Hold onto your wallets, folks, because we’re about to dive into the glittering world of the most expensive diamond ever sold! Meet the Pink Star, a flawless marvel that has shattered records and left us all dreaming of dripping in diamonds.
The Pink Star: A True Gem
Weighing in at a staggering 59.6 carats, the Pink Star is a mesmerizing fancy vivid pink diamond. But this isn’t just any pink diamond – it’s the largest internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Discovered in 1999 by De Beers in Africa, this diamond was meticulously cut and polished over two years to reveal its stunning beauty.
A Record-Breaking Sale
In 2017, the Pink Star made history at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong. The hammer came down at a jaw-dropping $71.2 million, making it the most expensive diamond (and gemstone) ever sold at auction. Yes, you read that right – $71.2 million! Imagine the bling on that ring!
Why So Expensive?
What makes the Pink Star so insanely valuable? Its combination of size, color, and clarity is unprecedented. Fancy vivid pink diamonds are incredibly rare, and to find one of this size and perfection is practically unheard of. It’s not just a diamond; it’s a masterpiece of nature.
The Lucky Owner
So, who got to take this sparkling wonder home? The lucky buyer was Hong Kong jeweler Chow Tai Fook, who renamed it the CTF Pink Star in honor of the company’s founder. Now, it’s a prized possession, showcased to remind us all that dreams really do come true (if you have a spare $71 million, that is).
From its origins in the mines of Africa to its record-breaking auction in Hong Kong, the Pink Star is a testament to the allure and mystique of diamonds. Next time you see a sparkling gem, remember – there’s nothing quite like the Pink Star!