Recent record breakers: Pink diamond sold for $37 million

The 15.81-carat fancy vivid stone sold to a telephone bidder for $HK226 million ($AU37.7 million), not including commission – slightly above the low estimate for its final sale price.

"We are very excited to have marked another important chapter in jewellery auction history today'"

Vickie Sek, Christie's Asia Pacific

It was named ‘Sakura’, the Japanese word for a cherry blossom, due to its delicate hue.

Vickie Sek, chairwoman of the department of jewellery at Christie’s Asia Pacific, commented, “We are very excited to have marked another important chapter in jewellery auction history today, with the Sakura realising a record-breaking price of $US29.3 million, continuing Christie’s tradition of offering the finest pink diamonds at auction.”

In addition to the Sakura, a one-of-a-kind pair of emerald earrings also broke records, fetching a final price of $US2.05 million or $US148,000 per carat of emerald.

The earrings – part of the Green Jewel Collection, which is an ongoing collaboration between Rio Tinto’s Argyle Mine in Australia and Muzo Emerald Colombia – were bought by a private buyer and significantly exceeded the reserve estimate.

Crafted in 18-carat rose gold, the Green Jewel earrings feature 13.78 carats of cushion-cut untreated emeralds accented by 6.50 carats of pavé-set Argyle pink diamonds.

"It has been an honour to collaborate with Muzo and Argyle on the creation of yet another iconic treasure in the Green Jewel Collection"

John Glajz, Glajz

Argyle and Muzo have produced limited-edition Green Jewel pieces since 2017, facilitated by Argyle Authorised Partner Glajz.

John Glajz, director of Glajz, said, “It has been an honour to collaborate with Muzo and Argyle on the creation of yet another iconic treasure in the Green Jewel Collection, which represents the ultimate brand fusion of two exceptionally rare gems from two extreme geographical regions. A fitting tribute to the mines and sustainable mining methods that have allowed them to surface.”

Other top lots at the Christie’s auction included the Sweet Heart – a 4.19-carat heart-shaped vivid pink diamond ring, bought for $US6.56 million – and a diamond ring set with a 6.04-carat Burmese pigeon’s blood ruby, which was sold for $US1.81 million.

THE top lots at the Christie’s auction

The 'Sakura Diamond' - $US29.3 million

The ‘Sakura Diamond’ sold for $HK226.275 million at a Christie's auction in May. Image credit: Christie's

Muzo x Argyle emerald and pink diamond earrings - $US2.05 million

A one-of-a-kind pair of emerald earrings also broke records, fetching a final price of $US2.05 million. Image credit: Christie's

The 'Sweet Heart' pink diamond ring - $US6.56 million

The Sweet Heart – a 4.19-carat heart-shaped vivid pink diamond ring, bought for $US6.56 million. Image credit: Christie's

Burmese ruby ring - $US1.81 million

A diamond ring set with a 6.04-carat Burmese pigeon’s blood ruby, was sold for $US1.81 million. Image credit: Christie's

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What it’s really worth
Australia’s ‘most expensive’ diamond ring breaks auction record
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