Diamond rings have long been symbols of wealth, status, and timeless beauty. Among these sparkling treasures, a select few stand out for their extraordinary craftsmanship, history, and, of course, price. This article takes you on a journey through luxury and elegance as we explore some of the world’s most expensive diamond rings, delving into what makes them so valuable and the stories that have captivated collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.
- The Pink Star: A Record-Breaking Masterpiece
- Overview: The Pink Star, a 59.60-carat oval-cut pink diamond, holds the record as the most expensive diamond ring ever sold. This extraordinary gem was auctioned by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong in 2017, fetching a staggering $71.2 million.
- Unique Features: The Pink Star is a Type IIa diamond, which is the purest form of diamond, with no traces of nitrogen. Its vivid pink color is incredibly rare, and the size and quality of the diamond make it one of a kind.
- The Story: Originally mined by De Beers in Africa, the Pink Star was cut and polished over a period of two years to achieve its final, flawless form. The diamond's sale marked a historic moment in the jewelry world, setting a new benchmark for the value of colored diamonds.
- The Oppenheimer Blue: The Largest Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond
- Overview: Named after its previous owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer, the Oppenheimer Blue is a 14.62-carat emerald-cut blue diamond that sold for $57.5 million at Christie’s auction in 2016.
- Unique Features: The Oppenheimer Blue is the largest Fancy Vivid Blue diamond ever sold at auction. Its deep, saturated blue color and impeccable clarity make it a truly rare and magnificent gemstone.
- The Story: The Oppenheimer family, who once controlled De Beers, has a long-standing history in the diamond industry. The sale of the Oppenheimer Blue further solidified the family’s legacy in the world of luxury diamonds.
- The Pink Legacy: A Diamond with Historic Roots
- Overview: The Pink Legacy is an 18.96-carat rectangular-cut Fancy Vivid Pink diamond that was sold for $50.4 million at Christie’s in 2018. The diamond was previously owned by the Oppenheimer family, adding to its historic significance.
- Unique Features: The Pink Legacy’s size, combined with its even distribution of color and exceptional clarity, places it in a category of its own. It is one of the most important pink diamonds ever discovered.
- The Story: The Pink Legacy was purchased by Harry Winston, who renamed it “The Winston Pink Legacy.” The diamond’s sale highlights the enduring allure of pink diamonds, particularly those with such remarkable provenance.
- The Blue Moon of Josephine: A Father’s Love
- Overview: The Blue Moon of Josephine is a 12.03-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond that sold for $48.4 million at Sotheby’s in 2015. It was purchased by Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau, who named it after his daughter, Josephine.
- Unique Features: This cushion-cut diamond is noted for its intense blue color, which is incredibly rare and difficult to find in diamonds of this size and quality.
- The Story: The Blue Moon of Josephine became famous not only for its beauty and value but also for the touching story behind its purchase. Joseph Lau’s acquisition of the diamond for his daughter underscores the deep emotional significance that these rare gems can hold.
- The Graff Pink: The Most Expensive Single-Stone Ring
- Overview: The Graff Pink is a 24.78-carat Fancy Intense Pink diamond that was purchased by jeweler Laurence Graff for $46 million at Sotheby’s in 2010. At the time, it was the most expensive single-stone diamond ring ever sold at auction.
- Unique Features: The Graff Pink’s rare color and impressive size, combined with its emerald-cut shape, make it a standout among pink diamonds. Its clarity and near-perfect symmetry add to its exceptional value.
- The Story: Laurence Graff, known as the “King of Diamonds,” bought the ring and later re-cut it to enhance its color and brilliance. The Graff Pink remains one of the most famous and valuable diamonds in the world.
- The Perfect Pink: A Study in Perfection
- Overview: The Perfect Pink is a 14.23-carat rectangular-cut Fancy Intense Pink diamond that sold for $23.2 million at Christie’s in 2010. This diamond is one of the few pink diamonds to achieve such a high price due to its remarkable quality.
- Unique Features: The Perfect Pink’s flawless clarity and perfect color saturation make it a rare and extraordinary find. Its rectangular cut enhances its natural beauty, allowing light to reflect perfectly within the stone.
- The Story: The sale of The Perfect Pink set a record at Christie’s, highlighting the growing demand for pink diamonds and solidifying its place as one of the most coveted diamonds in the world.