Sourcing

Sotheby’s Finds 2 Partners for 60-Carat Pink Diamond

SourcingJun 07, 2016

Sotheby’s Finds 2 Partners for 60-Carat Pink Diamond

Diacore and Mellen Inc. have formed a partnership with the auction house to acquire an ownership interest in the 59.60-carat diamond known as the Pink Star.

20160607_Pink-Star.jpg
The 59.60-carat Pink Star diamond has been in Sotheby’s inventory since 2013, when a diamond cutter bought the stone for $83.2 million but then defaulted on the payment.

Geneva--Diacore and Mellen Inc. have formed a partnership with Sotheby’s to acquire an ownership interest in the 59.60-carat Pink Star diamond.

“The three parties have formally partnered to achieve the value of the 59.60-carat stone, which Sotheby’s holds in its inventory,” the auction house said in a brief statement, declining to comment on the specific percentage of the stone owned by each entity.

The stone could be sold in the future, either privately or at auction, with proceeds split among the three companies per their ownership percentage, according to a Sotheby’s spokesman.

The stone is the largest internally flawless, fancy vivid pink diamond that the Gemological Institute of America has ever graded.

De Beers unearthed the 132.5-carat piece of rough that became the Pink Star in 1999 in South Africa.

Sotheby’s auctioned the polished diamond in November 2013, when it sold for $83.2 million, beating out the Graff Pink to become, at the time, the most expensive gemstone ever sold at auction.

New York diamond cutter Isaac Wolf bought the diamond but, according to Forbes, he defaulted on the payment and the stone was put into Sotheby’s inventory. The auction house reportedly had to buy the Pink Star for $60 million, the price it guaranteed the original seller.

Diacor is a multinational company with interests ranging from manufacturing to retail, and specializes in the creation of large, fancy colored and rare stones.

The firm is responsible for cutting some of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the 203.04-carat De Beers Millennium Star; the Heart of Eternity, a 27.64-carat fancy vivid blue, heart-shaped diamond; and the Pink Star.

Mellen, a family-run organization based in New York, is one of the top sources for exceptional stones.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Screenshots of Episode 4 of the “My Next Question” podcast
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond Dilemma

Sally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.

Randy McKenzie of Spark Creations
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72

McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Watch
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026

Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Pomellato Nudo blue topaz necklaces
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle Continues

The luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.

Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Diamond Divas
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award

“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.

Model wearing Bulgari Vimini necklace and earrings
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East Conflict

Plus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.

lvajws image 1.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

International Jade Summit
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to Monterey

Presented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.

Continental Buying Group
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas Show

The group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.

Uniform Object Carbon Form Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’

The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative Applications

The program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.

Coconut Grove Miami
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in Miami

The jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.

Police car with lights on
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed Robbery

JSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.

Watches on a table next to a coffee cup
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24

The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.

Ophelia Eve Scroll Toggle Pendant
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your Secrets

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, partner at The Retail Smiths
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

Tiffany & Co. Nathalie Verdeille
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic Officer

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.

Jacob & Co. The Godfather II Musical Watch
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Jesse Itzler
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote Speaker

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

Alan Hodgkinson
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New Award

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

Oris CEO Rolf Studer and Oris CFO Claudine Gertiser
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFO

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

Hearts On Fire What’s Your Signature Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a Question

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

41.82-carat Type IIb blue diamond recovered from Cullinan in January 2026
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

American Gem Society Confluence Logo
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability Sessions

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

Dennis Buzz Busby and Randy Welch
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller Employees

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

Isabel Delgado A necklace
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy