Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

The Rock

"Pink Star" diamond sells for world record €61 million

The winning bidder, a bearded man apparently in his sixties was pitted in a one-on-race against a telephone competitor.

A PLUM-SIZED diamond known as the “Pink Star” was auctioned in Geneva Wednesday for €61 million, a world record for a gemstone.

David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s jewellery division in Europe and the Middle East, brought down the hammer in a Geneva hotel after an intense, five-minute bidding race.

Set on a ring, the 59.60-carat pink internally flawless diamond is measures 2.69 by 2.06 centimetres and weighs 11.92 grammes.

image

Pic: Sean Dempsey/PA Wire

The winning bidder, a bearded man apparently in his sixties sporting a Jewish skullcap, was pitted in a one-on-race against a telephone competitor.

The bidding in Geneva was conducted in Swiss francs, starting at 48 million and working its way upwards million-by-million.

There was a long silence as the price reached 67 million Swiss francs, before the in-room bidder came back with the winning 68 million.

Commission included, the final price was 76 million francs — the equivalent of €61 million euros.

image

There were up to 150 people in the auction room who erupted into applause as the theme tune from the “Pink Panther” was played as a tongue-in-cheek gesture.

The winning bidder declined to identify himself to AFP but confirmed that he had been representing another individual, whose name and location he refused to reveal.

The diamond had been estimated at €40 million.

© – AFP

Read: Sold! Francis Bacon painting sells for $142 million – the most expensive ever >

Read: Getting engaged? This pink diamond ring is being auctioned at over €40m >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
30
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.