Diamonds have long symbolized status, love, and power—but for a select few, they also represent jaw-dropping investment and prestige. At auction houses around the world, a handful of diamonds have shattered records, selling for tens of millions of dollars. In this post, we explore the most expensive diamonds ever sold, and what makes them so valuable.
Why Are These Diamonds So Valuable?
Not all diamonds are created equal. The world’s most expensive diamonds combine:
- ✨ Exceptional carat weight
- ✨ Rare color and flawless clarity
- ✨ Prestigious origin and ownership history
- ✨ Auction buzz and collector demand
It’s not just about sparkle—it’s about rarity, provenance, and a compelling story.
💖 The Pink Star – $71.2 Million
- 59.60 carats | Fancy Vivid Pink
- Sold at: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2017
The most expensive diamond ever sold at auction. This rare, internally flawless Type IIa pink diamond took two years to cut and polish. Its vibrant pink color and massive size make it truly one-of-a-kind.
🔵 The Oppenheimer Blue – $57.5 Million
- 14.62 carats | Fancy Vivid Blue
- Sold at: Christie’s Geneva, 2016
Once owned by Sir Philip Oppenheimer of the De Beers family, this stone broke records as the most expensive blue diamond at auction at the time. Its vivid hue and iconic provenance pushed its value into the stratosphere.
💗 The Graff Pink – $46 Million
- 24.78 carats | Fancy Intense Pink
- Sold at: Sotheby’s Geneva, 2010
Purchased by Laurence Graff, the stone was later re-cut to improve its clarity and brilliance. The Graff Pink’s romantic hue and elegant cut made it one of the most sought-after gems in auction history.
🔵 The Blue Moon of Josephine – $48.4 Million
- 12.03 carats | Fancy Vivid Blue
- Sold at: Sotheby’s Geneva, 2015
This diamond was purchased by Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau as a gift for his daughter. Its price per carat—approximately $4 million—is among the highest ever paid.
🔹 Honorable Mentions:
- The Winston Blue – $23.8M | 13.22 ct
- The Orange – $35.5M | 14.82 ct vivid orange
- The Sakura – $29.3M | 15.81 ct vivid purple-pink
These exceptional diamonds each brought something unique to the auction floor, from striking colors to standout histories.
What Drives These Sky-High Prices?
The final price tag of these diamonds comes down to:
- ✅ Color intensity & rarity
- ✅ Flawless clarity & unique cut
- ✅ Provenance (ownership history)
- ✅ Emotional & collector value
In the world of high jewelry, rarity and storytelling can make a diamond priceless.
Final Thoughts
Would you design with one of these iconic diamonds if you had an unlimited budget? Let your imagination run wild.
And if you’re designing digitally, remember that JewelKitPro gives you the tools to visualize even the most luxurious creations with ease.
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