The Five Most Expensive Pink Diamonds
Explore the five most expensive pink diamonds and the provenance, rarity, and allure that set them apart in the world of gems.
Brief History of Pink Diamonds
Pink diamonds were first discovered in India in the early 17th century, at the Kollur mine in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, what was then part of the Golconda kingdom. The French merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier mentioned a large pink rough diamond weighing over 200 carats in 1642, shown to him by the Moghuls. Known as 'The Grand Table,' this diamond was valued at 600,000 rupees and remains the largest pink diamond recorded to date.
Since then, pink diamonds have also been found in Brazil, South Africa, Tanzania, Canada, Australia, and Russia, with around 80% of the world's relatively recent production of pink diamonds originating from the Argyle mine in Western Australia. With the Argyle mine's closure in 2020, the availability of new-to-market pink diamonds has decreased dramatically, highlighting their rarity and driving demand.
Adding to this illustrious legacy, Sotheby’s Geneva will present The Glowing Rose, a 10.08-carat Fancy Vivid Pink diamond, at its High Jewelry Sale on November 12, 2025. Graded Fancy Vivid Pink, Natural Colour, VVS2 Clarity, and Type IIa by GIA, this cushion-modified brilliant-cut gem exemplifies the extraordinary saturation, purity, and beauty that make pink diamonds among the most coveted treasures in the world.
Most Expensive Pink Diamonds
| Diamond Name | Carat Weight | Color Grade | Clarity | Price (USD) |
| CTF Pink Star | 59.60 | Fancy Vivid Pink | Internally Flawless | $71.2 million |
| Williamson Pink Star | 11.15 | Fancy Vivid Pink | Internally Flawless | $57.5 million |
| Graff Pink* | 23.88 | Fancy Intense Pink | Internally Flawless | $46 million |
| The Eternal Pink | 10.57 | Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink | Internally Flawless | $34.8 million |
| Spirit of the Rose | 14.83 | Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink | Internally Flawless | $26.6 million |
*Originally weighing 24.78 carats and Potentially Flawless when sold in 2010
Why Pink Diamonds Are Exceptionally Rare
Unlike most colored diamonds, pink diamonds are thought to owe their hue to structural distortions created by extreme heat and pressure conditions during formation, rather than trace elements. The conditions required to create pink diamonds are so extraordinary that less than 0.15% of diamonds submitted to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) possess a predominantly pink color.
Furthermore, a 2022 GIA study found that only 2% of pink Type IIa diamonds were graded as Fancy Vivid Pink, the classification reserved for specimens with the greatest degree of saturation.
One extraordinary example of this rarity is The Desert Rose, a pear-shaped Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink diamond weighing an astonishing 31.68 carats. This magnificent stone was featured in Beyond the World’s Rarest Diamonds, an exclusive exhibition of colored diamonds presented by Sotheby’s in Abu Dhabi.
Further highlighting the enduring appeal of rare colored stones, an exceptional 17.70 Carat Fancy Brown-Orange diamond ring by the legendary Parisian jeweler JAR recently sold for 3,302,000 HKD (426,000 USD) at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in April 2025. The cushion-shaped diamond, notable for its warm, fiery tone, was framed by brilliant-cut diamonds and set in platinum. Signed and stamped with French assay and maker’s marks, the ring was accompanied by a GIA report confirming its natural color—an exquisite example of scale, rarity, and artistry from one of the most sought-after contemporary designers.
As their rarity continues to captivate collectors and connoisseurs, the value of pink diamonds has steadily increased over time. Read on to discover the five most expensive pink diamonds ever sold at Sotheby’s.
The 5 Most Expensive Pink Diamonds Ever Sold at Auction
1. CTF Pink Star - $71.2 Million
The CTF Pink Star holds the record for not only the most expensive pink diamond but also for the most expensive gemstone or jewel ever sold at auction, selling for an astounding 553 million HKD (71,200,000 USD) at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in April 2017. This 59.60-carat oval mixed-cut Fancy Vivid Pink, Internally Flawless diamond is the largest Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Pink diamond the GIA has ever graded. Mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999, the 132.5-carat rough was meticulously cut and polished over a period of two years and transformed into a stunning gemstone by Diacore.
2. Williamson Pink Star - $57.5 Million
The second most expensive pink diamond, The Williamson Pink Star, sold for 453 million HKD (57,500,000 USD) at Sotheby's Hong Kong in October 2022. This 11.15-carat, cushion-shaped Fancy Vivid Pink, Internally Flawless diamond is classified as Type IIa diamond, the most chemically pure of all diamond types. Large pink diamonds with such unmodified hue and clarity are exceptionally rare, which drove the bidding to a world record price per carat for any gemstone.
