Pink diamonds
Pink diamonds continue to captivate the attention of celebrities, despite their relatively smaller size compared to other precious stones.
The rarity of pink diamonds
Their allure among the stars remains strong. An iconic moment was sparked by Jennifer Lopez in 2002 when she flaunted her first Bennifer engagement ring from Ben Affleck, creating a frenzy. Interestingly, after a two-decade separation, the duo reconciled, leading to a renewed engagement and eventual marriage, marked by a distinctive green diamond ring.
Renowned personalities adorning pink diamond rings include tennis champion Anna Kournikova, actresses Margot Robbie and Blake Lively, and fashion visionary Victoria Beckham.
While pink is often linked with a delicate and girlish aura, these figures transcend simple stereotypes. Each of these women exudes strength and empowerment, resembling the brilliant gems on their fingers in their radiance.
The rarity of pink diamonds is indeed a fascinating facet. Astonishingly, a staggering 80 to 90% of the world’s pink diamonds originate from a solitary location – the Argyle Diamond Mine, nestled in a remote corner of Western Australia.
Natural diamonds
At its peak, the annual yield of pink diamonds from this mine wouldn’t even fill a champagne glass. Unfortunately, this celebrated mine ceased operations in 2020 due to diminishing diamond reserves, leading to a depletion of the primary source for pink diamonds. This scarcity has elevated their rarity and subsequent value.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), only a mere 1 in 100,000 diamonds discovered annually attain the status of possessing a “fancy color.” This makes natural fancy color diamonds an exceptional rarity on a global scale.
These diamonds exhibit an array of hues, including blue, green, and yellow, and within this spectrum, pink diamonds rank as the second rarest. Their scarcity is attributable to the extreme conditions under which they form.
While all natural diamonds originate from intense heat and pressure billions of years ago, pink diamonds undergo even more intense pressure that induces a “plastic deformation,” leading to their pink coloration.
This process is both unique and demanding, resulting in the majority diamonds being small or highly included, thus intensifying their rarity.
In terms of size, pinks diamond typically don’t achieve the grand proportions of their colorless counterparts, such as the monumental 3,106-carat Cullinan or the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona.
Nevertheless, their value and scarcity remain breathtaking. Consider the 186-carat Daria-i-Noor or the 59.60-carat Pink Star, which, while not as imposing as the aforementioned white diamonds, command exceptional worth.
A prime example is the Pink Star, which shattered records by fetching a staggering $71 million at auction in 2017.
Owning diamond can evoke a sense of holding an entire real estate portfolio in the palm of one’s hand. The Graff Pink, weighing just over 4 grams (equivalent to 23.88 carats), exemplifies this sentiment, having fetched an impressive $46 million in 2010.
To contextualize their value, a comparable 1-carat “fancy pink” diamonds with a modest clarity grade of SI would command a price of at least $100,000 in today’s market.
The spectrum of pink diamond
hues is as diverse as the colors of nature itself, ranging from Very Light Pink to Fancy Deep Pink.
Secondary hues such as orange, purple, brown, or gray can also be present, leading to designations like “fancy orangy pink” or “fancy brownish pink.” Expert gemologists and artists skilled in color discernment navigate this unique palette.
When assessing fancy color diamonds, including pink ones, color is paramount among the famed 4Cs (clarity, cut, color, and carat). A team of gemologists collaborates to evaluate and grade the specific color grade of a fancy pink diamond.
Among these, diamonds without secondary hues, labeled “fancy pink,” are the rarest and most valuable. “Fancy intense pink” and “fancy vivid pink” represent the pinnacle of rarity within this elite category.
British jeweler Graff stands as an emblem of excellence in pink diamond design. According to the prestigious brand, some of these gemstones represent once-in-a-lifetime discoveries.
The remarkable 16.88-carat Internally Flawless Fancy Intense Pink emerald-cut diamond ring, adorned with heart-shaped white diamond side stones, is a prime example. Similarly, the extraordinary 12.02-carat Fancy Vivid Pink Internally Flawless pear-shaped diamond ring exemplifies the prominence of pink diamonds in the realm of design.
In these creations, pink diamonds unquestionably take center stage, embodying their unparalleled allure.
