Pink Diamonds
| Property | Details |
|---|
| Cause of Color | Crystal lattice distortion (graining) — no trace elements involved |
| Rarity | Very rare; fewer than 0.01% of all mined diamonds |
| GIA Grades Available | Faint Pink through Fancy Vivid Pink (also Fancy Deep, Fancy Intense) |
| Most Desirable Grade | Fancy Vivid Pink or Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink |
| Famous Examples | Pink Star (59.60 ct), Graff Pink (24.78 ct), Williamson Pink (23.6 ct) |
| Primary Source | Argyle Mine, Australia (closed 2020); also Golconda, India (historic) |
| Price Range (1ct, natural) | $20,000 – $500,000+ depending on intensity |
Overview
Pink diamonds captivate collectors, investors, and romantics alike. Their color does not come from any trace element — unlike yellow or blue diamonds, there is no foreign atom causing the pink. Instead, the color results from a distortion in the diamond's crystal lattice, a phenomenon called plastic deformation, which occurred as the diamond was pushed toward the earth's surface under immense pressure. This distortion causes the crystal to selectively absorb green light, transmitting pink.
The mystery of pink diamonds adds to their allure: scientists still do not fully understand why certain diamonds develop this particular lattice distortion while others do not.
The Argyle Mine Legacy
For decades, Australia's Argyle mine in the remote Kimberley region was the world's primary source of pink diamonds, producing over 90% of the global supply. Despite being one of the world's largest diamond mines by volume, only a tiny fraction of Argyle's output — less than 0.1% — was pink. Each year, the mine's best pinks were showcased at the exclusive Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, where collectors and dealers competed for stones measured in points rather than carats.
The Argyle mine closed permanently in November 2020, removing the world's dominant source of pink diamonds from production. Since the closure, prices for Argyle pinks have surged as supply has essentially stopped while demand continues to grow. Argyle pink diamonds are now considered among the most collectible gemstones in the world.
Color Grades & Modifiers
Pink diamonds are graded across the GIA fancy color scale. The most important factors are:
- Fancy Light Pink: A delicate, blush-like pink. Beautiful and more affordable than deeper grades.
- Fancy Pink: Clearly pink with moderate saturation. Highly desirable for engagement rings.
- Fancy Intense Pink: Strong, vivid pink. Very rare and valuable.
- Fancy Vivid Pink: The top grade. Electric, saturated pink. Extremely rare and commands extraordinary premiums.
Common modifiers include purplish (generally adds value), brownish (reduces value), and orangy (neutral to positive effect). A “Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink” can command prices comparable to or exceeding a “Fancy Vivid Pink.”
Famous Pink Diamonds
The Pink Star (59.60 ct): Sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong in 2017 for $71.2 million, making it the most expensive gemstone ever sold at auction. Graded Fancy Vivid Pink by GIA. Originally mined by De Beers in South Africa in 1999.
The Graff Pink (24.78 ct): A Fancy Intense Pink diamond sold in 2010 for $46.2 million. Once owned by Harry Winston, it was purchased by Laurence Graff.
The Williamson Pink (23.6 ct): Discovered in Tanzania in 1947, this diamond was cut into a 23.6-carat round brilliant and presented to then-Princess Elizabeth as a wedding gift. It is now set in a brooch in the British Crown Jewels collection.
Natural vs Lab-Grown
Natural: Given the Argyle mine closure, natural pink diamonds are increasingly rare and valuable. They are considered one of the best-performing alternative investments of the past two decades, with Argyle pinks appreciating 10–15% annually.
Lab-Grown: Pink lab-grown diamonds are produced via CVD or HPHT processes, sometimes with post-growth treatment to achieve the desired color. They offer the same visual beauty at a small fraction of natural prices. However, they carry no investment value.
Treated: HPHT treatment can turn certain brown diamonds pink. These are detected by gemological labs and must be disclosed. They sell for significantly less than natural pinks.
Buying Tips
- A GIA Colored Diamond Report is essential for any significant pink diamond purchase.
- Fancy Intense and Fancy Vivid grades hold and appreciate in value best.
- Purplish modifiers are generally positive for value; brownish modifiers reduce it.
- Cushion and radiant cuts maximize color perception.
- Set pink diamonds in rose gold to complement the warmth, or in platinum to let the color stand alone.
Explore more colors in our Colored Diamond Guide, or learn about morganite as a pink gemstone alternative.