The largest pink diamond in the world: an overview
The largest pink diamond widely recognized in the transparent public and auction markets is the Pink Star (formerly the Steinmetz Pink), a type IIa rough gem weighing 59.60 carats that yielded a 59.60 carat polished cushion brilliant sold in 2017 for a then-record price. The Pink Star holds the verified record for the largest Fancy Vivid Pink ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and, at auction, the highest price per carat for a diamond at the time.
In addition to the Pink Star, several other notable large pink and pink‑adjacent diamonds—such as the Daria‑i‑Noor, the Graff Pink, and the Princie—appear in major auctions and museum records, but none surpass the Pink Star in confirmed polished size among transparent market transactions. This profile explains what defines a pink diamond, how color is graded, and why certain large pink stones remain restricted or privately held.
What defines a pink diamond
Pink diamonds are rare type IIa gemstones whose color arises from structural distortion—often called plastic deformation—within the crystal lattice, typically combined with trace impurities. Classification follows the four Cs (color, clarity, cut, carat) with color being the dominant value factor. The GIA Fancy Color Grading Scale ranges from Faint to Vivid, with Vivid Pink representing the most valuable saturation for large stones. Unlike treated stones, naturally vivid pinks command premium prices due to scarcity.
Criteria that affect value
- Color saturation: Vivid pink yields higher value than Light, Fancy, or Intense pink.
- Size and shape: Larger face-up carat weight with minimal weight retention from rough typically increases price per carat.
- Clarity: Flawless to VVS stones are exceptionally rare in pinks; eye‑clean stones still command strong premiums.
- Origin and documentation: Verified GIA reports and, when available, provenance from major mines add transparency and value.
Key facts on the Pink Star
Discovered in South African alluvial mines in the late 1990s and cut by Steinmetz, the Pink Star’s polished 59.60 carat cushion brilliant was the centerpiece of a 2017 Sotheby’s Hong Kong sale. It was graded by GIA as Fancy Vivid Pink, Flawless, and set a world auction record at the time. Its sale price and per‑carat rate remain benchmarks for large pink diamonds in transparent markets, though subsequent privately negotiated deals may involve different terms.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Stone name | Pink Star (formerly Steinmetz Pink) | GIA report, auction records |
| Carat weight (polished) | 59.60 ct cushion brilliant | GIA, Sotheby’s lot documentation |
| Color grade | Fancy Vivid Pink | GIA color report |
| Clarity | Flawless | GIA clarity report |
| Sale date | April 2017 | Sotheby’s Hong Kong |
| Record status | Highest price per carat at the time | Auction market data |
| Mine origin (rough) | South African alluvial (unverified mine), type IIa | Industry reports, GIA |
Notable large pink diamonds and their status
Beyond the Pink Star, the diamond world includes other celebrated pinks with varying degrees of transparency. The Daria‑i‑Noor, part of Iranian Crown Jewels, is an important historic pinkish material but is not regularly traded, so exact carat and color are matters of published estimates rather than current market grades. The Graff Pink (24.78 ct) and the Princie (34.65 ct) have set benchmark prices per carat when sold at auction, yet neither exceeds the Pink Star’s total carat weight or total realized price in transparent transactions.
- Daria‑i‑Noor: historic pink material, approximate 182–197 ct estimate, not market‑traded.
- Graff Pink: 24.78 ct Fancy Intense Pink, set per‑carat benchmarks in 2010.
- Princie: 34.65 ct Fancy Intense Pink, notable price per carat at auction.
- Pink Star: 59.60 ct Fancy Vivid Pink, transparent auction record holder.
Why size is not the only measure of value
While carat weight matters, color saturation and clarity are the primary drivers of pink diamond value. A smaller Vivid Pink can outprice a larger Fancy Pink if saturation is superior. Rarity also plays a role: large, naturally vivid pink diamonds are exceptionally scarce. Market liquidity varies; auctioned stones like the Pink Star provide public price benchmarks, whereas museum or state‑held pieces inform historical context but rarely influence commercial pricing directly.
How to interpret reported sizes and claims
Claims about the ‘largest pink diamond’ can shift depending on whether they refer to rough weight, polished size, color intensity, or whether the stone is publicly traded. The Pink Star’s polished 59.60 carat Fancy Vivid pink represents the largest transparent, auction‑verified polished pink by both weight and total price. Other large pink or pink‑hued stones may hold records for particular categories—such as historic pink material or per‑carat prices at a given time—but they do not surpass the Pink Star in transparent, trade‑able size and color.
Care and appraisal considerations
If you are researching pink diamonds for acquisition or study, prioritize verified grading from recognized laboratories (GIA, AGS, HRD, or IGI depending on region). Request provenance documentation and, for high‑value stones, seek an updated appraisal from an independent expert. Understand that sizes reported in marketing materials may refer to rough weights or include treatments; only laboratory reports clarify natural color, treatment status, and measurable attributes.