Diamonds have long been a symbol of wealth, power, and romance. They are often given as gifts to express love and commitment, especially in the form of engagement rings. However, some diamond rings go beyond mere symbols and become extraordinary pieces of art, each with a price tag that can only be afforded by the world’s elite. In this article, we delve into the top 10 most expensive diamond rings ever sold, exploring their unique characteristics, the stories behind them, and what makes them so valuable.
1. The Pink Star Diamond Ring – $71.2 Million
The Pink Star Diamond, also known as the “CTF Pink Star,” is a stunning oval-cut diamond weighing 59.60 carats. It holds the record for being the most expensive diamond ring ever sold at auction. The diamond is classified as a Type IIa, which means it has exceptional optical transparency and is virtually free of impurities. The Pink Star Diamond’s intense pink hue and flawless clarity make it one of the rarest and most sought-after gems in the world.
In April 2017, this extraordinary diamond was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong for a staggering $71.2 million. The buyer was Chow Tai Fook, a renowned jewelry company based in Hong Kong, which named the diamond the “CTF Pink Star” in honor of the company’s founder and chairman. The sale of the Pink Star Diamond set a new world record for the highest price ever paid for a diamond or any jewel at auction.
2. The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond Ring – $57.5 Million
The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond is a mesmerizing blue diamond weighing 14.62 carats. It is named after its previous owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer, a prominent figure in the diamond industry and a member of the family that once controlled De Beers. The diamond is a rectangular-cut fancy vivid blue diamond, which is the highest possible color grade for blue diamonds.
In May 2016, the Oppenheimer Blue Diamond was sold at a Christie’s auction in Geneva for $57.5 million, setting a new world record for the most expensive blue diamond ever sold at auction at that time. The diamond’s intense blue color, combined with its impressive size and exceptional clarity, makes it one of the most valuable diamonds in the world.
3. The Pink Legacy Diamond Ring – $50.3 Million
The Pink Legacy Diamond is a breathtaking fancy vivid pink diamond weighing 18.96 carats. This rectangular-cut diamond is classified as Type IIa, indicating its remarkable purity and transparency. The Pink Legacy Diamond was once owned by the Oppenheimer family, who are known for their significant contributions to the diamond industry.
In November 2018, the Pink Legacy Diamond was sold at a Christie’s auction in Geneva for $50.3 million. The diamond was purchased by Harry Winston, a luxury jewelry brand, which renamed it “The Winston Pink Legacy.” The sale set a new world record for the price per carat for a pink diamond, highlighting the diamond’s exceptional quality and rarity.
4. The Graff Pink Diamond Ring – $46.2 Million
The Graff Pink Diamond is a stunning emerald-cut fancy intense pink diamond weighing 24.78 carats. This diamond was previously owned by Harry Winston, a famous jeweler, and was later purchased by Laurence Graff, the founder of Graff Diamonds, in 2010. The diamond’s intense pink color and flawless clarity make it one of the most beautiful and valuable pink diamonds in the world.
In November 2010, the Graff Pink Diamond was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva for $46.2 million. Laurence Graff, often referred to as the “King of Diamonds,” described the Graff Pink Diamond as “the most fabulous diamond I’ve seen in the history of my career.” The sale of the Graff Pink Diamond set a new world record for the highest price ever paid for a pink diamond at that time.
5. The Blue Moon of Josephine Diamond Ring – $48.4 Million
The Blue Moon of Josephine is a magnificent cushion-cut fancy vivid blue diamond weighing 12.03 carats. This diamond is classified as Type IIb, which is extremely rare and indicates the presence of boron, giving the diamond its unique blue color. The Blue Moon of Josephine is renowned for its exceptional clarity and intense blue hue.
In November 2015, the Blue Moon of Josephine was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva for $48.4 million. The diamond was purchased by Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau, who named it after his daughter, Josephine. The sale set a new world record for the highest price per carat for any diamond, showcasing the diamond’s extraordinary value and rarity.
