5-carat rough cut into a round brilliant and presented by Williamson as a wedding gift to then-Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) in 1947. The mine, Tanzania's first diamond operation and still active under Petra Diamonds' ownership since 2009, has yielded over 19 million carats total, though large pink roughs remain rare.
The Williamson Pink Star began as a 32.32-carat rough unearthed at the Williamson mine (exact discovery date undisclosed in public records). It was acquired and meticulously cut by Diacore (formerly the Steinmetz Diamond Group), a leading diamond manufacturer known for handling exceptional colored stones, including the Pink Star. The cutting process, which reduced the rough by more than 65% to enhance color saturation and achieve flawless clarity, resulted in the final 11.15-carat cushion mixed-cut form. GIA experts have praised it as "among the rarest of all gemstones," noting the need for an inherently strong body color in the rough to attain Fancy Vivid grading at this size, combined with its Internally Flawless clarity—a "special combination." Prior to its auction debut, the diamond remained in private hands with no documented public exhibitions or ownership changes, though its name honors the Williamson mine's legacy. It headlined a single-lot auction at Sotheby's Hong Kong on October 5, 2022, amid high anticipation in a market favoring rare colored diamonds. Bidding, conducted live with telephone and online participants, lasted about two minutes and culminated in a hammer price of HK$453.2 million (approximately $57.7 million USD), including fees, to an anonymous private collector advised by Sotheby's in Boca Raton, Florida. This sale established a new world auction record for the price per carat of any diamond, jewel, or gemstone at over $5.18 million per carat, surpassing previous benchmarks like the Winston Pink Legacy ($50.3 million for 18.96 carats in 2018) while ranking as the second-most valuable jewel ever auctioned, behind the CTF Pink Star ($71.2 million in 2017).
As of January 2026, the Williamson Pink Star remains in the anonymous buyer's private collection, with no subsequent auctions, exhibitions, or ownership transfers reported, solidifying its status among iconic pink diamonds like the Darya-i-Nur, Noor-ul-Ain, and Agra.

The Williamson Pink Star diamond was cut and polished by Diacore in 2022, following the company's purchase of the 32.32-carat rough in December 2021. (Note that an earlier reference in some sources to it being cut in 1947 appears to be a confusion with the separate Williamson Pink diamond gifted to Queen Elizabeth II.)
​Its earliest public appearance was on August 31, 2022, when Sotheby's unveiled it in London as part of the pre-auction tour.​

3
​VS1, ​The Pink Legacy
2018 SOLD for CHF 50M by Christie's

On November 13, 2018, Christie's sold the Pink Legacy for CHF 50M from a lower estimate of CHF 30M, lot 311.

This pink diamond Type IIa weighs 18.96 carats in a Fancy Vivid saturation without trace of secondary color and in VS1 clarity. Shaped in rectangle with cut corners, it is mounted on a ring. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.

Its stone had been mined in South Africa and the jewel belonged to the Oppenheimer family. Although it cannot compete with the Pink Star, 59.60 carats Fancy Vivid Pink Internally Flawless, it is one of the best diamonds in its class.

Fancy Vivid is the high end of saturation, better than Fancy Intense, and big diamonds are rare in this shade. Above all, each diamond is different for a jeweler. The shape is chosen according to the homogeneity of the color. The rectangle offers the best brilliance. It is often used for white diamonds but big pink diamonds capable to maintain their full brightness in that shape are very rare.

In Fancy Vivid Pink saturation, a rectangular diamond weighing 5.18 carats whose clarity was only VS2 was sold for CHF 10M by Christie's on May 13, 2015, approaching CHF 2M per carat.

A cushion shaped potentially flawless fancy vivid pink weighing 5.00 carats, named The Vivid Pink, was sold for HK $ 84M by Christie's on December 1, 2009, corresponding to US $ 2.1M per carat, lot 2455.

Discovery and Origins
The Pink Legacy diamond, a rare Fancy Vivid Pink diamond, is believed to have been discovered approximately a century ago in a South African mine, around the early 20th century. It was cut from a larger rough stone into its current form, an 18.96-carat cut-cornered rectangular-cut diamond. Classified as a Type IIa diamond, it contains little to no nitrogen, resulting in exceptional transparency and brilliance. Its color is a pure, even pink with no secondary hues like purple, orange, brown, or grey, and it exhibits balanced saturation and tone—qualities that place it in the elite "Fancy Vivid" category by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Only one in a million diamonds achieves this vivid color depth, and pink diamonds over 10 carats in this grade are extremely rare, with fewer than 10% of all pink diamonds weighing more than 0.20 carats.
Ownership History
For much of its known history, the diamond was owned by the Oppenheimer family, who led the diamond-mining giant De Beers for over a century. The Oppenheimers, synonymous with the diamond industry, held the stone privately until deciding to auction it in 2018.
Auction and Record-Breaking Sale
On November 13, 2018, the Pink Legacy was offered at Christie's Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva, with an estimate of $30–50 million. It fetched CHF 50,375,000 (approximately $50.3 million USD), setting a world record price per carat for a pink diamond at about $2.6 million per carat. This sale marked it as the largest Fancy Vivid Pink diamond ever auctioned by Christie's in its 252-year history, with only four such diamonds over 10 carats appearing in that time. The buyer was Harry Winston, the renowned American jeweler, who outbid others in a competitive sale.
Post-Auction Developments and Current Status
​Immediately after the purchase, Harry Winston renamed the diamond the "Winston Pink Legacy" and incorporated it into their collection of exceptional gems. In March 2021, to commemorate the 125th birthday of founder Harry Winston, the diamond was displayed at their New York flagship store, and the company indicated openness to offers from potential buyers. As of the latest available information, it remains part of Harry Winston's holdings, continuing to represent one of the most valuable and rare pink diamonds in existence.

