Have you ever wondered what the most expensive ring in the world might look like? It’s not just a piece of jewellery—it’s a celestial masterpiece, a cosmic gem that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people around the globe. The Pink Star diamond is the headline act in the world of coloured diamonds, but it’s far from alone. This guide takes you through the most famous pink diamonds in history, what makes them so extraordinarily rare, and how you can own a piece of pink diamond magic yourself.
The Pink Star Diamond: A Cosmic Gem
The Pink Star diamond—originally known as the Steinmetz Pink—is a breathtaking 59.60-carat oval-cut gem, discovered by De Beers in South Africa in 1999. This extraordinary stone weighed 132.5 carats in the rough and was meticulously cut and polished over the course of two years by Steinmetz Diamond Group (now Diacore). The final result: an internally flawless, Fancy Vivid Pink Type IIa diamond, the largest of its kind ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America.
In April 2017, the Pink Star was auctioned at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, where it sold for a staggering $71.2 million—making it the most expensive gemstone ever sold at auction. The buyer was Hong Kong-based luxury jeweller Chow Tai Fook, who renamed it the CTF Pink Star in honour of the company’s late founder. The Pink Star outsold the previous record-holder, the 14.62-carat Oppenheimer Blue diamond, by nearly $14 million.
Quick Facts: The Pink Star Diamond
| Weight | 59.60 carats (11.92 g) |
| Colour Grade | Fancy Vivid Pink (the highest pink colour grade) |
| Clarity | Internally Flawless |
| Cut | Mixed Oval Brilliant (step-cut crown, brilliant-cut pavilion) |
| Origin | South Africa, discovered by De Beers in 1999 |
| Type | Type IIa — the rarest and most chemically pure diamond category |
| Sale Price | $71.2 million (Sotheby’s Hong Kong, April 2017) |
| Current Owner | Chow Tai Fook (renamed CTF Pink Star) |
Why Pink Diamonds Are So Rare
Pink diamonds make up less than 0.01% of all diamonds mined worldwide. While white diamonds are coloured by the absence of impurities, pink diamonds owe their hue to something far more mysterious. Most coloured diamonds get their colour from chemical impurities—nitrogen creates yellow, boron creates blue. Pink diamonds, however, contain no impurities at all.
Scientists believe the pink colour is caused by extreme pressure deep within the Earth that distorts the diamond’s crystal lattice. This distortion alters the way the diamond absorbs light, producing the famous 550 nm absorption band that gives pink diamonds their colour. In other words: a pink diamond is a white diamond that has been physically twisted by the Earth itself.
The world’s primary source of pink diamonds, the Argyle Mine in Western Australia, closed in 2020 after producing approximately 90% of the global supply for nearly four decades. With that supply now ended, existing pink diamonds have become even more sought-after—and significantly more valuable—making this a particularly compelling moment to consider a natural pink diamond piece.
Other Famous Pink Diamonds in History
The Graff Pink — 24.78 carats
A Fancy Intense Pink emerald-cut diamond sold by Sotheby’s Geneva in 2010 for $46.2 million—a world record at the time. Acquired by jeweller Laurence Graff, it was later renamed the Graff Pink after its colour and clarity were improved through expert recutting.
The Pink Legacy — 18.96 carats
Once owned by the Oppenheimer family, this rectangular-cut Fancy Vivid Pink diamond sold at Christie’s Geneva in 2018 for $50 million. It now belongs to Harry Winston, who renamed it the Winston Pink Legacy.
The Williamson Pink Star — 11.15 carats
A Fancy Vivid Pink, internally flawless cushion-cut diamond from Tanzania’s Williamson Mine. Sold by Sotheby’s Hong Kong in October 2022 for $57.7 million, it set a record for the highest price-per-carat ever paid for a pink diamond.
The Williamson Pink — 23.6 carats (rough)
Famously gifted to Queen Elizabeth II by Canadian geologist Dr John Thorburn Williamson as a wedding present in 1947. The polished 23.6-carat round-cut diamond was later set into the centre of a flower-shaped brooch by Cartier—arguably one of the most photographed royal jewellery pieces of the 20th century.
If the Pink Star captures your imagination, you’ll find that wearable pink diamonds—sourced ethically and beautifully set—are surprisingly accessible. See our coverage of other record-breaking gemstones in the world’s most expensive clothes featuring diamonds, including the priceless Debbie Wingham Abaya set with the world’s largest red diamond.
Considering a Pink Diamond Piece?
While the Pink Star itself is irreplaceable, smaller natural pink diamonds make breathtaking engagement rings, pendants, and earrings. Speak to our designers about a bespoke pink diamond commission, or design your own with our free Ring Maker tool.
How Much Do Pink Diamonds Cost?
Pink diamonds are valued on the same 4Cs as white diamonds—but with one crucial addition: the intensity and purity of the pink colour. The GIA grades pink diamond colour on a scale from Faint, through Very Light, Light, Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Deep, Fancy Dark, to Fancy Vivid (the rarest and most valuable).