6. The Zoe Diamond Ring – $32.6 Million
The Zoe Diamond is a stunning pear-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond weighing 9.75 carats. This diamond was previously owned by the estate of Rachel “Bunny” Mellon, a renowned philanthropist and art collector. The Zoe Diamond’s intense blue color and exceptional clarity make it one of the most valuable blue diamonds in the world.
In November 2014, the Zoe Diamond was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in New York for $32.6 million. The diamond was purchased by a private collector, and the sale set a new world record for the highest price per carat for a blue diamond at that time. The Zoe Diamond’s impressive price and unique characteristics have cemented its place in the history of extraordinary gemstones.
7. The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond Ring – $23.4 Million
The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond is a remarkable fancy deep blue diamond weighing 31.06 carats. This diamond has a long and storied history, having once been part of the Austrian and Bavarian Crown Jewels. The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond is known for its exceptional clarity and deep blue color, which is extremely rare for diamonds of its size.
In December 2008, the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond was sold at a Christie’s auction in London for $23.4 million. Laurence Graff, the diamond dealer who purchased the diamond, later had it recut to enhance its brilliance and remove some imperfections. The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond’s historical significance, combined with its extraordinary beauty, makes it one of the most valuable diamonds in the world.
8. The Perfect Pink Diamond Ring – $23.2 Million
The Perfect Pink Diamond is an exquisite rectangular-cut fancy intense pink diamond weighing 14.23 carats. This diamond is classified as Type IIa, indicating its exceptional purity and transparency. The Perfect Pink Diamond is renowned for its intense pink color and flawless clarity, making it one of the most beautiful and valuable pink diamonds in the world.
In November 2010, the Perfect Pink Diamond was sold at a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong for $23.2 million. The sale set a new world record for the highest price ever paid for a pink diamond at auction in Asia. The Perfect Pink Diamond’s remarkable quality and rarity have made it a highly coveted gemstone among collectors and connoisseurs.
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9. The Princie Diamond Ring – $39.3 Million
The Princie Diamond is a magnificent cushion-cut fancy intense pink diamond weighing 34.65 carats. This diamond has a rich history, having once been part of the collection of the Nizam of Hyderabad, one of the wealthiest men in the world. The Princie Diamond is known for its intense pink color and exceptional clarity, making it one of the most valuable pink diamonds in the world.
In April 2013, the Princie Diamond was sold at a Christie’s auction in New York for $39.3 million. The sale set a new world record for the highest price ever paid for a pink diamond at that time. The Princie Diamond’s impressive size, unique color, and historical significance make it a truly extraordinary gemstone.
10. The Blue Belle of Asia Diamond Ring – $17.3 Million
The Blue Belle of Asia is a stunning cushion-cut fancy vivid blue diamond weighing 392.52 carats. This diamond is classified as Type IIb, which is extremely rare and indicates the presence of boron, giving the diamond its unique blue color. The Blue Belle of Asia is known for its exceptional clarity and intense blue hue, making it one of the most valuable blue diamonds in the world.
In November 2014, the Blue Belle of Asia was sold at a Christie’s auction in Geneva for $17.3 million. The sale set a new world record for the highest price ever paid for a blue diamond at that time. The Blue Belle of Asia’s extraordinary size, exceptional quality, and unique characteristics have made it a highly sought-after gemstone among collectors and connoisseurs.
Conclusion
The world of diamond rings is one of unparalleled luxury and extravagance. The top 10 most expensive diamond rings showcase not only the incredible value of these gemstones but also the artistry and craftsmanship that go into creating such extraordinary pieces. Each diamond ring on this list has its own unique story and characteristics, making it a true masterpiece in the world of jewelry. Whether it’s the intense pink hue of the Pink Star Diamond or the deep blue color of the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond, these diamonds represent the pinnacle of beauty, rarity, and value.