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
More on Auctions
The Latest
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
