Largest Pink Diamond Auctioned, Fetches $17M in HK

The “Martian Pink” diamond, considered as the largest auctioned pink diamond, fetched $17.4 million at Christie’s auction in Hongkong on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. The pink gem, sold almost twice the estimated value, reportedly went on sale for the first time after 36 years. Christie’s revealed that its jewelry auction on Tuesday, which showcased the Martian pink diamond, raised $80 million.

Martian Pink Diamond

According to Vickie Sek of Christie’s Asia, the “Martian Pink sold by Harry Winston in 1976 created a sensation during its worldwide exhibition tour and achieved a staggering US$17.4m after a 10-minute bidding war.” Sek added that “The US$80m auction was highlighted with top prices across the board, culminating in a world record price of US$551,000 per carat for a perfect Burmese ruby of 6.04 carats.”