TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
AuctionsNov 29, 2017
‘Pink Promise’ Nearly Matches Per-Carat Price Record
The 14.93-carat fancy vivid pink diamond sold for $31.9 million, or $2.13 million a carat, at Christie’s Hong Kong sale.
The 14.93-carat “Pink Promise” nearly matched a world auction record at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels Hong Kong sale on Tuesday. Originally 16.10 carats, seller Stephen Silver recut the stone to improve its color.
Hong Kong--“The Pink Promise” diamond, a 14.93-carat fancy vivid pink, sold for $31.9 million at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels Hong Kong sale Tuesday, nearly matching the world auction record for per-carat price for a pink diamond.
That works out to $2.13 million, just short of the $2.15 million per carat a buyer paid for a 5-carat vivid pink diamond at Christie’s Hong Kong in December 2009.
It was the end of an interesting journey for the Type IIa stone’s seller, Stephen Silver, who originally purchased the diamond in 2013 and recut it to maximize its color.
“The work we did on this particular diamond was the most challenging recut in which I have been involved, due to the technical difficulty and large financial risk,” Silver said in a press release. “It is a privilege, however, to work with a world-class team and have my name associated with one of the world’s great gemstones.”
Silver has worked with or owned many important stones, including the Cullinan Blue Diamond necklace, which he purchased in the 1990s and later donated to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
He’s also recut various colored diamonds, including “The Cranberry,” a fancy purplish-red; “The Million Dollar Pumpkin,” a fancy vivid orange; and a fancy vivid blue diamond. Each of these diamonds ranged from 1 to 6 carats.
Silver has spent his entire adult life dedicated to pursuing his fascination for rare and unique stones. The San Francisco-area native started his career by obtaining a geology degree from San Diego State University before becoming a certified gemologist at the Gemological Institute of America and going on to work at a diamond and colored gemstone company in Los Angeles.
Upon returning to San Francisco, he established an estate jewelry firm for antiques and important stones, which later became a vertically integrated wholesale manufacture and retail business.
When it came to his acquisition of “The Pink Promise” in 2013, Silver had a hunch that the stone, which weighed 16.10 carats at the time of his purchase, could be cut in certain areas to bring out a deeper hue.
It took Silver and a master gem cutter three years of planning and meticulous facet-by-facet cutting to achieve their desired outcome.
Down to 14.93 carats, the GIA certified what was once a fancy intense pink diamond to a fancy vivid pink diamond, the highest color grade possible for a
pink diamond. They also certified the stone as having VVS1 clarity, just under flawless.
“The Pink Promise” represents the largest and most valued project of Silver’s gemology career, he said.
“The Pink Promise” represents the largest and most valued project of Silver’s gemology career, he said.
More on Auctions
The Latest
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