4
​VVS2, The Unique Pink
​2016 SOLD for CHF 31M by Sotheby's

​For physicochemical reasons, pink diamonds are different from other colored diamonds. They have in common with colorless diamonds the lack of chemical impurities. Their color is due to the distortion of the crystal.

For this reason, pink diamonds offer a continuous range of hues from the paler (faint) to the most saturated (fancy vivid). The fancy intense pink often discussed in this column is less prestigious than the fancy vivid. The atomic intrusions can also generate more complex pinks approaching to purple or orange.

On May 17, 2016, Sotheby's sold the Unique Pink for CHF 31M, lot 495.

This fancy vivid pink of astonishing transparency and splendid purity offers a very saturated color. The total absence of atomic intrusions in the carbon crystal was verified by spectroscopy. Without approaching the weight of the Pink Star, the Unique Pink remains nevertheless very large in its category, 15.38 carats. It is VVS2, the best clarity below internally flawless and VVS1.

Because of their creation by pressure during the formation of the rock, the pink gems have an axis. The jeweler takes it into account to choose the shape. The Pink Star, absolute wonder of mineralogy, has been cut as a perfect oval obtained after two years of work by Steinmetz Diamonds. The Unique Pink was pear shaped by Cora International.

Please watch the video shared by Sotheby's.

Overview
The diamond in question is the "Unique Pink," a 15.38-carat pear-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond. It gained prominence through its record-breaking sale at Sotheby's in 2016. Detailed public information on its history is limited, as is common with high-value gems from private collections. Below is a comprehensive summary based on available records, focusing on its characteristics, auction history, and broader context for pink diamonds. Provenance prior to the auction and its current status remain largely undisclosed.
Physical Characteristics and Grading
  • Weight and Shape: 15.38 carats, pear-modified brilliant cut, measuring approximately 22.77 x 12.62 x 8.18 mm. The pear shape enhances its elongated form and intensifies the pink hue.
  • Color and Clarity: Graded Fancy Vivid Pink (the highest saturation level for colored diamonds) with natural color, VVS2 clarity (very, very slightly included). It exhibits a bright, deep pink with mesmerizing saturation, ranging from warmer orangy tones to cooler purple-pinks.
  • Type Classification: Type IIa, indicating exceptional chemical purity with no detectable nitrogen or boron impurities. Type IIa diamonds represent less than 2% of all mined diamonds and are known for superior transparency and brilliance. This classification was confirmed by spectral analysis.
  • Rarity: Pink diamonds are extremely rare, comprising less than 5% of colored diamonds. Fancy Vivid pinks of this size and purity are particularly uncommon. A GIA monograph accompanying the diamond described it as a "truly exceptional gem" due to its combination of size, color, clarity, and purity.
Origin and Mining History
Public details on the diamond's mining origin are not available, as is typical for many modern fancy colored diamonds where sources are kept confidential for security or commercial reasons. However:
  • Pink diamonds generally form due to distortion in the crystal lattice under extreme pressure, rather than trace elements (unlike yellow or blue diamonds).
  • Most pink diamonds (90-95%) historically came from the Argyle mine in Western Australia, which closed in 2020. However, Argyle pinks are usually Type Ia, whereas the Unique Pink is Type IIa, suggesting a different source.
  • Type IIa pinks are rarer and may originate from mines like the Cullinan (formerly Premier) mine in South Africa, known for producing large Type IIa diamonds, or historically from regions like Golconda in India. Without specific disclosure, the exact mine remains unknown.
  • The diamond was likely cut from an elongated rough crystal, as pear shapes often derive from such forms.
Provenance Before Auction
No detailed provenance was provided in auction records, indicating it likely came from an anonymous private collection or dealer. Sotheby's catalog referred to it simply as the "Unique Pink" for the sale, emphasizing its standalone rarity without historical lineage. This lack of documented ownership chain is not unusual for newly presented gems, contrasting with famous historical pinks like the Daria-i-Noor (from India's Kollur mine, now in Iran's Crown Jewels).
Auction and Sale History
  • Auction Details: Offered as Lot 495 in Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale in Geneva on May 17, 2016. It was mounted as a ring in 18-karat white gold.
  • Estimate: CHF 26,900,000 to 36,500,000 (approximately $28-38 million USD).
  • Sale Price: Sold for CHF 30,812,500 (about $31.56 million USD), including buyer's premium. This set a world auction record for any fancy vivid pink diamond at the time, both in total price and per carat (around $2.05 million per carat). The record was later surpassed by the 59.60-carat Pink Star in 2017 ($71.2 million).
  • Buyer: An anonymous private Asian collector, who bid via phone.
  • Context: The sale contributed to Sotheby's achieving a record $175 million total for the auction, highlighting demand for rare colored diamonds.
Post-Sale History and Current Status
Since the 2016 sale, the diamond has remained in private hands with no public resales, exhibitions, or updates. It has not appeared in subsequent auctions or news, suggesting it is part of a confidential collection. No information on recutting, remounting, or ownership changes is available. Pink diamonds of this caliber often appreciate in value; for reference, similar stones have seen prices rise significantly over time due to increasing rarity post-Argyle closure.
Broader Historical Context for Pink Diamonds
​While the Unique Pink lacks a long documented lineage, pink diamonds have a rich general history:
  • Earliest mentions date to the 17th century by French traveler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, who described large pink roughs from India's Golconda mines, including a 200+ carat stone valued at 600,000 rupees.
  • Modern production shifted to Australia (Argyle) in the late 20th century, but rare Type IIa pinks like this one evoke historical gems from India or Brazil.
  • Value has skyrocketed: In the 17th century, pinks were prized but undervalued compared to today, where color trumps other factors in grading.

