Diamonds are forever – especially the $38m vivid pink variety

Unique Pink listed by Sotheby’s as supremely rare and exceptional weighs in at 15.38 carats

In the Pink: Beauty in the eye of beholder. Photograph: EPA
In the Pink: Beauty in the eye of beholder. Photograph: EPA

A rare, pear-shaped, vivid pink diamond will go under the hammer in Geneva next month, where auctioneers expect it to fetch some $38 million (€33 million).

The “Unique Pink”, described by Sotheby’s as “supremely rare and exceptional”, weighs 15.38 carats.

“The Gemological Institute of America, the highest body for grading diamonds, have given this stone their highest possible grading, which is vivid pink,” said David Bennett, worldwide chairman of Sotheby’s international jewellery division.

The vivid pink pear-shaped diamond weighing 15.38 carats is to be auctioned in Geneva on May 17th. Photograph: EPA
The vivid pink pear-shaped diamond weighing 15.38 carats is to be auctioned in Geneva on May 17th. Photograph: EPA
Unique Pink valued at $38m. Photograph: EPA
Unique Pink valued at $38m. Photograph: EPA

“It’s so strong the colour. That makes it a very rare stone indeed, in fact it’s the largest pear-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond ever to be offered at auction.”

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Noble Jewels

The discovery of gem-quality pink diamonds is rare, according to Sotheby’s, which will auction this one as part of its Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale in Geneva on May 17th.

“We’re estimating between $28-38 million,” said Mr Bennett of pre-sale estimates during a preview of the diamond in London.

“There have been a couple . . . of stones that have sold for around $2 million per carat or a little more historically so it seems to be perfectly correctly estimated . . .We will see.”

Earlier this week, a 10.10 carat oval, internally flawless, fancy vivid blue diamond sold for $31.8 million at an auction held by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong.