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
The Latest
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
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.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
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.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
