Natural diamonds have captivated humanity for centuries, not just for their breathtaking beauty but also for their incredible rarity and the stories they carry. When these geological marvels combine exceptional size, color, clarity, and historical significance, their value can soar into the tens and even hundreds of millions of dollars. Here, we delve into the top 5 most expensive natural diamonds ever sold, each a testament to nature’s artistry and human desire for the extraordinary.
1. The Pink Star (CTF Pink Star) – $71.2 Million
- Weight: 59.60 carats
- Color: Fancy Vivid Pink
- Key Features: This oval-cut, internally flawless diamond holds the record for the most expensive diamond or jewel ever sold at auction. Its intense, vibrant pink hue is incredibly rare, making it a true “freak of nature” in the diamond world. Mined by De Beers in 1999, it took expert cutters two years to transform the rough stone into this masterpiece. Its sale in 2017 to Hong Kong jeweler Chow Tai Fook cemented its legendary status.
2. The Oppenheimer Blue – $57.5 Million
- Weight: 14.62 carats
- Color: Fancy Vivid Blue
- Key Features: Named after its previous owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer, this emerald-cut blue diamond shattered records for a blue diamond at auction in 2016. Blue diamonds are among the rarest of all colored diamonds, and the Oppenheimer Blue’s vivid saturation and exceptional clarity make it a truly unparalleled gem. Its illustrious provenance, linked to a family synonymous with the diamond industry, further adds to its allure.
3. The Williamson Pink Star – $57.7 Million
- Weight: 11.15 carats
- Color: Fancy Vivid Pink
- Key Features: While slightly less in overall sale price than the Oppenheimer Blue, the Williamson Pink Star set a new world record for the highest price per carat for any diamond or gemstone when it sold in 2022. This internally flawless, cushion-cut pink diamond is named partly after the famous Williamson mine in Tanzania and partly in homage to the historic “Williamson Pink” worn by Queen Elizabeth II. Its intense color and flawless clarity make it a remarkably valuable specimen.
4. The Blue Moon of Josephine – $48.4 Million
- Weight: 12.03 carats
- Color: Fancy Vivid Blue
- Key Features: This cushion-cut blue diamond, discovered in the Cullinan mine, was purchased by Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau in 2015 and renamed after his daughter, Josephine. Its extraordinary vivid blue color and internally flawless clarity captivated the world, demonstrating the incredible demand for these rare blue treasures.
5. The Graff Pink – $46.2 Million
- Weight: 24.78 carats
- Color: Fancy Intense Pink
- Key Features: Formerly owned by Harry Winston, this exquisite rectangular step-cut pink diamond was acquired by Laurence Graff in 2010. While its color grade is “Fancy Intense” rather than “Fancy Vivid,” its significant size and beautiful cut, combined with its perfect clarity (Type IIa, placing it among the top 2% of all diamonds), make it an exceptional and highly valuable gem.
These diamonds are more than just gemstones; they are pieces of history, natural wonders, and symbols of ultimate luxury and enduring value. Their stories, from their geological formation deep within the Earth to their dramatic appearances on the auction block, continue to fascinate collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
Stay updated on the latest JK Sons postings by following us on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/j_ksons/
https://x.com/jksonsdiamond?t=a4_K1Uej1BwNCXt63jmEMw&s=08
https://www.youtube.com/@JKSons-q4x
https://www.facebook.com/share/19fYjZtEZf/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jk-sons-a8005832b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app