Christie’s, a prominent figure in the high jewelry arena, has disclosed the forthcoming sale of a significant rarity in the gem world: the Eden Rose, a pink diamond weighing 10.2 carats. This announcement was made on Tuesday, raising anticipation for what could potentially be a lucrative transaction. The gem, presented by an undisclosed consignor, is estimated to fetch between US$9 million and US$12 million.
Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s international head of jewelry, expressed expectations of substantial global interest in the auction. He highlighted the exceptional nature of the Eden Rose, emphasizing its novelty in the auction scene. The diamond, christened after the emblem of unconditional love, boasts a flawless internal structure and a remarkable pink hue, exuding an aura of timeless elegance and sophistication, as per Christie’s press release. Graded as “fancy intense” by the Gemological Institute of America, the Eden Rose distinguishes itself from other pink diamonds by its pure pink color, devoid of any secondary hues.
This isn’t the first time Christie’s has auctioned a rare pink diamond. In 2012, the auction house made headlines by selling the Martian Pink, a 12.04-carat gem, for a then-record price of US$17.4 million. The Martian Pink, named after the color of Mars, fetched more than double its initial estimate in a spirited bidding war.
The current record holder for the most expensive pink diamond is the CTF Pink Star, sold by Sotheby’s in 2017 for a staggering US$71.2 million. Sotheby’s also made waves in 2022 by selling the Williamson Pink Star for US$57.2 million.
The allure of pink diamonds gained further attention in 2023 when Australian scientists uncovered the final ingredient for their formation: a volcanic event that occurred 1.3 billion years ago. This discovery shed light on the unique origin of pink diamonds, with the majority being unearthed at Australia’s now-closed Argyle mine.
The Eden Rose will be showcased at Christie’s Rockefeller Center starting June 7, as part of the auctioneer’s annual luxury week, culminating in a jewels auction on June 11. This rare gem promises to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike with its unparalleled beauty and historic significance.
