The largest cushion-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond at auction

24 octobre 2015

The largest cushion-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond at auction

Lot 409. A 16.08 carats cushion-shaped fancy vivid pink Type IIa diamond, VVS2 clarity. Estimate CHF22,000,000 – CHF27,000,000 ($22,693,029 - $27,850,535). Price realised CHF 28,725,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Set with a cushion-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond, weighing approximately 16.08 carats, within a diamond twin surround, to the pink diamond gallery and diamond-set hoop, ring size 6, mounted in platinum and gold

Accompanied by report no. 5101646581 dated 18 December 2014 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is Fancy Vivid Pink colour, VVS2 clarity, and a Diamond Classification Letter indicating that the diamond had been determined to be Type IIa.

Please note that the remaining coloured diamonds have not been tested for natural colour origin.

Pink Diamonds

Natural coloured diamonds are one of nature’s best-kept secrets. The world’s rarest and most valuable gemstone, coloured diamonds are enchanting little treasures that can be found in all the colours of a rainbow. Forged from carbon atoms deep within the earth, these diamonds acquire their colour from the presence of additional trace elements or distortion to the typical diamond structure. Each is a unique expression of nature, with its own special story derived from hue, tone and saturation.

In the realm of natural coloured diamonds, those of a distinct pink hue are the most sought-after among gem connoisseurs. Although their colour results from absorption of light by their crystal deformation in the diamond lattice, the structural defect that causes the pink colour of a diamond is not fully understood by diamond researchers. While most pink diamonds exhibit a colour modifer like purple, orange, brown or grey, the PINK shows absolutely no trace of a secondary colour, making it exceedingly rare and attractive. The stone’s even colour distribution, combined with a balanced saturation, tone and straight pink hue, qualify this 16.08 carat diamond for the coveted ‘Fancy Vivid’ colour grading from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). That only one in one hundred thousand diamonds possesses a colour deep enough to qualify as ‘Fancy’ underscores its absolute rarity. In addition it classifes as a Type IIa diamond, which contains little if any nitrogen and accounts for less than 2 percent of all gem diamonds.

Some of the world’s most famous and historic gems are pink diamonds, including the ‘Darya-i-Nur’ of approximately 182 carats, part of the Iranian Crown Jewels; the ‘Hortensia’ of 20.53 carats, formerly part of the Crown Jewels of France and today to be admired at the Louvre; and the ‘Williamson’ of 23.60 carats, belonging to Her Majesty the Queen of England.

In the fancy vivid pink range, diamonds of more than five or six carats are rarely encountered, in fact, fewer than 10 percent of pink diamonds weigh more than one-ffth of a carat. In the sale room, fancy vivid pink diamonds over ten carats are virtually unheard of, in almost 250 years of auction history, only three pure vivid pink diamonds of over ten carats have appeared for sale.

An historic level was reached in the international diamond market in December 2009 when Christie’s Hong Kong sold ‘The Vivid Pink’, a cushion-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond of 5.00 carats for U$2,155,332 per carat, that established and remains to date the world auction record price per carat for any pink diamond. Since that time, prices for top-quality pink diamonds have continued on a steady upward climb.

The appearance of the PINK, a phenomenon in the world of gems, at auction is an event in its own and an extremely rare opportunity for any serious gem collectors. It definitely ranks as one of the most important coloured diamonds to have ever appeared at auction.

Important Pink Diamonds at Auction