Pink diamonds are among the rarest colored diamonds in the world, and with the largest producer of natural pink diamonds closing in November 2020, these diamonds are about to become much rarer (and potentially more valuable.)
This post will be answering the following questions:
- Why Are Pink Diamonds Pink?
- Where Do Pink Diamonds Come From?
- Are Pink Diamonds Expensive?
- What Affects Pink Diamond Price?
- Are Pink Diamonds Worth the Investment?
- Which is the Most Expensive Pink Diamond in the World?
- Which is the Largest Pink Diamond in the World?
- Which are the Most Famous Pink Diamonds in the World?
With that in mind, let’s answer the most commonly asked questions about pink diamonds.
Why Are Pink Diamonds Pink?
Pink diamonds are pink due to deformities in their anatomical structure. Contrary to many other colored diamond categories, pure pink diamonds show no chemical impurities and are comprised entirely of carbon. When mentioning abnormalities in anatomical structure, gemologists are referring to lattice defects that have resulted from the stone being exposed to immense amounts of stress during its formation. These internal defects essentially cause the light that enters the prism to bend in ways that allows only shades of pink to escape (ranging from deep red to very light pink).
Where Do Pink Diamonds Come
From?
Natural pink diamonds can come from mines all over the world, including India, Canada, Brazil, Russia, Siberia, and South Africa, but the Argyle Mine in Australia was the largest producer and distributer within the industry. The Argyle mine ceased operations in November 2020. So far, there haven’t been other mines that could come close to producing the volume and quality of diamonds the Argyle could, making high grade pink diamonds considerably rarer in the market.
Are Pink Diamonds Expensive?
Yes, pink diamonds are among the most expensive and rarest colored diamonds in the world. Their value has constantly been rising during the past decade and due to the closure of the Argyle Mine in late 2020 (making the diamonds considerably rarer,) their value is expected to continue to grow exponentially.
What Affects Pink Diamond Price?
Pink diamond prices are largely affected by the 4Cs: Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, and Cut. The higher the grade and quality of each C, the greater the price. There are however 2 more attributes that affect pink diamond prices; color modifiers and color undertones. Color modifiers represent the existence of additional hues that will either appreciate or depreciate the diamond’s value. In the case of pink diamonds, the secondary hue is usually purple, orange, or brown. On the other hand, different undertones or “tints” based on geographic region with the most prominent ones being Australia and South Africa. Australia (typically the Argyle Mine’s bubble gum pink) offers beautifully saturated vivid pink stones while South Africa’s pink diamonds usually have nice bright and “cold” undertones.
Rarity is also a significant factor of pink diamond price. The closure of the Argyle mine means that supply of pink diamonds will be cut considerable, and certain types of pink diamonds will be finite and only available in the secondary market. This will potentially cause pink diamond values to rise in the coming years.
Are Pink Diamonds Worth the Investment?
Yes, pink diamonds are worth the investment, especially those that originate from the Argyle mine. With the closure of the mine, these diamonds are now finite. After the final Argyle Tender held in September 2021, all pink diamonds will only be available in the secondary market, and due to heightened demand and no supply, their value is expected to increase.
Which is the Most Expensive Pink Diamond in the World?
The most expensive diamond in the world is the Pink Star and is worth $71.2 million. This 59.60 carat, oval mixed cut, Internally Flawless, IIa graded, Fancy Vivid Pink broke the record for most expensive pink diamond in the world, and most expensive colored diamond ever to be sold at a public auction, dethroning the Graff Pink and Oppenheimer Blue diamonds respectively. The record was broken during Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Spring Sale was hosted by the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in April, 2017 and remains unbroken to date.
Which is the Largest Pink Diamond in the World?
The largest pink diamond in the world is the Darya-I-Nur. Despite being unable to extract it from its setting, GIA estimates that it weighs between 175 and 195 carats. Apart from being the largest pink diamond, the Darya-I-Nur is also the oldest pink diamond, and one of the oldest naturally colored diamonds in the world.
Which are the Most Famous Pink Diamonds in the World?
The most famous pink diamonds in the world are:
- The Graff Pink
- The Darya-I-Nur
- The Nur-Ul-Ain
- The Hortensia
- The Sweet Josephine
- The Pink Orchid
- The Raj Pink
- The Star of the South
- The Pink Star
What other pink diamond related questions would you like us to answer? Let us know in the comments below and as always feel free to follow us on Twitter and visit our blog for more diamond insight.
For more reading on colored diamonds, see the links below:
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