AuctionsMar 29, 2021
Take a Peek at All the Big Stones Heading to Auction This SpringAuctionsApr 07, 2021
This 15-Carat Purple-Pink Diamond Could Fetch $38M at Auction
The internally flawless Type IIa stone is the star of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale next month in Hong Kong.
“The Sakura Diamond” is expected to be the star of Christie’s May Magnificent Jewels sale in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong—Christie’s upcoming Magnificent Jewels auction in Hong Kong is aptly titled, with one incredible stone leading the sale.
It is offering “The Sakura Diamond” at the May 23 auction, which it says is the largest purple-pink flawless diamond to ever appear at auction.
The 15.81-carat, fancy vivid purple-pink internally flawless Type IIa diamond ring is expected to fetch between $25 million and $38 million.
In Japanese, “Sakura” means cherry blossom, the flower that famously blooms for a short-but-brilliant period at the beginning of spring.
“Christie’s has offered some of the largest and the rarest pink diamonds in history across our global salerooms, highlighted by The Winston Pink Legacy sold in Geneva in 2018 that still holds the auction record per carat for any pink diamond,” Christie’s Asia Pacific Department of Jewelry Chairman Vickie Sek said in a statement.
Related stories will be right here …
It is offering “The Sakura Diamond” at the May 23 auction, which it says is the largest purple-pink flawless diamond to ever appear at auction.
The 15.81-carat, fancy vivid purple-pink internally flawless Type IIa diamond ring is expected to fetch between $25 million and $38 million.
In Japanese, “Sakura” means cherry blossom, the flower that famously blooms for a short-but-brilliant period at the beginning of spring.
“Christie’s has offered some of the largest and the rarest pink diamonds in history across our global salerooms, highlighted by The Winston Pink Legacy sold in Geneva in 2018 that still holds the auction record per carat for any pink diamond,” Christie’s Asia Pacific Department of Jewelry Chairman Vickie Sek said in a statement.
“This season we are very honored to continue this fine tradition by presenting The Sakura Diamond in Hong Kong. This exceptionally rare and magnificent wonder of nature represents a unique expression of identity and mesmerizing beauty through its enthralling purple-pink hue, that will undoubtedly capture the hearts of discerning connoisseurs and collectors worldwide.”
Christie’s noted the many characteristics that make The Sakura Diamond special.
For one, a diamond’s pink color is due to the distortion of its crystal lattice that happens at random, making the stone extremely difficult to cut, Christie’s said.
The Sakura Diamond’s size is extremely rare for a pink diamond, with less than 10 percent of fancy colored diamonds of that color weighing more than 0.2 carats.
Additionally, only 4 percent of pink diamonds feature a “fancy vivid” color depth, according to the GIA.
Lastly, the stone is Type IIa, which accounts for less than 2 percent of gem-quality diamonds.
The Sakura Diamond will take an Asian tour beginning this month, stopping in Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei and Hong Kong for previews, before finally going up on the block May 23.
Christie’s noted the many characteristics that make The Sakura Diamond special.
For one, a diamond’s pink color is due to the distortion of its crystal lattice that happens at random, making the stone extremely difficult to cut, Christie’s said.
The Sakura Diamond’s size is extremely rare for a pink diamond, with less than 10 percent of fancy colored diamonds of that color weighing more than 0.2 carats.
Additionally, only 4 percent of pink diamonds feature a “fancy vivid” color depth, according to the GIA.
Lastly, the stone is Type IIa, which accounts for less than 2 percent of gem-quality diamonds.
The Sakura Diamond will take an Asian tour beginning this month, stopping in Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei and Hong Kong for previews, before finally going up on the block May 23.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
SurveysOct 07, 2024
Hill & Co.’s New ‘Business of Jewelry Report’ Is OutThe first in what is slated to be a series of in-depth reports from the consulting company, it focuses on shortening supply chains.
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
