Pretty in Pink: The Allure and Rarity of Pink Diamonds
With Webb’s Important Jewels, Watches and Luxury Accessories fortunate enough to have three pink diamonds, we delve into the mystery and rarity that has made this the most desirable and priced colour in the diamond industry.
There’s nothing quite like the allure of a pink diamond. Its delicate hue, mesmerising brilliance, and unmistakable rarity make it one of the most desirable stones globally, with prices always eclipsing that of their transparent cousins.
Pink Loose Diamonds
The earliest mentions of pink diamonds are found in the writings of the pioneering gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier. The French adventurer described seeing a massive rough pink diamond (reportedly over 200 carats) which was shown to him by Moghuls in the Sultanate of Golconda in Southern India in 1642. He detailed this encounter in his book, The Six Voyages, where he also included a drawing of smaller rose-colored diamonds he purchased around the time.
Since then, pink diamonds have captivated the imaginations of collectors the world over, prompting exploration across the globe - from South Africa and Tanzania to Brazil and Canada, Russia, and finally, Australia where from the late 80s a single mine became the world’s biggest purveyor of the elusive gem.
It is estimated that over 80 per cent of the world’s supply once came from the Argyle mine in Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region. Until its closure in 2020, this legendary site produced around 20 million carats annually, yet only a rare 0.1 per cent of that yield bore the pink hue. The Argyle mine’s closure meant global supply dropped, increasing scarcity, demand and prices.
Pink Diamond from Australia
“Coloured diamonds are incredibly rare and, among them, pink diamonds are the rarest, most elusive and coveted. They have become symbols of uniqueness, special reflections of its wearer and some of the most memorable expressions of appreciation.” Christine Power, Head of Fine Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories at Webb’s.
Three out of the top five most expensive diamonds ever sold at auction are pink, with the Pink Star, which sold at a 2017 auction for US$71.2 million firmly on top of that list. The candy coloured beauties have captivated the likes of Ben Affleck (who gifted a 6.1-carat radiant-cut fancy intense pink diamond to his then wife Jennifer Lopez), Anna Kournikova, Victoria Beckham, and royalty in the UK, Iran, India and beyond.
Pink Star Diamond
Pink Star Diamond
Yet it is not just their rarity that has made these gems so intensely desired but they also embody an element of mystery. “Part of the allure resides in the fact that their blush is not entirely understood, making them enigmatic,” says Christine Power. Whereas traditional diamonds are made of carbon that has been put under intense pressure and heat below deep the earth’s crust, other hues are caused by chemical imbalances in the stone’s molecular structure. Traces of nitrogen for instance turn a diamond yellowish, while boron makes them blue. “However pink remains a gorgeous little mystery that is still baffling experts,” continued Power.
Mystery, rarity and beauty has meant that these exquisite gems have come to symbolise romance, power, and unparalleled attraction.
The catalogue for Webb’s November Important Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories boasts three noteworthy consignments of this enchanting stone. They represent their splendour, timeless appeal and the craftsmanship of jewellers fortunate enough to work with these sublime expressions of the earth’s bounty.
An Impressive 0.96ct Fancy Intense Pink Diamond Pendant, GIA Certified with estimates of $295K—$350K
Lot 56. An Impressive 0.96ct Fancy Intense Pink Diamond Pendant, GIA Certified.
EST. $295,000—$350,000
Lot 56. An Impressive 0.96ct Fancy Intense Pink Diamond Pendant, GIA Certified.
EST. $295,000—$350,000
This exquisite pendant centres on a rare 0.96-carat diamond of ‘Fancy Intense’ pink hue, a colour grade that places it amongst the highest echelons in a pink-diamond. The stone’s vibrancy and size already place it in an elite class of gems. Set in a refined mount so as to let the diamond itself shine as a poetic statement of nature’s beauty.
A Platinum / 18ct Rose Gold, Rare, 1.37ct Pink Diamond / .97ct Diamond Halo Ring, GIA certified with estimates of $170K—$200K
Lot 62. Platinum / 18ct Rose Gold, Rare, 1.37ct Pink Diamond / .97ct Diamond Halo Ring, GIA certified.
EST. $170,000—$200,000
Lot 56. An Impressive 0.96ct Fancy Intense Pink Diamond Pendant, GIA Certified.
EST. $295,000—$350,000
This ring centres on a 1.37-carat pink diamond (GIA-certified) surrounded by approximately 0.97 carats of white diamonds forming the halo. The mount uses a combination of platinum and 18-carat rose gold — platinum for strength and prestige, rose gold for its warm tone which complements the orangey pink centre stone. The size of the pink diamond (1.37ct) is significant for coloured stones of this type, and when coupled with halo white diamonds and high-quality metalwork, the overall piece becomes truly exceptional.
A Loose, .30ct Round Brilliant-Cut Diamond of Fancy Intense Pink Colour, Argyle-Origin, with estimates of $60,000—$65,000.
Lot 109. An Important Loose, .30ct Round Brilliant-Cut Diamond of Fancy Intense Pink Colour, Argyle-Origin - Certified.
EST. $60,000—$65,000
Certified as originating from the Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia, means this stone is particularly prized due to its provenance. Because it is loose (not mounted), it also offers flexibility to a buyer for custom jewellery or investment holding.
These pink diamonds are being offered as part of Webb’s November Important Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories Online Auction. For these and other adornments of significant rarity and heirloom potential, explore the full catalogue online now.
Important Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories
Online Auction | 21.10.25—03.11.25
On View | 29.10.25—03
Bidding Closing | Monday 3 November, from 8pm
Location: Webb's, 33a Normanby Road, Mount Eden
Contact
Christine Power
Head of Fine Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories AJP (GIA)
christinep@webbs.co.nz
M +64 27 929 5607
Sam Shaw
Manager, Fine Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories
sam@webbs.co.nz
M +64 22 499 5610