The $71 Million Pink Star Diamond: The Story Behind the World’s Most Valuable Gem
Diamonds have symbolized luxury, rarity, and timeless beauty for centuries. Among all gemstones ever discovered, one diamond stands above the rest in both value and prestige — the Pink Star Diamond, widely considered the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction.
This extraordinary gemstone captured global attention when it sold for $71.2 million in 2017, making it one of the most valuable jewels in history.
In this blog by Avxy Jewels, we explore the fascinating history of the Pink Star Diamond, what makes it so valuable, and why rare diamonds continue to attract collectors and luxury jewelry enthusiasts worldwide.
The Pink Star Diamond: A $71 Million Masterpiece
The Pink Star Diamond is a breathtaking 59.60-carat Fancy Vivid Pink diamond, famous for its exceptional color, size, and clarity. It was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong for $71.2 million, setting the world record for the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction.
Gem experts consider this diamond one of the rarest gemstones ever discovered because of its perfect internal clarity and extremely rare pink color.
Key Facts about the Pink Star Diamond
- Weight: 59.60 carats
- Color Grade: Fancy Vivid Pink
- Clarity: Internally Flawless
- Auction Price: $71.2 million
- Auction House: Sotheby’s Hong Kong
- Current Owner: Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) confirmed it as the largest internally flawless vivid pink diamond ever graded, making it an unparalleled gemstone in the world.
The Fascinating History of the Pink Star Diamond
The story of this legendary diamond began in 1999, when the mining company De Beers discovered a massive 132.5-carat rough diamond in South Africa.
Expert diamond cutters spent nearly two years polishing and shaping the rough stone to reveal its exceptional pink brilliance.
Timeline of the Pink Star Diamond:
1999 – Rough diamond discovered in South Africa
2003 – Unveiled publicly as the “Steinmetz Pink”
2013 – Sold at auction but the buyer defaulted
2017 – Officially sold for $71.2 million, breaking world records
Today, the diamond is known as the CTF Pink Star and remains one of the most famous gemstones ever created.
Why Is the Pink Star Diamond So Valuable?
Many people wonder: what makes a diamond worth $71 million? The answer lies in several key factors used to evaluate rare diamonds.
1. Extreme Rarity of Pink Diamonds
Pink diamonds are among the rarest colored diamonds in the world. Their unique color forms when intense pressure distorts the crystal structure during formation deep inside the earth.
Only a tiny fraction of diamonds mined each year display this vivid pink color.
2. Exceptional Size
Most pink diamonds are less than 1 carat, making the Pink Star’s 59.60 carat size extraordinarily rare.
Large colored diamonds are extremely uncommon, which dramatically increases their value.
3. Perfect Clarity
The Pink Star is graded Internally Flawless, meaning it has no internal inclusions visible under magnification.
When a diamond combines large size + rare color + perfect clarity, it becomes nearly priceless.
4. Historical Significance
Record-breaking diamonds often gain value due to their auction history and global recognition.
The Pink Star shattered multiple auction records, making it one of the most iconic gems ever sold.
Other Famous Expensive Diamonds in the World
While the Pink Star holds the auction record, several other diamonds are also famous for their value and rarity.
Some of the most expensive diamonds include:
- Oppenheimer Blue Diamond – $57.5 million
- Graff Pink Diamond – $46 million
- Princie Diamond – $39 million
- Williamson Pink Star – $57.7 million (record price per carat)
These diamonds show how rare colored stones dominate the list of the world’s most valuable diamonds.
Why Rare Diamonds Are a Smart Luxury Investment
High-quality diamonds have become a popular luxury investment asset for collectors and investors.
Reasons collectors invest in rare diamonds:
- Limited global supply
- Increasing demand for colored diamonds
- Historical price growth
- Strong resale value at auctions
Because of these factors, rare diamonds often perform similarly to fine art or rare collectibles.
The Timeless Appeal of Diamonds
From royal treasures to modern luxury jewelry, diamonds continue to symbolize love, status, and timeless beauty.
Record-breaking gems like the Pink Star remind us that some diamonds are more than jewelry — they are pieces of history.
At Avxy Jewels, we celebrate the beauty of exceptional diamonds and craft jewelry designed to last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
The Pink Star Diamond remains one of the most extraordinary gemstones ever discovered. Its rare color, flawless clarity, and remarkable size make it a true masterpiece of nature.
With a record price of $71.2 million, it represents the pinnacle of luxury and the enduring fascination people have with rare diamonds.
Whether you are a jewelry enthusiast, collector, or someone searching for the perfect diamond ring, understanding the story behind these legendary gemstones adds a deeper appreciation for their beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions About the World’s Most Expensive Diamond
1. What is the most expensive diamond in the world?
The Pink Star Diamond is widely recognized as the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction. This extraordinary gemstone sold for $71.2 million in 2017 at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, making it one of the most valuable diamonds in history.
2. Why is the Pink Star Diamond so valuable?
The Pink Star Diamond is valuable because of three rare characteristics:
- Fancy Vivid Pink color, which is extremely rare
- Large size of 59.60 carats
- Internally flawless clarity
The combination of these qualities makes it one of the rarest colored diamonds ever discovered.
3. Where was the Pink Star Diamond discovered?
The rough diamond that became the Pink Star was discovered in 1999 in South Africa by De Beers. The original rough stone weighed approximately 132.5 carats before it was cut and polished into the final 59.60-carat gemstone.
4. Who owns the Pink Star Diamond today?
The Pink Star Diamond was purchased by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, a luxury jewelry company based in Hong Kong. After the purchase, the diamond was renamed the CTF Pink Star.
5. Are pink diamonds rare?
Yes, pink diamonds are among the rarest diamonds in the world. Only a very small percentage of diamonds mined globally show natural pink color, which is why they are extremely valuable and highly sought after by collectors.
6. What makes colored diamonds more expensive than white diamonds?
Colored diamonds are often more expensive because they are much rarer in nature. Diamonds with intense natural colors such as pink, blue, and red are incredibly limited in supply, which significantly increases their value in the global gemstone market.
7. Are rare diamonds a good investment?
Many collectors consider rare diamonds to be a strong luxury investment. High-quality diamonds, especially colored diamonds, have shown consistent demand at international auctions and often increase in value over time.
8. What are other famous expensive diamonds in the world?
Some of the most famous high-value diamonds include:
- Oppenheimer Blue Diamond
- Graff Pink Diamond
- Princie Diamond
- Williamson Pink Star Diamond
These diamonds are known for their exceptional color, size, and rarity.
9. How are diamonds valued?
Diamonds are typically valued based on the 4Cs:
- Carat (weight)
- Color
- Clarity
- Cut
Rare colored diamonds like the Pink Star often command higher prices because of their unique color intensity and rarity.
10. Where can I buy high-quality diamond jewelry?
If you are looking for luxury diamond jewelry, engagement rings, or rare gemstone designs, explore the curated collections at Avxy Jewels, where craftsmanship meets timeless elegance.
