From huge diamonds to rare antique gems, the world’s most expensive rings fetch eye-watering prices at auction and have become symbols of luxury and wealth. But what ring has claimed the top spot as the priciest on earth?
This guide will explore some of the most valuable diamond rings ever sold, recount their unique stories, and reveal the current record holder for the world’s most expensive ring.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: the honor of the most expensive ring in the world belongs to the Pink Star diamond ring, which sold at auction in 2017 for a record $71.2 million.
Famous Record-Breaking Diamond Rings
The Blue Moon of Josephine (2015) – $48.4 million
One of the most famous and expensive diamond rings in the world is “The Blue Moon of Josephine,” which was sold at an auction for a staggering $48.4 million. This remarkable ring features a flawless blue diamond weighing 12.03 carats.
The exceptional rarity and quality of this diamond contributed to its record-breaking price. The blue diamond is set in a platinum ring encrusted with smaller white diamonds, adding to its overall elegance and allure.
It was named after the buyer’s daughter, Josephine, and has become a symbol of luxury and opulence in the realm of high-end jewelry.
The Perfect Pink (2010) – $23.2 million
Another notable diamond ring that broke records is “The Perfect Pink,” which fetched a remarkable price of $23.2 million at an auction. This stunning ring features a rare pink diamond weighing 14.23 carats.
Pink diamonds are known for their beauty and scarcity, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The Perfect Pink stands out not only for its exceptional color but also for its flawless clarity and exquisite cut.
Its pink hue symbolizes love, femininity, and grace, making it a truly remarkable piece of jewelry.
The Wittelsbach-Graff (2010) – $24.3 million
The Wittelsbach-Graff is an extraordinary diamond ring that captured the attention of the world when it sold for a staggering $24.3 million. This ring features an impressive blue diamond weighing 31.06 carats.
The diamond has a fascinating history, having been passed down through several European royal families before being acquired by renowned jeweler Laurence Graff. The Wittelsbach-Graff’s deep blue color, combined with its exceptional clarity and old-world charm, makes it a true masterpiece of art and craftsmanship.
It is considered one of the most significant blue diamonds in the world.
These record-breaking diamond rings not only captivate with their remarkable beauty but also their extraordinary prices. They serve as a testament to the enduring allure and value of rare and exceptional gemstones.
Owning such a prestigious and valuable piece of jewelry is a dream for many, and these rings represent the epitome of luxury and sophistication.
The World’s Most Expensive Ring – The Pink Star
59.6 carat Pink Star diamond
The Pink Star diamond is the largest polished diamond in the fancy vivid pink category. This magnificent gemstone weighs an impressive 59.60 carats and measures 2.69 by 2.06 cm. It was mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999 and originally weighed 132.5 carats in the rough.
The Pink Star was expertly cut and polished over a period of two years by Steinmetz Diamonds, unveiling a flawless, oval mixed-cut diamond of unparalleled beauty.
Originally mined in Africa
The Pink Star was discovered at the Premier Diamond Mine in South Africa in 1999. The original 132.5 carat rough diamond had an intense pink color and was cautiously cut and polished in Steinmetz Diamonds’ M.A.D. House in Israel over a period of nearly two years.
The result was a mesmerizing 59.60 carat fancy vivid pink, internally flawless oval mixed-cut diamond. This extraordinary diamond is the largest vivid pink diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Sold to Chow Tai Fook in 2017 for $71.2 million
The Pink Star diamond was first sold in 2013 for a record $83 million to New York diamond cutter Isaac Wolf. However, the deal fell through when the diamond couldn’t be paid off in time. In April 2017, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises purchased the Pink Star at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong for a staggering $71.2 million, beating its previous record price tag.
This remains the highest price ever paid for any gemstone at auction. The famous jeweler named the diamond the CTF Pink Star in honor of its new owner.
