Diamonds, like all gemstones, come in a variety of grades and prices, but their allure is undeniable. Many exceptionally valuable diamonds exist around the world. Below are some of the most expensive and rare diamonds that have graced the auction block.
Pink Star
The Pink Star diamond, at 59.6 carats, is arguably the most valuable diamond ever sold. It fetched a record-breaking price of US$71 million (approximately ₹462 crore) at an auction in Hong Kong, setting a new world record for diamond sales.
Blue Moon
The Blue Moon diamond, acquired by Hong Kong businessman Joseph Lau in 2015 for US$48.4 million (approximately ₹315 crore), was a special purchase. He bought it for his daughter, Josephine, and it was later named the "Blue Moon of Josephine".
Openheimer Blue
Another rare diamond, the Oppenheimer Blue, sold for US$50.6 million (approximately ₹329 crore) in 2016. This 14.62-carat gem was sold via a phone bid at Christie's auction house in Geneva, though the buyer's identity remains undisclosed.
Graff Pink
The Graff Pink, one of the world's largest pink diamonds, was auctioned in 2010 and sold for approximately ₹300 crore. This 27.78-carat pink diamond was acquired by British businessman Laurence Graff, whose name the stone bears.
Orange Diamond
A vivid orange diamond was auctioned by Christie's in 2013, selling at a rate of ₹15.6 crore per carat.
Sunrise Ruby
A deep red 25.59-carat Sunrise Ruby was purchased in 2015 for US$30 million (approximately ₹195 crore). This gemstone was the most valuable gem sold after diamonds.
The Millennium Star Diamond
The Millennium Star, a 203.04-carat diamond discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was purchased by the late Harry Oppenheimer, chairman of De Beers. The cutting and polishing process took three years. Oppenheimer described it as the most beautiful diamond of his life.
