'The Raj Pink' The World's Largest known Fancy Intense Pink Diamond Magnificent fancy intense pink diamond ring

Set with a cushion modified brilliant-cut fancy intense pink diamond weighing 37.30 carats, size 52.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 5171432436, stating that the cushion modified brilliant-cut diamond weighing 37.30 carats, measuring 21.76 x 16.90 x 11.33mm, is Fancy Intense Pink, Natural Colour, VS1 Clarity, Excellent Polish; together with a letter from GIA stating that the diamond is the largest Fancy Intense Pink, Natural Colour, diamond they have ever graded, and a monograph. Stamped Pt 950 for platinum. For more information on the diamond, please refer to the GIA report. No evidence of wear to the metal, in like-new condition. Gross weight approximately 10 grams.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For most coloured diamonds, the hue comes from impurities that accidently interfere during the formation of the crystal at hundreds of miles deep in the earth. A diamond is mainly composed of pure carbon; it is the intrusion of another trace element that impacts the colour, such as nitrogen for yellow and boron for blues. The pink colour, on the other hand, may be the result of a distortion of the crystal structure that has yet resisted the attempts of explanation by science.

 

Pink fancy coloured diamonds are rare in nature, particularly those of large size. According to the GIA, the annual global pink-to-red diamond recovery could fit on the palm of one’s hand. The astonishing stone offered in this auction displays a combination of very bright and superb fancy intense pink colour. One can find different levels of colour intensity; the brilliance, hue and size of this precious gem are truly exceptional.

 

The current record price ever achieved at auction for a diamond or any gemstone is 'The Pink Star’: one of the world's great natural treasures later renamed ‘CTF Pink Star’. This magnificent Fancy Vivid Pink diamond weighing 59.60 carats was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong in April 2017 for $71.2 million.

 

The current record price per carat and for any Fancy Intense Pink diamonds was set by ‘The Graff Pink’ weighing 24.78 carats, sold in Sotheby’s Geneva in November 2010 for $46.2 million.

 

Cutting & Polishing

 

Discovered and mined in South Africa in 2015, the rough crystal was studied with extreme precision during the course of one year before it was passed to the hands of a master cutter.

 

“In observing the Raj Pink in its final form – a sparkling 37.30 carat cushion modified brilliant – one may fail to recognize the work behind its transformation from rough to polished. Though nature granted the gem with rare colour fine clarity, it was the cutter who capitalized on these qualities and brought the diamond’s innermost beauty to full display…

 

Though a diamond is crafted with the knowledge that it will be observed in a particular orientation (what is referred to as ‘’face up’’), all aspects of its three-dimensional structure must be accounted for in optimizing that directional appearance. While the shape of the rough often suggests the diamond’s final shape, the art of cutting is as much an organic process as it is a balancing act: a cutter must maximize the weight retention while creating a stone with the best possible colour and clarity…

 

GIA’s research throughout the years has found the cushion brilliant shape and cutting style effectively channel and intensify the colour appearance of coloured diamonds. The cushion’s slightly curved sides and rounded corners give visual balance to the precise, hard-edged geometry often associated with the diamond faceting of today. Intricately cut, triangular and kite-shaped facets interact with light and produce flashes that enliven and enhance the diamond’s overall appeal. Lastly, it is not unusual for cutters to modify a cutting style in efforts to produce the most desirable appearance in a coloured diamond”.

 

Excerpts from the GIA monograph

 

 

Colour

 

“For a diamond to display strong, unmodified pink colour like that observed in the Raj Pink is rare, particularly so at a considerable weight; the larger the diamond, the less likely it is to appear saturated by a deep hue”.

 

Excerpt from the GIA monograph

 

 “Only on the rarest occasions do diamonds with vibrant, shocking colour like the Raj Pink’s emerge. Their origins and discoveries are often held as closely guarded secrets, and only the most privileged and knowledgeable in the industry know of their existence. With an unmodified, Fancy Intense pink hue, substantial size, and desirable clarity, the Raj Pink is certainly one of those gems that only few may have the honour of experiencing”.

 

Excerpt from the GIA monograph