5
​VVS2 Sweet Josephine
​​2015 SOLD for CHF 29M by Christie's

The best pink diamonds meet the qualification of Fancy Vivid Pink, characterized by the absolute purity of the color with no hues of purple, orange, brown or gray. This feature provides an excellent homogeneity of color throughout the bulk of the gem.

On November 10, 2015, Christie's sold for CHF 29M from a lower estimate of CHF 22M a cushion cut fancy vivid pink of VVS2 clarity weighing 16.08 carats, mounted on a ring in a surrounding of rows of small diamonds, lot 409.

Full history of this diamond

The 16.08-carat cushion-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond, classified as VVS2 clarity and Type IIa by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), is one of the rarest colored diamonds ever auctioned. While its precise mining origin remains undocumented in public records, its Type IIa composition—indicating exceptional purity with no detectable nitrogen—suggests it likely came from historic sources such as South African mines, similar to other notable vivid pinks like the Pink Star, rather than Australia's Argyle mine, which predominantly yields Type Ia pinks with different chemical traces. Pink diamonds of this size and intensity are extraordinarily scarce, with fewer than a handful over 10 carats appearing at auction in the last few centuries.
Prior to its public sale, the diamond was held in the private collection of a wealthy American family, who consigned it anonymously to Christie's for auction. No earlier ownership chain or historical provenance beyond this has been disclosed, which is common for such high-value gems to protect privacy.
On November 10, 2015, it headlined Christie's Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva, where it was presented as the largest cushion-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond ever offered at auction, with a pre-sale estimate of $23–28 million USD. After intense bidding, it sold for CHF 28,550,000 (approximately $28.5 million USD), setting a world auction record at the time for any fancy vivid pink diamond, at about $1.77 million per carat. The buyer was Hong Kong property tycoon and billionaire Joseph Lau Luen-hung, a convicted fugitive who acquired it anonymously via phone bid. Lau renamed the stone the "Sweet Josephine" in honor of his then-7-year-old daughter, Josephine. This purchase came just one day before he bought the 12.03-carat Blue Moon diamond (renamed "Blue Moon of Josephine") for a record $48.4 million at Sotheby's, also for his daughter.
​The diamond's record was short-lived, surpassed in May 2016 by the 15.38-carat "Unique Pink" at Sotheby's for $31.6 million. Since 2015, no public resales, auctions, or transfers of ownership have been reported for the Sweet Josephine. It remains in the private collection of the Lau family, with Josephine now an adult as of 2026. The stone is mounted in a platinum ring with a double halo of white diamonds, emphasizing its vivid color saturation and rarity.

6
​2007 VVS2, The Fortune Pink
2022 SOLD for CHF 28.4M by Christie's

The Fortune Pink is a fancy vivid pink diamond of VVS2 clarity weighing 18.18 carats in brilliant cut modified to pear shape. It has no trace of secondary color. Its polish is excellent and the symmetry is good.

Assembled with white diamonds on a 18 k rose gold ring and accompanied by a necklace, it was sold for CHF 28.4M by Christie's on November 8, 2022, lot 71.

​The Fortune Pink is an 18.18-carat pear-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond with VVS2 clarity, recognized as the largest pear-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond ever offered at auction. Mined in a Brazilian mine around 2007, it was cut and polished over the following years before being presented to the market. Christie's described it as a "true miracle of nature" due to its exceptional color and size, with the 18.18-carat weight considered auspicious in Asian cultures, symbolizing "definite prosperity." Prior to sale, the diamond went on a world tour to showcase it to potential buyers. It was auctioned as lot 71 in Christie's Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva on November 8, 2022, with an estimate of $25-35 million, ultimately selling for $28.8 million (including buyer's premium) to a private Asian collector after competitive bidding. This fell short of the high estimate but still ranked among the top prices for pink diamonds, though below records like the $50.4 million Winston Pink Legacy (also sold by Christie's in 2018) or the $71.2 million CTF Pink Star. No prior ownership or sales history before the 2022 auction is documented in public records.

Fancy Intense Pink

1
​VVS2, later The Graff Pink
2010 SOLD for CHF 45.4M by Sotheby's

The Perfect Pink weighing 14.23 carats with a VVS2 clarity was sold for HK $ 180M by Christie's on November 29, 2010.

On November 16, 2010, Sotheby's sold for CHF 45.4M from a lower estimate of CHF 27M another fancy intense pink diamond, also of VVS2 clarity, also emerald cut, but bigger. Weighing 24.78 carats, it is mounted on a ring. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.

The fancy intense pink color is highly striking in this specimen. Its emerald shape may be considered as the best cut with regard to brilliance. 

This diamond was already known : 60 years earlier, it was purchased to Harry Winston. It had never come back on the market. It will be later identified as the Graff Pink.

Its 2010 price per carat is US $ 1.83M.

​History of the Graff Pink
The Graff Pink is an exceptional 23.88-carat emerald-cut diamond, graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as Fancy Vivid Pink—the highest color saturation for pink diamonds—with Internally Flawless clarity and classified as Type IIa, indicating exceptional purity with no measurable nitrogen impurities. Its intense pink hue results from structural distortions in the crystal lattice during formation under extreme pressure, a rarity among diamonds where fewer than 0.03% of global production exhibits such coloration, and large specimens like this are extraordinarily scarce.
The diamond's early history remains shrouded in mystery, with no documented details on its mining origin or initial discovery—pink diamonds historically often trace to sources like Australia's Argyle mine (which supplied 90% of the world's pink diamonds before closing in 2020) or alluvial deposits in India and Brazil, though this is unconfirmed for the Graff Pink. It first entered recorded prominence in the mid-20th century when acquired by renowned American jeweler Harry Winston, famous for handling iconic gems like the Hope Diamond. Winston retained it in his private collection for nearly 60 years before selling it in the 1950s to an anonymous private collector, where it remained out of public view for decades.
The diamond resurfaced in 2010 when offered at Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction in Geneva on November 16, mounted in a simple ring setting. At that time, it weighed 24.78 carats, graded as Fancy Intense Pink with VVS2 clarity (possibly flawless but with 25 minor imperfections), and carried pre-sale estimates of $27–38 million amid growing demand for rare colored diamonds as investments. After competitive bidding, it was acquired by British jeweler Laurence Graff, founder of Graff Diamonds, for $46.2 million (CHF 45.4425 million including fees)—setting world auction records at the time for the most expensive pink diamond, the highest price per carat for a pink diamond (over $1.86 million per carat), and the most valuable single jewel ever sold at auction. Graff renamed it the Graff Pink in honor of his acquisition.
Shortly after, Graff's team undertook a risky recutting process using advanced laser technology and traditional techniques to eliminate the imperfections, enhance symmetry, and intensify the color without compromising the stone's integrity. This reduced its weight by 0.90 carats to 23.88 carats, upgrading the color to Fancy Vivid Pink and achieving full Internally Flawless clarity, as recertified by the GIA. The transformation elevated its value and brilliance, aligning with Graff's philosophy of perfecting exceptional gems. It was unveiled as part of Graff's collection in 2010 alongside other notable acquisitions like the Graff Constellation (102.34-carat white diamond) and the Delaire Sunrise (118.08-carat yellow diamond).
As of January 2026, the Graff Pink remains in the Graff Diamonds collection, celebrated as one of the world's most iconic pink diamonds and a benchmark for rarity and value in the colored diamond market, where such stones can command 10–100 times the price of comparable white diamonds. Its record was later surpassed by sales like the Pink Star ($71.2 million in 2017), but it endures as a symbol of pink diamonds' escalating desirability amid dwindling natural supplies.

The Perfect Pink weighing 14.23 carats was sold for HK $ 180M by Christie's on November 29, 2010 . It is . This price is US $ 1.67M par carat. The color classified Fancy Intense Pink is saturated and pure, with no shade of secondary color. Its purity VVS2 is exceptional for a diamond of this category. The emerald cut is perfect, too, and the press release indicates that this quality is an assurance that the stone has not been modified.

