The Most Expensive Diamond Rings Ever Sold: A Glimpse into Extravagance
Diamonds have long symbolised wealth, power, and timeless beauty. Throughout history, some of the most expensive diamond rings ever sold have become iconic, not only for their staggering price tags but also for their unique brilliance and historical significance. These sparkling treasures have been worn by royalty, celebrities, and billionaires, making headlines as symbols of ultimate luxury. Here’s a look at the most expensive diamond rings ever sold and the stories behind these dazzling gems.
The Pink Star -
The Pink Star, a stunning 59.6-carat oval-cut pink diamond, currently holds the record for the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction. In 2017, this mesmerising gem was sold for a whopping $71.2 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong. Originally mined by De Beers in Africa, the Pink Star is one of the largest and finest internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamonds ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Its rare size, color, and flawless clarity make it an unmatched gem in the world of luxury diamonds.
The Oppenheimer Blue -
Named after Sir Philip Oppenheimer, a powerful figure in the diamond industry, the Oppenheimer Blue is the largest fancy vivid blue diamond ever sold at auction. Weighing an impressive 14.62 carats, this rectangular-cut diamond fetched $57.5 million at Christie’s Geneva in 2016. Blue diamonds, especially of such quality and size, are extremely rare, and the Oppenheimer Blue stands as a testament to the enduring allure of coloured diamonds in the world of fine jewellery.
The Pink Legacy -
The Pink Legacy, an 18.96-carat fancy vivid pink diamond, sold for $50 million at Christie’s Geneva in 2018. This extraordinary diamond, once owned by the Oppenheimer family, is one of the largest and rarest pink diamonds to be auctioned. What sets it apart is its even color distribution and its size, making it one of the most exquisite diamonds in the world. Its sale set a record for the price per carat for any pink diamond, at over $2.6 million per carat.
The Blue Moon of Josephine -
Purchased by Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau for his daughter, the Blue Moon of Josephine is a 12.03-carat cushion-shaped blue diamond that sold for $48.4 million in 2015 at Sotheby’s Geneva. This fancy vivid blue diamond is famed for its deep, rich color and flawless clarity. Its sale price made it one of the most expensive diamonds ever, further solidifying blue diamonds' allure as one of the most coveted gems in the world.
The Graff Pink -
The Graff Pink, a 24.78-carat fancy intense pink diamond, was sold at auction in 2010 for $46.2 million. Laurence Graff, a renowned British jeweler, purchased this rare emerald-cut diamond, which was previously owned by Harry Winston. It is revered for its perfect color, balanced shape, and impressive size, making it one of the most significant pink diamonds in history. Graff even called it “the most fabulous diamond I’ve seen in the history of my career.”
The Winston Blue -
The Winston Blue, named after the famous jeweller Harry Winston, is a pear-shaped 13.22-carat fancy vivid blue diamond. It was sold at Christie’s Geneva for $23.8 million in 2014, setting a new world record price for a blue diamond at the time. With its exceptional size and vibrant color, the Winston Blue is a gem that represents the pinnacle of diamond luxury.
The Perfect Pink -
The Perfect Pink is a 14.23-carat rectangular-cut fancy intense pink diamond, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong in 2010 for $23.2 million. Its name speaks for itself, as this diamond’s perfectly saturated color and flawless clarity make it a remarkable specimen. Pink diamonds of this size and quality are extremely rare, which is why the Perfect Pink fetched such a high price.
The Vivid Pink -
Sold at Christie’s Hong Kong for $11.8 million in 2009, the Vivid Pink is a 5-carat cushion-cut fancy vivid pink diamond. While not as large as some of the other diamonds on this list, its stunning color and exceptional quality make it highly valuable. Its sale price remains one of the highest per carat prices ever paid for a pink diamond.
Conclusion
The world of luxury diamonds is one of unmatched opulence, with each of these rings telling a unique story of rarity, beauty, and historical significance. From the record-breaking Pink Star to the enchanting Blue Moon of Josephine, these diamonds have captured the imagination of collectors and connoisseurs around the world. As diamond prices continue to rise, it is likely that we will see even more breathtaking gems breaking records in the future. For now, these diamonds remain the epitome of extravagance and the ultimate symbols of wealth and prestige.