An Auction History of the Most Expensive Diamonds.

The world’s most expensive diamonds are often sold at auctions worldwide, fetching sums of money that many of us can only dream of witnessing in our lifetime. Diamonds auctioned off occupy a league of their own, boasting extraordinary value. To provide some perspective, the average size of a diamond engagement ring typically ranges from 0.25 carats on the lower end to 4 carats on the higher end, with an average price of $5,871 in 2015, according to a study conducted by The Knot.

Diamonds and gemstones have consistently seen their prices surge as they are bought and resold at auctions. Similar to the world of fine art, there are diamond “hunters” in the auction realm who strive to curate the perfect collection of heirloom diamonds and gemstones.

If you’re considering investing in assets that appreciate in value, you might want to explore loose diamonds, artwork, or even antique wine. What sets these investments apart is the rich history associated with them and their remarkable ability to retain and increase their value over time.

Embark on a journey to explore the captivating beauty and astonishing prices of renowned diamond auctions, along with the most exorbitant engagement rings and diamonds ever sold at auction.

The World’s Most Expensive Diamonds Ever Sold At Auction:

1. The Pink Star

The Pink Star, a diamond of extraordinary size, has recently achieved the remarkable feat of receiving a Vivid Pink color grade. This magnificent gemstone has just been sold for an astounding $71 million in Hong Kong. The auction at Sotheby’s was a thrilling affair, lasting a mere five minutes, during which the oval-shaped 59.6-carat pink diamond shattered the record for the highest price ever paid for a jewel.

2. Oppenheimer Blue Diamond

On May 18, 2016, in Geneva, the Oppenheimer Blue diamond, the biggest Vivid Blue diamond ever offered at an auction, sold for an astounding $57.5 million. This magnificent 14.62 carat stone was appropriately named after Sir Philip Oppenheimer, the illustrious former chairman of De Beers, who was its previous owner. The Oppenheimer Blue’s unique attractiveness unquestionably justified its astonishing sale price, surpassing its initial projected value of $35–$45 million.

3. Graff Pink Diamond

The Graff Vivid Pink, an enormous 24.78-carat emerald cut diamond, fetched a staggering $46 million at a 2010 Sotheby’s auction. The Graff Vivid Pink is prized for its uncommon, pale pink color and is set in a platinum ring.

4. The Princie Diamond

5. The Orange

When it sold for $35.54 million in November 2013, the largest orange diamond ever to be sold at auction generated a bit of excitement in the jewelry industry. The Orange sets the record for the highest price per carat paid for a colored diamond at auction, coming in at nearly $2.4 million. Forbes claims that the diamond’s unique fire color by itself may have contributed to this beautiful beauty’s setting of the record for the highest price per carat for a colored diamond sold at auction.

6. The Largest Diamond Ever Sold: 118.28 carats

It’s surprising that the 118.28-carat oval cut diamond doesn’t have a special designation of its own. The largest and most valuable colorless diamond ever sold at auction, it holds the records for both.

7. Sweet Josephine Pink Diamond

Nothing compares to a diamond sale that has a touching backstory. According to CNN, billionaire Joseph Lau bought this cushion-shaped, vividly pink diamond and gave it to his daughter, age 7, as a gift. While the $28.5 million price tag for the 16.08-carat gem may seem outrageous to most, the business tycoon is known to buy pricey jewels and rename them after his two daughters, Josephine and Zoe.

8. “The 101″

A colorless pear-shaped diamond known as “the 101” that weighed 101.73 carats was sold at Christie’s in 2013 for $26.7 million. Aside from its enormous carat weight, this diamond’s Flawless clarity grade and D color grade command a high price.

9. Winston Blue Diamond

“Winston Blue” measures 13.22 carats and is the largest flawless, vivid blue diamond in the world. Harry Winston paid $23.8 million for the diamond at Christie’s. The price paid for blue diamonds is a global record at almost $1.8 million per carat.

10. The Perfect Pink Diamond

A 14.23-carat fancy pink emerald cut diamond is called The Perfect Pink. The most costly diamond ever sold in Asia, it fetched $23.2 million at Christie’s Hong Kong’s sale in 2010. Smaller, colorless gem cut side diamonds are used to amplify the sparkle of the Perfect Pink, which is set in an 18kt rose and white gold ring.