​Compare both :
The Perfect Pink and the Graff Pink are both iconic Type IIa pink diamonds that achieved record-breaking sales in November 2010, highlighting the surging demand for rare colored gems at the time. The Graff Pink, acquired and enhanced by jeweler Laurence Graff, is larger and attained a higher color grade post-recut, while the Perfect Pink set an Asian auction milestone. Below is a detailed comparison:
Carat Weight :
Perfect : 14.23 carats
Graff : Originally 24.78 carats; recut to 23.88 carats
Shape/Cut
Perfect : Rectangular (emerald-cut)
​Graff : Emerald-cut
Color Grade
Perfect : Fancy Intense Pink, natural color
Graff : Originally Fancy Intense Pink; enhanced to Fancy Vivid Pink post-recut
Clarity
Perfect : VVS2
Graff : Originally VVS2 (with minor imperfections); enhanced to Internally Flawless post-recut
Type
Perfect : IIa (chemically pure, no nitrogen impurities)
Graff : IIa
Symmetry/Polish
Perfect : Excellent symmetry (no polish details specified)
Graff : Not publicly specified in detail, but optimized during recut
Setting at Sale
Perfect : Mounted in an 18k rose and white gold ring, flanked by two rectangular D-color, Internally Flawless white diamonds (1.73 ct and 1.67 ct)
Graff : Mounted in a simple platinum ring setting with smaller side stones (details not emphasized)
Origin/Mine
Perfect : Undocumented in public records
Graff : Undocumented in public records, but pink diamonds often from sources like Argyle mine in Australia
Early History
Perfect : No documented history prior to 2010 sale; one of only about 18 pink diamonds over 10 carats to appear at auction by that time
Graff : Acquired by Harry Winston in the mid-20th century; held in his collection before sale to a private owner around the 1950s, remaining private for ~60 years
Sale Date
Perfect : November 29, 2010
Graff : November 16, 2010
Auction House/Location
Perfect : Christie's, Hong Kong
Graff : Sotheby's, Geneva
Sale Price
Perfect : HKD 179,860,000 (≈ $23.2 million USD), setting a record as the most expensive jewel sold at auction in Asia at the time
Graff : $46.2 million USD (CHF 45.4 million), setting world records for most expensive pink diamond, highest price per carat for a pink diamond (~$1.86 million/ct), and most valuable jewel at auction
Buyer/Current Owner
Perfect : Anonymous private collector (no updates as of January 2026)
Graff : Laurence Graff (Graff Diamonds); remains in the Graff collection as of January 2026
Post-Sale Changes
Perfect : None reported; remains in original form and setting
Graff : Recut by Graff's team shortly after purchase to remove imperfections, enhance color and clarity, and improve overall brilliance (a controversial but value-adding decision)
Notable Records/Legacy
Perfect : First pink diamond over 10 carats to exceed $10 million at auction in Asia; held per-carat record for pink diamonds briefly until surpassed
Graff : Held multiple world records until eclipsed by later sales like the Pink Star ($71.2M in 2017); exemplifies the investment potential of recutting rare gems
​compare certificates before and after re-cut of the Graff Pink
The Graff Pink is a renowned Type IIa pink diamond that was originally purchased by Laurence Graff in 2010 and subsequently recut to enhance its quality. Below is a comparison of its key specifications based on GIA grading reports before and after the recut process, which involved sacrificing some weight to remove inclusions and improve color intensity.
Carat
before : Weight24.78 carats
after : 23.88 carats
Color Grade
before : Fancy Intense Pink (even distribution, natural origin)
after : Fancy Vivid Pink (highest grade for pink diamonds)
Clarity Grade
before : VVS2 (very very slightly included; potentially internally flawless after repolishing)
after : Internally Flawless (IF)
Shape
before : Round-cornered rectangular step cut (modified emerald-cut with truncated corners)
after : Round-cornered rectangular modified step cut
Polish
before : Very Good
after : Not specified in available reports (improved through recut)
Symmetry
before : Good
after : Not specified in available reports (improved through recut)
Fluorescence
before : None
after : Not specified in available reports
Type : IIa
GIA Certificate
before : Colored Diamond Grading Report #2115100354
​after : New certificate issued post-recut (specific number not publicly detailed in sources)
Note: One source suggests the color grade remained Fancy Intense Pink after recut, but this appears inconsistent with the majority of reports, which confirm an upgrade to Fancy Vivid Pink. The recut removed approximately 20 natural flaws, transforming it into one of the most flawless pink diamonds known.

2
​1960 VS2, the Princie
2013 SOLD for $ 39.3M by Christie's​

On April 16, 2013 Christie's sold as lot 295 for $ 39.3M a cushion-cut pink diamond weighing 34.65 carats, which is 1.135 million US $ per carat. It is identified as historic, which mostly means that some ancient information is available.
​​
Its true color revealed by the 2013 sale, fancy intense pink, is a pleasant surprise, because this is one of the best and rarest colors.

The provenance of the Princie was not revealed in 1960. The seller was the Nizam of Hyderabad himself, which supports the hypothesis that this diamond had been extracted from Golconda. Unfortunately, its VS2 clarity is not perfect.