The rough stone was found in the Williamson Mine in Tanzania, the same mine that produced the 23.60-carat Williamson Pink diamond presented as a wedding gift to Queen Elizabeth II in 1947.
3. Graff Pink - $46 Million
The Graff Pink sold for an outstanding 45.44 million CHF (46,000,000 USD) at Sotheby's Geneva in November 2010. The GIA report stated the 24.78-carat Fancy Intense Pink diamond may be Potentially Flawless after repolishing and is a Type IIa. Before being sold in 2010, the diamond had at one point been owned by New York jeweler Harry Winston. The diamond was purchased by Laurence Graff and, after it was recut and polished, renamed the Graff Pink. At the time, this was the highest price ever bid for a jewel at auction. The Graff Pink is now 23.88 carats and Internally Flawless.
4. The Eternal Pink - $34.8 Million
The Eternal Pink sold for 34.8 million USD at Sotheby's New York in June 2023. This 10.57-carat Fancy Vivid Purplish-Pink diamond with Internally Flawless clarity, is one of the most remarkable pink diamonds ever to appear at auction. Its electrifying fuchsia hue, unlike the soft pinks of many historical pink diamonds, has captivated even the most experienced gemologists. Unearthed in 2020 at Botswana’s Damtshaa mine, the diamond was masterfully cut by Diacore to maximize its brilliance and color. Pink diamonds are already exceptionally rare, with fewer than 5% of all colored diamonds classified as predominantly pink. Diamonds of this striking purplish-pink intensity have historically been sourced from Australia’s now-closed Argyle mine, making The Eternal Pink even more extraordinary. A true marvel of nature and craftsmanship, it stands as one of the most exceptional pink diamonds ever sold at auction.
5. Spirit of the Rose - $26.6 Million
The Spirit of the Rose sold for 24.4 million CHF (26,600,000 USD) at Sotheby's Geneva in November 2020. The 14.83 carat Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink, Internally Flawless, Type IIa diamond, was unearthed in Russia by ALROSA only a couple of months after the Pink Star made its grand entrance into the book of records. The original 27.85-carat rough diamond was named 'Nijinsky' after the legendary Russian ballet dancer and choreographer. The faceted gem takes its name from 'Le Spectre de la Rose,' the celebrated Ballets Russes production that, with Nijinsky's pioneering performance in 1911, has ever since captivated audiences. The Spirit of the Rose is the perfect name for a diamond that embodies beauty and mystery, its cutter skillfully capturing the grandeur of Russian artistry and unveiling the gem's inner, almost magical brilliance.
Honorable Mention: The Glowing Rose
The Glowing Rose, a rare and magnificent 10.08-carat Fancy Vivid Pink diamond, stands as a true celebration of nature’s most romantic hue. Poised between delicacy and intensity, its soft blush tone radiates a vivid saturation that feels almost illuminated from within—like the first light of dawn reflecting on a rose petal. Accompanied by a bespoke presentation ring mount by Boodles, the esteemed British heritage jeweller renowned for crafting settings worthy of the world’s most exceptional stones, The Glowing Rose embodies both craftsmanship and rarity in perfect harmony. With its exceptional hue and remarkable clarity, this extraordinary diamond is poised to achieve a price that could place it among the most valuable pink diamonds ever sold at Sotheby’s, further cementing its place as a modern masterpiece and a testament to the enduring allure of color.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Diamonds
Why are pink diamonds so expensive?
Pink diamonds are exceptionally rare, with fewer than 0.15% of diamonds graded predominantly pink by the GIA.
What's the most expensive pink diamond?
The CTF Pink Star is the most famous, holding the world record at $71.2 million.
What makes pink diamonds different from other colored diamonds?
Unlike most colored diamonds, pink diamonds get their color from structural distortions during formation rather than trace elements.
Buy and Sell Pink Diamonds with Sotheby’s
Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of fine pink diamonds, Sotheby’s offers a trusted, seamless way to buy and sell exceptional pieces on the secondary market.
Why Choose Sotheby’s?
Expertly Vetted Selection: Explore rare pink diamonds, from exquisite smaller stones starting around $50,000 to larger, spectacular examples valued over $10 million.
Exclusive Global Access: Shop pink diamonds through auctions and Buy Now marketplace, backed by a worldwide network of collectors, consignors, and trusted suppliers.
Flexible Ways to Buy: Purchase online or in person at our locations in New York, Paris, London, and Hong Kong—or work with a dedicated jewelry concierge.
Exceptional Value: Every pink diamond is authenticated and expertly priced by Sotheby’s specialists, with some pieces available below their original retail price.
Constantly Evolving Inventory: Discover a curated selection of pink diamonds, from vintage and signed pieces to unique, custom-designed jewels, with new pieces added regularly.
Ready to Get Started?
- Browse upcoming Sotheby's jewelry auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong
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