3 of the Most Expensive Diamonds Ever Sold

by Kevin Smith Author

Diamonds are the quintessential luxury item. They're one of the rarest precious gemstones in the world and are often purchased as earrings, necklaces, and bridal engagement rings in Vandalia, Il.

However, not all diamonds are created equal. They come in an array of sizes, prices, and even some remarkably rare ones come in naturally vivid colors. These variants can be worth a lot; but even at as high as $80 million, they're still immensely sought after. Here's a list of the most expensive diamonds that have ever been sold on record:

The Wittelsbach-Graff

In 2008, the 31.06-carat deep blue diamond was bought by jeweler Laurence Graff in an auction at Christie's London. The gem originally had 82 facets, but Mr. Graff had it recut to remove damage on its girdle. He then had more sides added to enhance the stone's color and clarity.

The Wittelsbach-Graff was sold for $23.4 million making it the 5th most expensive diamond ever purchased through an auction. After it was enhanced and set in a ring, the jewel was offered at a private sale in 2011. One of Qatar's former emirs, Hamad bin Khalifa, walked away with the precious gem for an astounding $80 million.

The Pink Star

The 2nd most expensive gemstone ever sold is the Pink Star, formerly known as the Steinmetz Pink. The jewel weighs 59.60 carats and is the largest, fancy vivid pink diamond in the world. Like the Wittelsbach-Graff, it has an oval shape. With a combination of triangular and rectangular facets, it’s characterized as a mixed cut.

Sotheby's in Hong Kong initially closed a deal for this gem in 2013 for $83.187 million. Unfortunately, the buyer defaulted, so the auction house had to keep the Pink Star in its inventory. However, in 2017 it was finally sold to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises for $71.2 million.

The Oppenheimer Blue

Last on the list is a 14.62-carat vivid blue diamond. The Oppenheimer Blue was named for its previous owner, Philip Oppenheimer. Opposed to the other two diamonds mentioned this gem has a rectangular form with an emerald-cut facet. Not much information has been disclosed regarding the sale of this jewel, but what's known is that it was sold in Christie's Geneva in 2016. An anonymous buyer won the auction and bagged the gemstone for $50.6 million.

Diamonds have long been a staple of luxury, that’s showing no decline in popularity. Many people still have an affinity for these gorgeous jewels. Earrings, necklaces, and bridal engagement rings in Vandalia, Il made from this precious gem are remarkable beauties that last forever.