The Princie diamond. Full history including details on provenance and on both auctions, 1960 and 2013. Was its 2013 price overrated ?
Overview of the Princie Diamond
The Princie is a 34.65-carat cushion-cut fancy intense pink diamond, known for its vivid color and exceptional clarity, classified as Type IIa with Golconda origin, which contributes to its rarity and value. It is one of the largest and most famous pink diamonds in the world, with a history spanning over 300 years.
Full History and Provenance
The diamond was discovered approximately 300 years ago in the ancient Golconda mines in the Hyderabad region of south-central India, a historic source of some of the world's most legendary diamonds. Its early provenance traces back to the Nizams of Hyderabad, the ruling dynasty of the region, who controlled the Golconda mines and amassed vast treasures, including this stone. The diamond remained in the Nizams' possession for centuries, hidden from public view, until the mid-20th century.
In the 1950s, its whereabouts became somewhat mysterious, with its location unknown for decades prior to re-emerging publicly. It resurfaced in 1960 when it was auctioned anonymously. Following the auction, it was acquired by the London branch of Van Cleef & Arpels, the renowned French jeweler. The name "Princie" was bestowed upon it shortly after, at a party hosted by Van Cleef & Arpels in honor of the 14-year-old Prince (or "Princie") of Baroda, the son of Satti Devi, the Maharani of Baroda.
After 1960, the diamond largely disappeared from public sight again until 2013. However, its provenance has been complicated by a post-2013 scandal: In 2019, descendants of an Italian politician filed a lawsuit against Christie's, claiming the diamond was stolen from their family in the mid-20th century and that it rightfully belongs to them. The suit alleges that Christie's may have known about the disputed ownership at the time of the 2013 sale. As of the latest available information (up to 2020 reports), the diamond's current status involves this ongoing dispute, and it was reportedly purchased by a member of the Qatari royal family in 2013. No definitive resolution to the lawsuit is detailed in public records as of early 2026, adding a layer of intrigue to its provenance.
The 1960 Auction
The Princie first appeared at auction on February 17, 1960, at Sotheby's in London, listed as "The Property of a Gentleman." It was later revealed that the seller was the Nizam of Hyderabad himself, who was divesting some of his family's treasures amid financial pressures following India's independence and the integration of princely states. The diamond, described as a spectacular pink cushion-cut stone, sold for £46,000 (approximately $128,800 at the time, or about $1.2 million in today's adjusted value) to the London branch of Van Cleef & Arpels. This sale marked its debut on the international stage after centuries in private Indian royal hands, and it had not been seen publicly before.
The 2013 Auction
On April 16, 2013, the Princie was the star lot at Christie's Magnificent Jewels auction in New York. Estimated to fetch between $20 million and $30 million, it exceeded expectations, selling for $39,323,750 (including buyer's premium), or approximately $1.135 million per carat, to an anonymous telephone bidder. This set multiple records: the highest price for a Golconda diamond at auction, the most expensive jewel ever sold at Christie's (surpassing a previous record of $24.3 million), and one of the top prices for any pink diamond at the time. The auction was part of a larger sale totaling over $81 million, highlighting the booming market for rare colored diamonds in the early 2010s. It had not been publicly displayed since the 1960 sale, adding to the excitement.
Was the 2013 Price Overrated?
​Based on market context at the time, the $39.3 million price does not appear overrated; in fact, it was a record-breaker that reflected the heightened demand for fancy intense pink diamonds, particularly those with Golconda provenance, which are prized for their purity and historical significance. The sale exceeded pre-auction estimates by nearly 30%, indicating strong bidder interest amid a surge in colored diamond prices driven by Asian and Middle Eastern collectors. For comparison, other notable pink diamonds around that era, such as the 24.78-carat Graff Pink sold for $46 million in 2010 ($1.86 million per carat), fetched higher per-carat values, but the Princie's size and origin justified its premium. However, the subsequent 2019 ownership dispute and lawsuit could retroactively impact perceptions of its value, potentially making it harder to resell due to provenance concerns, though this emerged years after the auction and doesn't retroactively make the 2013 price inflated. In hindsight, with pink diamond prices stabilizing or declining slightly post-2010s boom (due to lab-grown alternatives and market saturation), the 2013 figure might seem peak-market, but it wasn't overrated relative to contemporary valuations.

