Pink Diamond
Pink Diamond
Key Highlights:
- Pink diamonds are some of the most valuable due to their captivating colour and exceptional rarity.
- Colour grading uses terms like “Fancy Vivid” to describe the intensity of the pink hue.
- Secondary colour tones like purple or orange can also be present.
- The cause of the pink colour remains a subject of debate among experts.
- Australia’s Argyle Mine was renowned for producing the most exceptional pink diamonds.
- The rarity is evident: only around 40-50 pink diamonds enter the market annually.
- Prices can range from $100,000 to over $1 million per carat.
- The future availability of pink diamonds is uncertain with the closure of the Argyle Mine.
- Secondary colour variations like brown hues affect the price point.
- Legendary pink diamonds include the Graff Pink Diamond and the Rose of Dubai.
- Pink diamonds are a valuable investment for those lucky enough to acquire one.
Pink diamonds are renowned for their enchanting beauty and exceptional rarity. Their captivating shades, ranging from soft pastels to vibrant magentas, set them apart from other diamonds and make them highly sought after. Formed under rare geological conditions, pink diamonds are among the most valuable on the market, with their scarcity adding to their allure and investment value. Each pink diamond is unique, showcasing a distinct color and play of light that highlights nature’s artistry. As symbols of luxury and exclusivity, pink diamonds continue to captivate collectors and connoisseurs alike.
A Colourful Grading System
Similar to other coloured diamonds, pink stones are graded based on the intensity of their colour, with terms like “Fancy Vivid,” “Fancy Deep,” and “Faint” used to describe their vibrancy. The most sought-after stones boast a deeply saturated pink hue. Beyond the primary pink colour, these diamonds can exhibit secondary hues like:
- Purple or purplish tones for stronger hues
- Orange or orangy hints for less intense colours
- Brown or brownish shades for very faint pink tones
These secondary colours are documented and reflected in the stone’s name, with pink always being the primary descriptor.
The Mystery of Pink
Unlike other coloured diamonds where the cause of colour is well-understood (e.g., green diamonds have displaced carbon atoms), the origins of pink remain a subject of debate among experts. Some theories suggest deformations occurring during the diamond’s journey to the Earth’s surface might alter its structure and light absorption, resulting in the pink colour.
A Global Hunt, with an Australian Gem
Pink diamonds can be found worldwide, from South Africa and Russia to Canada and Brazil. However, Australia’s Argyle Mine, owned by Rio Tinto, is renowned for producing the most exceptional pink diamonds. Notably, rough diamonds mined at Argyle undergo cutting and polishing on-site before being offered for sale through a selective tender process.
Rarity Drives Value
The extraordinary rarity of pink diamonds is a key factor in their high value. The Argyle Mine might extract millions of carats of rough diamonds, but only a single carat might be deemed suitable for their exclusive tenders. This scarcity translates to a typical size of one carat for pink diamonds, with only around 40-50 stones entering the market annually. Prices can range from a staggering $100,000 to over $1 million per carat, with factors like colour intensity, cut, and clarity influencing the final price tag.
A Future of Pink?
The diminishing supply of pink diamonds from the Argyle Mine, which closed in 2020, has intensified the desire for these gemstones. While a new mine in Kimberley, Australia, is expected to yield various types of diamonds, the availability of pink diamonds remains uncertain.
Colour Variations and Price Points
The intensity of the pink hue significantly impacts the price. Stones with secondary brown hues tend to be more readily available and therefore less expensive. Conversely, rare pink diamonds with secondary purple tones command a premium due to their scarcity.
A Rare Gem Worth Seeking
For those fortunate enough to acquire a pink diamond, it represents not only a stunning gemstone but also a valuable investment. The captivating beauty and exceptional rarity of these pink treasures solidify their place among the most coveted diamonds in the world.
Legendary Pinks
History is adorned with legendary pink diamonds, including:
- Daria-i-Noor: This 186-carat table-cut pink diamond was once part of crown jewels but was returned to Persia in 1739.
- Noor-ul-Ain: Meaning “light of the eye,” this pale pink diamond found in India adorns a tiara created for Empress Farah Pahlavi’s wedding.
- Graff Pink Diamond: This 24.78-carat Type IIa pink diamond fetched a record-breaking $46 million at Sotheby’s in 2010.
- Martian Pink: Another Type IIa stone, it held the record for the highest price paid for a pink diamond before the Graff Pink Diamond, selling for $17.4 million.
- Rose of Dubai: This fancy pink pear-shaped diamond weighing 25.02 carats sold for a remarkable $6 million in 2005.
- Steinmetz Pink: This exceptional 59.60-carat oval-cut diamond, mined in South Africa, boasts an “internally flawless” clarity grade, adding to its immense value.
- Shah Jahaan: This light pink, table-cut diamond weighs a substantial 56.71 carats.
- Princie Diamond: This 34.65-carat fancy intense pink diamond with a VS2 clarity rating achieved a staggering $39.3 million at a Christie’s auction in 2013.
Conclusion
Owning a pink diamond is more than just acquiring a beautiful gemstone; it’s an opportunity to hold a piece of nature’s most captivating artistry. These diamonds, with their enchanting hues ranging from soft blush to vibrant fuchsia, represent some of the rarest and most sought-after treasures on Earth. Their limited availability and the mystique surrounding their formation make pink diamonds a unique investment, often appreciated not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their enduring value.
For collectors and enthusiasts alike, a pink diamond is more than just a gem—it’s a symbol of exclusivity and refined taste. Each stone is a testament to the extraordinary forces of nature and the meticulous craftsmanship required to bring out its full potential. Whether set in a stunning piece of jewelry or kept as part of a private collection, the allure of a pink diamond is timeless and undeniable. It’s a gem that not only captures the eye but also the heart, making it a truly exceptional addition to any collection.
