Few things capture the allure of luxury like a record-breaking diamond. When the “Pink Star” sold for a staggering $44 million at auction, it didn’t just set a new benchmark—it redefined what rarity truly means in the world of high jewelry.
From legendary gemstones with royal pedigrees to flawless diamonds that defy valuation, these auctions prove that beauty, scarcity, and prestige command astronomical prices. Below, we explore the most expensive jewelry ever sold—their jaw-dropping prices, fascinating histories, and why collectors are willing to pay millions for a single stone.
1. The Pink Star Diamond – $71.2 Million (2017)
The most expensive diamond ever sold at auction.
History & Rarity
- Mined by De Beers in Africa (1999), the Pink Star began as a 132.5-carat rough diamond.
- After two years of meticulous cutting, it became a 59.60-carat, internally flawless, fancy vivid pink diamond—the largest of its kind.
- Only 1 in 10,000 diamonds have a natural pink hue, and fewer than 10% reach “vivid” saturation.
Why It’s So Valuable
✔ Size & Color: The largest known vivid pink diamond in existence.
✔ Flawless Clarity: Rated IF (Internally Flawless) by the GIA.
✔ Auction Drama: Sold for a record-breaking $71.2 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2017
Where to See It Now
- Renamed the “CTF Pink Star”, it’s displayed in Chow Tai Fook’s luxury stores across Asia.
2. The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond – $50.6 Million (2016)
The most expensive blue diamond ever sold.
History & Rarity
- Named after Sir Philip Oppenheimer, a legendary diamond dealer.
- Weighs 14.62 carats, with a vivid blue hue and VS1 clarity.
- Blue diamonds are 1 in 100,000, and most are under 5 carats.
Why It’s So Valuable
✔ Rarest Color: Natural blue diamonds get their hue from boron impurities—an extreme rarity.
✔ Perfect Cut: A rectangular step-cut that maximizes brilliance.
✔ Provenance: Owned by the Oppenheimer dynasty, adding historical prestige.
Where to See It Now
- Privately owned; last seen at Sotheby’s Geneva.
3. The Graff Pink Diamond – $46 Million (2010)
A billionaire’s ultimate trophy piece.
History & Rarity
- Originally 24.78 carats, purchased by Laurence Graff, who recut it to 23.88 carats for perfection.
- Rated fancy intense pink, with exceptional symmetry.
Why It’s So Valuable
✔ Recut for Perfection: Graff risked losing carat weight to achieve flawless brilliance.
✔ Celebrity Connection: Reportedly worn by Elizabeth Taylor at private events.
Where to See It Now
- Part of Graff Diamonds’ private collection.
4. The Hope Diamond – Estimated $250+ Million (Priceless)
The most famous (and cursed) diamond in history.
History & Rarity
- 45.52 carats, deep blue, with red phosphorescence under UV light.
- Mined in India, owned by King Louis XIV, and stolen during the French Revolution.
- Legend says it carries a deadly curse for its owners.
Why It’s So Valuable
✔ Historical Significance: Passed through royalty and tragedy.
✔ Unique Glow: One of the few diamonds that changes color under light.
Where to See It Now
- Smithsonian Museum, Washington D.C.
5. The Winston Blue – $23.8 Million (2014)
Harry Winston’s flawless blue masterpiece.
History & Rarity
- 13.22 carats, fancy vivid blue, flawless clarity.
- Sold in just 8 minutes at auction.
Why It’s So Valuable
✔ Perfect Proportions: Ideal emerald cut.
✔ Brand Power: Harry Winston’s name adds 30 %+ premium value.
Where to See It Now
- Privately owned, likely in a Middle Eastern collection.
Final Thoughts: Why These Diamonds Command Millions
These gems aren’t just jewelry—they’re investments, status symbols, and pieces of history. Their value comes from:
- Extreme rarity (only 1 in millions of diamonds match their color/clarity)
- Perfect craftsmanship (years spent cutting a single stone)
- Provenance (royal, celebrity, or billionaire ownership)
Want to own something similar? While these are one-of-a-kind, Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Graff Diamonds regularly auction smaller pink and blue diamonds starting at $ 1 M+.
Which of these legendary diamonds fascinates you the most? Let us know in the comments!