Purplish / Purple
​Intro

Difference in Color and Rarity Between Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink and Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink
​In the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) color grading system for fancy colored diamonds, hues like purple and pink are described using a combination of dominant color, modifiers, intensity (e.g., Fancy Vivid for the highest saturation), and tone. The terms "Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink" and "Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink" both fall under vivid saturation (high color strength), but differ in hue balance and spectral characteristics.
  • Color Description and Hue Dominance:
    • Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink describes a diamond where purple and pink are more balanced, with purple often becoming more prominent as saturation increases. The hue transitions toward a pink-purple appearance, influenced by absorption bands around 550 nm in visible-near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectra, which can shift and widen to enhance the purple component.
    • Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink emphasizes pink as the dominant hue, with "purplish" as a modifier indicating a subtler purple tint. This results in a pinker overall look with purple undertones, often due to a shifted absorption band (555–560 nm) and broader peak (70–100 nm), allowing more blue light transmission for the purplish effect. In GIA nomenclature, the last word denotes the primary color, so "purple-pink" suggests a stronger purple influence compared to "purplish pink," where purple is less dominant.
  • Rarity:
    • Both are exceptionally rare, as pink/purple diamonds account for only a tiny fraction of global production (e.g., Argyle mine produced ~90% of the world's pinks before closing). Among 90,000+ studied pink/purple/red/orangy pink diamonds, purple-pink to purplish pink variations make up about 28%, but vivid intensities are scarcer, especially in larger sizes or Type IIa forms. Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink is generally considered rarer due to the balanced or stronger purple hue, which requires specific crystal distortions and trace elements (like hydrogen for purple), making it less common than purplish pink variants where pink dominates. Prices reflect this, with purple-pink often commanding premiums in auctions for their unique vibrancy.

1
​2020 Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink, The Eternal Pink by Diacore
2023 SOLD for $ 35M by Sotheby's

The Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink is a Type IIa pink with shades of purple. A multi-faceted cut improves the displaying of both colors and of their mingling. A Fancy vivid purplish pink internally flawless weighing 10.64 carats was sold for HK $ 156M by Sotheby's on October 7, 2019, lot 1820.

The Eternal Pink is a cushion mixed-cut Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink weighing 10.57 carats in an Internally Flawless clarity. The GIA is describing it as a stunning specimen, attesting an intense color saturation. Similar colors were found in much smaller diamonds in the now closed Argyle mine in Australia.

It had been cut by Diacore in New York City from a 23.78 carat rough discovered in 2019 in Botswana.

Flanked by two diamonds on a ring, it was sold for $ 35M by Sotheby's on June 8, 2023, lot 62. It is a price per carat of US $ 3.3M.

History of the Eternal Pink Diamond
The Eternal Pink diamond's documented history begins with its discovery as a rough stone in 2019. It was mined by De Beers at the Damtshaa mine in Botswana, weighing 23.78 carats in its raw form. (One source notes a slight variation of 23.87 carats, but 23.78 is the most consistently reported.) The rough diamond was then acquired by Diacore, a renowned diamond manufacturer, which spent over six months meticulously cutting and polishing it into a 10.57-carat cushion brilliant-cut gem. This process reduced its weight by more than half to achieve optimal color saturation, clarity, and faceting.
The diamond was graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as Fancy Vivid Purplish-Pink, Type IIa (indicating high purity with no detectable nitrogen or boron), and Internally Flawless—a rare combination that enhances its value. It was named "The Eternal Pink" and unveiled by Sotheby's in March 2023 as part of their Magnificent Jewels auction series. Prior to the sale, it toured globally, including exhibitions in Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Taipei, Geneva, and London, generating significant buzz among collectors.
​On June 8, 2023, it was auctioned at Sotheby's in New York, fetching $34.8 million after intense bidding—falling just short of its $35 million high estimate but setting a world record price per carat of approximately $3.3 million for a Fancy Vivid Purplish-Pink diamond. The buyer remains anonymous, as is common in high-profile gem sales, and no public information has emerged about subsequent ownership or resales as of early 2026. This sale occurred amid a surge in demand for rare colored diamonds, following the closure of Australia's Argyle mine in 2020, which had been the primary source of pink diamonds globally (though the Eternal Pink originated from Botswana). No major events or updates regarding the diamond have been reported since the auction, and its record price per carat for this color category appears to still stand.
Rarity of Its Color
Fancy Vivid Purplish-Pink diamonds like the Eternal Pink are extraordinarily rare, representing a tiny fraction of all natural diamonds. Pink diamonds in general make up less than 0.01% of global diamond production, with their color resulting from intense geological pressure that distorts the crystal lattice during formation—rather than from impurities like nitrogen or boron in most other colored diamonds. The "Fancy Vivid" grade denotes the highest level of color saturation and intensity, which is exceptionally uncommon; for instance, a 2022 GIA study indicated that only about 2% of pink Type IIa diamonds qualify as Fancy Vivid. The purplish modifier adds further scarcity, as it combines pink's warmth with subtle purple undertones, making such stones highly sought after. Stones exceeding 10 carats in this category are virtually unheard of outside major auctions, and those with internal flawlessness amplify the rarity exponentially. Overall, pink diamonds rank second only to red diamonds in terms of fancy color rarity, and with major pink diamond mines depleted, future discoveries of comparable quality are expected to be even fewer.

Nota : the auction catalogue confirms that the diamond was discovered in 2019, not in 2020 as found by Grok.

2
​Fancy Vivid Purple Pink, The Sakura
2021 SOLD for HK$ 226M by Christie's

Much rarer than the Fancy Vivid Pink or the Fancy Intense Pink, the Fancy Vivid Purple Pink shows a perfect balance between its two colors, unlike the Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink which has a pink dominant.