To give a sense of scale: a 1-carat Fancy Light pink diamond might cost £10,000–£30,000, while a 1-carat Fancy Vivid pink diamond could cost £500,000–£1,000,000+ depending on clarity and cut. By comparison, the Pink Star sold for approximately $1.19 million per carat.
For accessible pink diamond pieces, smaller stones (under 0.50 carat) in Fancy Light to Fancy Pink grades offer the colour and rarity of a natural pink diamond at a fraction of the price of headline auction stones. Brand-new lab-grown coloured diamonds offer an even more accessible route—identical in chemical composition to their natural counterparts, but considerably more affordable.
Pink Diamonds in Engagement Rings
Pink diamonds have a long association with romance and rarity, making them a striking alternative to traditional white diamond engagement rings. Celebrities including Ben Affleck (Jennifer Lopez), Mariah Carey, and Blake Lively have all received pink diamond engagement rings—a trend that has driven significant interest in natural and lab-grown pink stones.
Popular pink diamond ring styles include:
- Solitaire settings — a single pink diamond on a fine band, often in rose gold or platinum, allowing the colour to take centre stage
- Halo settings — a central pink diamond surrounded by smaller white diamonds, which amplifies the apparent size and intensifies the pink colour by contrast
- Three-stone settings — a pink centre stone flanked by white diamonds, symbolising past, present and future
- Toi et moi designs — a pink and white diamond paired side by side, a Napoleon-era style enjoying a strong revival
Whichever style you prefer, every pink diamond ring we make is fully UK hallmarked at one of the four British assay offices—your guarantee of metal purity and authenticity.
Caring for a Pink Diamond
Like all diamonds, pink diamonds are extraordinarily durable (rating 10 on the Mohs scale) but still benefit from proper care to maintain their fire and brilliance. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners on rare or treated stones, and storing alongside other diamonds that could scratch each other. Our full guide on caring for diamond jewellery covers cleaning routines, professional servicing, and long-term storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous pink diamond?
The Pink Star is widely considered the most famous pink diamond in history. At 59.60 carats with Fancy Vivid Pink colour and Internally Flawless clarity, it set the world record for the most expensive gemstone ever sold at auction when it fetched $71.2 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2017.
How much does a pink diamond cost?
Pink diamond prices vary enormously based on colour intensity, clarity, and carat weight. A small 0.25-carat Fancy Light pink diamond might cost £1,500–£3,000, while large Fancy Vivid pink diamonds can exceed £500,000 per carat. For accessible pieces, our team can source pink diamonds for engagement rings or bespoke commissions in a range of budgets.
Are pink diamonds a good investment?
Pink diamonds have historically appreciated significantly, particularly since the closure of the Argyle Mine in Western Australia in 2020 ended approximately 90% of the world’s natural pink diamond supply. Fancy Vivid pink diamonds in particular have shown strong long-term value retention, though as with any luxury asset, no return is guaranteed.
What gives a pink diamond its colour?
Unlike most coloured diamonds, pink diamonds contain no chemical impurities. Their colour is caused by extreme pressure deep within the Earth distorting the diamond’s crystal lattice, creating a 550 nm absorption band that produces the pink hue.
Are lab-grown pink diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown pink diamonds are chemically, optically, and physically identical to natural pink diamonds. They are graded on the same 4Cs scale, certified by the same gemological laboratories, and are an increasingly popular ethical and affordable alternative.
Where can I buy a pink diamond ring in the UK?
At CompareTheDiamond.com we offer natural and lab-grown pink diamonds, fully hallmarked British craftsmanship, and a complete bespoke commission service from our workshop in Bourton-on-the-Water. Whether you’re sourcing a single solitaire or commissioning a multi-stone piece, our team will guide you through every step.
What size pink diamonds are most common in jewellery?
The vast majority of natural pink diamonds available for jewellery are below 0.50 carats. Larger stones (1 carat+) are rare and command significant premiums. For most engagement rings, stones in the 0.25–0.75 carat range offer the best balance of visual impact and value.
Who currently owns the Pink Star Diamond?
The Pink Star is owned by Chow Tai Fook, the Hong Kong-based luxury jewellery retailer that purchased it at the 2017 Sotheby’s auction. They renamed it the CTF Pink Star in honour of the late father of company chairman Henry Cheng Kar-shun.
Explore Pink & Coloured Diamond Jewellery
| Coloured Diamonds Pink, blue, yellow & more |
Engagement Rings Solitaire, halo & three-stone |
Bespoke Commissions Designed in Britain |
Design Your Own Free 3D Ring Maker |
The Pink Star diamond is a testament to the power of nature and the artistry of human craftsmanship. While the original is housed in a private vault and unlikely to ever return to auction, the magic of pink diamonds is far from out of reach—and at CompareTheDiamond.com, we’re here to help you find yours.
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