Pink diamonds, with their enchanting hues and rarity, have long captured the hearts of royalty, celebrities, and discerning collectors alike. When set in a ring, their beauty is amplified, creating breathtaking masterpieces that command astronomical prices. Let’s embark on a journey to explore some of the most expensive and legendary pink diamond rings the world has ever seen, showcasing their unique characteristics and the stories behind their stunning valuations.
Pink Diamond Ring
I. The Graff Pink Supreme:
Considered one of the most exceptional pink diamonds ever discovered, the Graff Pink is a 24.78-carat Fancy Intense Pink diamond mounted on a platinum ring. It’s renowned for its incredible clarity (Internally Flawless) and vivid color saturation.
- Key Features: Emerald-cut, mounted between two shield-shaped diamonds.
- Sale Price: Sold at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2010 for a staggering $46.2 million, setting a record for the most expensive single jewel ever sold at auction at the time.
- Significance: Its exceptional size, color, and clarity make it a true masterpiece of nature. Its sale price cemented its status as one of the world’s most coveted pink diamonds.
II. The Vivid Pink:
This stunning ring features a 5.00-carat Fancy Vivid Pink cushion-cut diamond, boasting exceptional saturation and brilliance.
- Key Features: Set between two colorless shield-shaped diamonds on a platinum ring.
- Sale Price: Sold at Christie’s Hong Kong in 2009 for 2.1 million per carat).
- Significance: Showcased the increasing demand for and value of small yet intensely colored pink diamonds.
III. The Pink Star:
While technically a diamond, not a ring, the Pink Star’s sheer size and value warrant its inclusion. This internally flawless, 59.60-carat Fancy Vivid Pink diamond is the largest of its kind ever graded by the GIA.
- Key Features: Oval mixed-cut, exceptionally large for a Fancy Vivid Pink diamond.
- Sale Price: Sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2017 for $71.2 million. While a previous sale fell through, this successful auction solidified its place as one of the most valuable jewels ever sold.
- Significance: Demonstrates the extraordinary value of large, high-quality pink diamonds, surpassing even some of the most famous white diamonds.
IV. The Princie Diamond:
The Princie Diamond is a 34.65-carat Fancy Intense Pink cushion-cut diamond with a rich history, having belonged to the royal family of Hyderabad, India.
- Key Features: Cushion-cut, VS2 clarity, historical provenance.
- Sale Price: Sold at Christie’s New York in 2013 for $39.3 million.
- Significance: Its size, intense color, and royal history made it one of the most desirable pink diamonds to ever come to auction.
V. The Sweet Josephine:
This 16.08-carat Fancy Vivid Pink diamond was purchased by Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau for his daughter, Josephine.
- Key Features: Cushion-shaped, Fancy Vivid Pink, purchased as a gift.
- Sale Price: Sold at Christie’s Geneva in 2015 for $28.5 million.
- Significance: Highlights the personal significance and sentimental value often associated with pink diamonds, especially as gifts.
VI. A Fancy Intense Pink Diamond Ring by Graff:
This unnamed ring features a rectangular-cut Fancy Intense Pink diamond weighing over 9 carats.
- Key Features: Rectangular cut, Fancy Intense Pink, set by Graff Diamonds.
- Estimated Value: While the exact sale price is not publicly available, similar rings from Graff Diamonds with comparable characteristics have commanded prices in the tens of millions of dollars.
- Significance: Showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and design expertise that further enhance the value of pink diamonds.
Factors Contributing to Their Astronomical Value:
Several factors contribute to the staggering prices commanded by these pink diamond rings:
- Rarity: Pink diamonds are exceedingly rare, making up a tiny fraction of all diamonds mined.
- Color Intensity: The depth and saturation of the pink color significantly impact the value. Fancy Vivid Pink diamonds are the most prized.
- Clarity: High clarity grades (Internally Flawless or Very Slightly Included) contribute to their overall beauty and value.
- Carat Weight: Larger pink diamonds are exceptionally rare and command significant premiums.
- Cut and Proportions: Expert cutting enhances the diamond’s brilliance, fire, and scintillation, maximizing its visual appeal.
- Provenance: A well-documented history and association with royalty or famous collectors can increase the stone’s value.
- Setting and Design: Exquisite settings and designs from renowned jewelers further enhance the beauty and desirability of these rings.
Conclusion:
These magnificent pink diamond rings represent the pinnacle of luxury and artistry. Their astronomical prices reflect a unique combination of rarity, beauty, historical significance, and exceptional craftsmanship. They are not just pieces of jewelry, but rather wearable works of art that capture the imagination and inspire awe. For those who dream of owning such a treasure, understanding the factors that contribute to their value is essential. While owning one of these legendary rings might be a distant dream for many, their existence serves as a testament to the enduring allure and unparalleled beauty of pink diamonds.