Chow Tai Fook proudly displays its prized Pink Star diamond at its flagship stores, calling it “one of the most precious gems in the world.” Weighing in at 59.60 carats, the Pink Star continues to hold the title of the largest and finest fancy vivid pink diamond known to exist.
Its exceptional color, flawless clarity and extraordinary size make it the most valuable diamond ring ever sold.
What Makes the Pink Star So Valuable
The Pink Star diamond is widely regarded as one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in the world. Its astronomical price tag can be attributed to several key factors that set it apart from other diamonds.
Extremely rare pink color
One of the main reasons why the Pink Star is so valuable is its incredibly rare pink color. Pink diamonds are extremely rare and highly coveted by collectors and investors alike. The Pink Star’s vibrant and intense pink hue is a result of its unique chemical composition and geological formation process.
Its stunning color makes it a truly exceptional and extraordinary gemstone.
Flawless clarity
Another factor that contributes to the Pink Star’s value is its flawless clarity. This diamond is internally and externally flawless, which means it has no visible inclusions or blemishes when examined under a microscope.
Diamonds with such exceptional clarity are incredibly rare, and the Pink Star’s flawless nature adds to its desirability and value.
Oval mixed-cut
The Pink Star is also known for its exquisite oval mixed-cut. This particular cut enhances the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle, showcasing its color and clarity to their fullest potential. The skilled craftsmanship and precision required to create such a cut further add to the overall value of the Pink Star.
Most perfect diamond ever graded
Furthermore, the Pink Star has been graded as the most perfect diamond ever by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This prestigious grading certification further solidifies its status as an exceptional and valuable gemstone.
The combination of its rare pink color, flawless clarity, and outstanding cut makes the Pink Star a truly unique and unparalleled diamond.
Other Notable Contenders for World’s Most Expensive Ring
The Graff Pink (2010) – $46.2 million
One of the most renowned and expensive diamond rings in the world is The Graff Pink. This exceptional ring, weighing 24.78 carats, features a rare pink diamond, which adds to its allure and value. The Graff Pink was sold at an auction by Sotheby’s Geneva in 2010 for a staggering $46.2 million.
The ring’s exquisite design, combined with the rarity and quality of the pink diamond, contributed to its record-breaking price.
For more information, you can visit the official website of Graff.
The Orange (2013) – $36 million
Another notable contender for the title of the most expensive ring in the world is The Orange. This unique ring, as the name suggests, features a vivid orange diamond as its centerpiece. The Orange diamond weighs an impressive 14.82 carats and is surrounded by smaller white diamonds, further enhancing its beauty.
In 2013, The Orange was sold at a Christie’s auction for a remarkable $36 million. The ring’s extraordinary color and exceptional quality contributed to its high value in the market.
The De Beers Centenary (2017) – $40 million
The De Beers Centenary is another remarkable contender in the world of extravagant diamond rings. This stunning ring showcases a rare and flawless diamond weighing 273.85 carats. The De Beers Centenary diamond, known for its exceptional clarity and cut, is truly a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
In 2017, this extraordinary ring was estimated to be worth $40 million. The De Beers Centenary’s remarkable size, flawless nature, and reputation as one of the largest internally flawless diamonds in the world contribute to its astounding value.
These notable contenders for the world’s most expensive ring demonstrate the rarity and beauty that make them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Each of these rings possesses unique characteristics, such as the exceptional pink color of The Graff Pink, the vivid orange hue of The Orange, and the flawless clarity of The De Beers Centenary.
These rings exemplify the extraordinary craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating such exquisite pieces of jewelry.
Conclusion
The Pink Star diamond ring far surpasses all others as the most expensive in the world at over $71 million. This extraordinary 59.6 carat diamond’s rare pink color, flawless clarity, and perfect grading make it a true rarity and worthy of its record-shattering price.
While other unique diamond rings have broken records over the years, none have approached the Pink Star’s value, cementing its status as the undisputed champion of the priciest rings on earth.
