'Sweet Josephine Diamond' 16.08 carats
'Sweet Josephine Diamond' 16.08 carats Fancy Vivid Pink
Set with a cushion-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond, weighing approximately 16.08 carats, within a diamond twin surround, to the pink diamond gallery and diamond-set hoop, ring size 6, mounted in platinum and gold
Made by: South Africa
Sold for: USD 28.5 million
Auction house: Christie's auction in Geneva
Sale date: November 2015
Seller: Private collection
Buyer: Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau Luen-hung
From Christie's:
The diamond is set in a ring, and is surrounded by a double row of pavé white diamonds, highlighting the main stone, with a third row of small pink diamonds underneath. The band is comprised of small circular-cut white diamonds set in platinum — a delight for both the serious diamond connoisseur and those seeking a stand-out addition to their jewellery collection.
In the realm of natural coloured diamonds, those of a distinct pink hue are the most sought after among gem connoisseurs — regularly achieving record auction prices that are as extraordinary as the diamonds themselves. While most pink diamonds exhibit a colour modifier, like purple, orange, brown or grey, the 16.08-carat stone to be offered at Christie’s shows no trace of secondary colour, making it both attractive and exceptionally rare.