8.41 Carat Flawless Vivid Purple-Pink Diamond Could Shatter Auction Records

August 29th, 2014 by Noam Flint

There’s no doubt that pink diamonds have been surging in popularity and desirability in recent years. Maybe it’s their radiant and romantic hues, or perhaps it has something to do with their nearly unparalleled rarity and value. Regardless, one thing is for sure: When a pink diamond goes to auction, bidders go berserk.

8.41 carat Flawless Vivid Purple Pink Diamond8.41 carat Flawless Vivid Purple Pink Diamond

That’s precisely what industry experts are predicting will happen at the Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Autumn Sale, which will be held Oct. 7. The top lot features an 8.41-carat pear-shaped fancy vivid purple-pink diamond, which the auction house has called “arguably the most desirable pink diamond to appear at auction in recent years,” according to Forbes.

So what’s so special about this stone? For one, fancy vivid is the highest color grading assigned by the Gemological Institute of America. That means the diamond boasts a concentrated, vibrant hue that’s hard to come by.

This color is one of the most beautiful and concentrated shades of pink in diamonds that I have seen. Together with its exceptional clarity, it is not surprising that it would command the highest per-carat presale estimate for any pink diamond to date.” said Quek Chin Yeow, the chairman of Sotheby’s international jewelry business in Asia.

As if the unusual color of the stone and weight wasn’t enough to attract attention, it’s Internally Flawless – a highly uncommon grading for pink diamonds.

Presale estimates for the gem are between $12.8 million and $15.4 million, Rapaport reported. Currently, the highest amount every paid at auction for a diamond or gemstone is $46.2 million – a record held by the 24.76-carat fancy intense Graff Pink diamond.

According to Rapaport, the diamond was mined by De Beers and weighed 19.54 carats in its rough state before it was cut in New York.

Those who simply can’t wait for the Hong Kong auction to feast their eyes on this sparkly stunner can jet to Singapore, Taipei, New York, London or Geneva, where it will be on display in the coming weeks.

What do you think the purple-pink will sell for? Will it break a record?