Top 10 Most Expensive Diamonds Ever Sold at Auction

Diamonds have always been a symbol of luxuriousness, elegance, and refinement. They have been treasured by people for centuries and continue to be highly sought after, especially by collectors and investors who are keen to acquire some of the world’s most precious and rarest stones.

The value of a diamond depends on several factors, including its size, cut, color, and clarity. However, some exceptional diamonds that possess remarkable qualities beyond these aspects have been sold at astronomical prices at auctions around the world.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 most expensive diamonds ever sold at auction. From the Pink Star to the Oppenheimer Blue, we will explore the unique features that have made these diamonds so valuable and coveted. We will also delve into the fascinating histories behind these exquisite stones and the buyers who were willing to pay millions of dollars to own them.

The Pink Star: The Most Valuable Diamond to Date

The Pink Star is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and prestigious diamonds in the world. This remarkable stone, which weighs in at 59.6 carats, is the largest internally flawless pink diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

The Pink Star was discovered by De Beers in 1999 in South Africa. It was originally named the Steinmetz Pink, after the diamond company that was responsible for cutting and polishing the stone. The cutting process took almost two years to complete, with the final result being a breathtaking oval-shaped diamond that shines with a vivid, intense pink color.

In 2013, The Pink Star was sold for a record-breaking $83 million (USD) at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva. The buyer, Isaac Wolf, a New York diamond cutter, renamed the diamond as the Pink Dream and planned to make it the centerpiece of a new jewelry collection. However, the sale was later cancelled due to the buyer’s inability to pay for the diamond. The Pink Star was auctioned again in 2017, and this time it fetched an impressive $71.2 million (USD), making it the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction to date.

The Oppenheimer Blue: The Largest Blue Diamond Ever Sold at Auction

The Oppenheimer Blue is a stunning diamond that holds a record in the category of blue diamonds. It was named after its previous owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer, a member of the family that formerly owned the De Beers diamond company.

The Oppenheimer Blue is the largest blue diamond to have ever been sold at auction, weighing in at 14.62 carats. This rectangular-cut diamond is a vivid blue color, with a high degree of clarity, which makes it even more exceptional.

The Oppenheimer Blue was eventually sold at a Christie’s auction in Geneva in 2016, where it set a new world record for the most expensive blue diamond ever sold at auction, fetching just over $50 million (USD). Despite its sky-high price tag, the diamond’s new owner remains unknown to this day.

The Winston Pink Legacy: The Perfectly Proportioned Pink Diamond

The Winston Pink Legacy is another remarkable diamond that has set several records at auctions. This oval-shaped pink diamond weighs in at 18.96 carats and is regarded by experts as having a near-perfect color saturation and clarity.

The diamond was named after Harry Winston, the famous jeweler and collector of rare diamonds, who acquired it at an auction in Hong Kong in 2018. The Winston Pink Legacy was previously part of the Oppenheimer-owned collection.

At an auction in Geneva later that year, the Winston Pink Legacy was sold for an astonishing $50.3 million (USD), breaking the world record for price paid per carat for a pink diamond. The buyer of the diamond was Eden Rachminov, a high-end diamond dealer based in Israel.

The Winston Pink Legacy is now regarded as one of the most exceptional pink diamonds ever to be sold at auction. Its outstanding qualities and impressive price tag have firmly secured its place among the world’s most valuable diamonds.

The Graff Pink: A Rare Pink Diamond with an Interesting History

The Graff Pink is one of the most famous pink diamonds in the world. This rectangular-cut stone weighs in at 24.78 carats and is regarded by experts as having a remarkably pure pink color and a high degree of clarity.

The Graff Pink has an interesting history, having belonged to several prominent collectors and jewelers throughout the years. It was originally discovered in South Africa’s Premier Mine and purchased by Harry Winston in the mid-20th century. Winston later sold the diamond to an American collector named Ronald Winston, who named it after himself.

In 2010, Laurence Graff, a British jeweler and diamond dealer, purchased the Graff Pink at an auction in Geneva for a record-breaking $46 million (USD). Following the purchase, Graff recut the diamond to enhance its color and clarity further, resulting in a slight reduction in its weight.

Today, the Graff Pink remains one of the world’s most valuable diamonds. Its remarkable color, clarity, and unique history make it a sought-after treasure among collectors and investors.

Conclusion: Investing in Diamonds – Why Quality and Rarity are Key

The world’s most expensive diamonds are not only stunning and rare but also a sign of wealth and status. Investing in diamonds can be a smart move, but it’s important to keep in mind that not all diamonds are created equal.

Quality and rarity are the two most crucial factors that determine the value of a diamond. It’s essential to invest in stones that possess a high degree of clarity, color, and cut. The more exceptional a diamond’s qualities are, the more valuable it is likely to be.

Furthermore, diamonds that possess unique characteristics or have an interesting history can add to their desirability. Keeping an eye on auction trends and historical prices can also provide insight into the market and help make informed investment decisions.

However, investing in diamonds requires caution and careful consideration. It’s essential to work with reputable dealers and obtain accurate certifications, such as those offered by the GIA, to ensure that the diamonds being purchased are of the highest quality and come with a solid investment value.