On May 23, 2021, Christie's sold for HK $ 226M a ring made of a purple pink diamond flanked with white diamonds, lot 2011.

The colored diamond is a fancy vivid purple pink, well saturated with a slight dominance of the pink which reminds the cherry blossom in the early spring, a symbol of beauty in Japan. It has indeed been named the Sakura diamond from its eponymous flower in Japanese.

This cushion cut diamond is weighing 15.81 carats. It is graded Internally Flawless and has an even color distribution. The GIA stated in 2020 that it is the largest diamond known by them in its color grade in the two highest grades of clarity.

All its physical characteristics are very similar to the Spirit of the Rose, weighing 14.83 carats, extracted in 2017, sold unmounted for CHF 24.4M on November 11, 2020 by Sotheby's, lot 204, whose polish and symmetry were better graded.

Full History of The Sakura Diamond
The Sakura diamond, a 15.81-carat Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink Internally Flawless Type IIa diamond, was unveiled by Christie's in early 2021 as the largest purple-pink flawless diamond ever to appear at auction. Named after the Japanese word for cherry blossoms due to its delicate hue reminiscent of the fleeting spring flowers, it was set in a simple platinum and gold ring to emphasize the stone itself. Unlike many famous colored diamonds, detailed information about its mining origin, rough form, or cutting process has not been publicly disclosed, which is not uncommon for high-value gems where provenance is kept private to protect the supply chain or owner anonymity. Pink diamonds in general have been sourced from mines in countries like South Africa, Brazil, Tanzania, Russia, and notably Australia (though the Argyle mine, a major source, closed in 2020), but no specific mine has been linked to The Sakura.
The diamond made its auction debut at Christie's Magnificent Jewels sale in Hong Kong on May 23, 2021, where it fetched HK$226.3 million (approximately US$29.3 million), setting a world record for the highest price paid for a purple-pink diamond at auction and surpassing the previous record holder. It was purchased by an anonymous private Asian buyer via telephone bid after competitive interest. The sale highlighted the growing demand for rare colored diamonds in Asia, with the stone's rarity amplified by its size (over 15 carats, rare for pink diamonds where less than 10% exceed 0.20 carats), vivid color, internal flawlessness, and Type IIa classification (indicating exceptional chemical purity with no detectable nitrogen). As of January 2026, no further public sales or ownership changes have been reported, and it remains the record holder in its category.
Detailed Comparison with The Spirit of the Rose
The Sakura and The Spirit of the Rose are both extraordinary Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink diamonds, representing the pinnacle of rarity in colored gems. Both are Internally Flawless, Type IIa, and oval-cut, but The Sakura edges out in size and auction price, reflecting market escalation and its slight carat advantage. Below is a detailed comparison:
Carat Weight
Sakura : 15.81 carats
Spirit : 14.83 carats
Color Grade
both : Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink
Clarity
both : Internally Flawless (IF)
Type
both : IIa (chemically pure, <2% of diamonds, enhances color and clarity)
Cut/Shape
both : Oval brilliant
Origin/Mining
Sakura : Unknown/publicly undisclosed; likely from a major pink diamond source like Africa, Brazil, or Russia
Spirit : Mined by ALROSA in July 2017 from the Ebelyakh deposit in Yakutia, Russia; rough was 27.85 carats named "Nijinsky"
Cutting History
Sakura : No public details; presumed cut to maximize size and color
Spirit : Cut and polished over a year by ALROSA in Russia using 3D modeling and laser tech to emphasize rose-petal hue
Naming
Sakura : Named for Japanese cherry blossoms ("Sakura") due to its delicate pink hue
Spirit : Named after the 1911 Russian ballet Le Spectre de la Rose by Vaslav Nijinsky
Auction House
Sakura : Christie's Hong Kong
Spirit : Sotheby's Geneva
Sale Date
Sakura : May 23, 2021
Spirit : November 11, 2020
Sale Price
Sakura : US$29.3 million (HK$226.3 million), world record for purple-pink diamonds
Spirit : US$26.6 million (CHF 24.4 million)
Buyer
Sakura : Anonymous private Asian collector
Spirit : Anonymous collector
Significance
Sakura : Largest flawless purple-pink diamond sold at auction; set per-carat record of ~$1.85 million
Spirit : Largest pink diamond ever mined and polished in Russia; previous record holder until surpassed by The Sakura
Rarity Notes
Sakura : Extremely rare size for vivid purple-pink; <10% of pinks >0.20 ct
​Spirit : Revived Russian cutting traditions; intermittent pink finds in Russian mines
The Sakura's higher price can be attributed to its larger size, the booming Asian market for colored diamonds in 2021, and overall inflation in gem prices post-2020. Both stones underscore the scarcity of vivid purple-pink diamonds, with Type IIa purity making them optically superior. The Spirit of the Rose has a more documented provenance tied to Russian heritage, while The Sakura's mystery adds to its allure.