The Williamson Pink Star diamond was hammered at auction by Sotheby’s on October 8th, 2022, in Hong Kong, for more than $57 million.
The 11.15-carat cushion-shaped Fancy Vivid Pink Internally Flawless diamond attracted enormous interest and a flurry of nearly 50 bids, which took it from an opening bid of HK$130 million to well over HK$390 million during a 20-minute battle, before it was sold to an overseas representative in the room.
The final price achieved (HK$453,223,000 / US$57,736,078) places Williamson’s Pink Star as the second most valuable jewel or gemstone ever sold at auction.
The diamond was found in one of the oldest working diamond mines in the world, the Williamson Mine in Tanzania, famous for producing fine “bubblegum” pink diamonds, the most famous example of which is perhaps the Williamson Pink Diamond, which belonged to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The diamond was sourced and masterfully polished in a dazzling cushion cut by Diacore‘s master craftsmen, bringing out the diamond’s innermost beauty, shaping a masterpiece of over 10 carats, rich in colour and flawless clarity.
Patti Wong, Sotheby’s International President, said: «I feel extremely privileged that Diacore entrusted Sotheby’s with such an extraordinary beauty and for Sotheby’s Hong Kong to achieve a new world record. Following the success with De Beers Blue which achieved HK$450m this Spring, the Williamson Pink Star has not only placed a spotlight on Hong Kong as the international trading centre for exceptional diamonds and gemstones, but also reflects on Sotheby’s international outreach, as well as our leadership, expertise and dedication to nearly three decades of developing the jewellery market in Asia ».
Wenhao Yu, President of Jewellery and Watches at Sotheby’s Asia, said: «What an honour to have had the opportunity to handle a diamond of such breathtaking beauty. History was made in Hong Kong last night. The flawless clarity of the diamond was matched by the flawless auctioneering and our team’s execution – the Williamson Pink Star now takes its place in the pantheon of world record-breaking gemstones of the rarest kind – as the second highest price achieved for any jewel or gemstone sold at auction. I want to thank our consignors and buyers for their continuous support. Ultimately, what we have witnessed in the room reflects the appetite for rare and impeccable gemstones amongst global collectors».
Nir Livnat, President of Diacore, said: «Diacore is pleased to have the opportunity to work with Sotheby’s again in presenting such an extraordinary diamond at Sotheby’s Hong Kong sale. Not once, twice but three times, our partnership with the world’s leading auction house have led to another stunning world record moment last night after the success of the magnificent CTF Pink Star and De Beers Blue».
