Pink diamonds are the rarest of all coloured diamonds on earth. Three things seem to pop up in discussion when shopping for pink diamond jewelry: Van Cleef & Arpels, Leibish & Co. and Angara.
They are not the same type of company. In this guide we look at what each one does, what the iconic auction stones have taught us and how to make your purchase without burning your fingers.
Quick Answer:
Van Cleef & Arpels is a high jewelry house from France, known for its design. Leibish & Co. Specializes in natural fancy colored diamonds. Angara is known for customizable settings.
Choose your desire: whether a completed work, the raw stone, or your own mastery of the setting. But always, always read the grading report before you buy.
Choose what you want most: a completed product, the rough stone or your own control of the setting. But always, always read the grading report before you part with a cent.
| Van Cleef & Arpels | Art-led high jewelry, the Mystery Set | A designed piece |
| Leibish & Co. | Natural fancy colored diamonds | The best stone first |
| Angara | Customizable settings | To shape the design |
Why Pink Diamonds Are Different?
The majority of diamonds are colourless or light yellow. Real pinks are quite something else. The color is not an added element, the way chromium colors a ruby. It comes from a distortion in the crystal structure. That is why the stones are so unusual.
Supply is small. Australia’s Argyle mine was the biggest source for decades, and it closed in 2020. Fine pink stones have drawn even more attention since then.
Many famous pinks are Type IIa. That is the most chemically pure type of diamond. Type does not decide color on its own, but it often goes with very clean stones.
What Decides a Pink Diamond’s Value?
From my experience, five things control the value of a pink diamond:
- Color intensity
- Color distribution
- Carat weight
- Clarity
- Verified origin
That is why I never quote a value without examining the stone and its grading report. A photo can’t show these five things. A number without them is a guess.
Color Intensity:
Laboratories rank pink diamonds on their own scale. It ranges from Faint and Light all the way up to Fancy, Fancy Intense, and Fancy Vivid.
A deep pink diamond is much more expensive than a pale one of equal size. Color intensity affects the price more than any other factor.
Color Distribution:
Notice that pink colors the stone in varying ways. Some of the diamonds are evenly colored. Others have blotches or stripes.
Color even tends to be better, and it can increase the price. Look at the stone in the day if possible.
Carat Weight and Clarity:
Pink Diamond Buying Tips: Larger pink diamonds are way rarer than smaller! The price per carat rapidly increases with size.
And clarity – some of the well-known pinks are Internally Flawless; others have tiny inclusions.
Verified Origin:
If it is from a known, documented source, people are less reluctant to buy the diamond and much easier to sell the stone in the future. So, origin is not only about value but about ethics as well.
Pink Diamond Jewelry Brands:
Van Cleef & Arpels: Design Comes First
The story of Van Cleef & Arpels began in Paris, France in 1906 by Alfred Van Cleef and the Arpels family. The flagship location is in 22 Place Vendôme.
In December 1933, the house received a French patent for the Mystery Setting. Prongs disappear. The stones are set upon delicate gold rails, giving the illusion that the diamonds are floating.
The work is slow. Sources say a piece can take more than 300 hours, and only a few are made each year.
That shows the focus of the house. It is a design house first, not a pink diamond house. If you are after a pink diamond from them, find out what they have in inventory, and obtain the grading report on the stone. Not every pinkish piece is a pink diamond.
Buying Second-Hand:
A large portion of Van Cleef & Arpels’ gems also hit the resale market. The prices and quality of items are all over the place.
Only purchase from a seller you trust, and if you are buying from someone you don’t know, insist on authenticity in any way you can. A listing that goes on about the brand name doesn’t confirm anything.
Leibish & Co: The Stone Specialist
Leibish & Co. specializes in natural fancy colored diamonds, including pink. It sells them loose and as set stones in jewelry such as engagement rings and pendants.
If you’re the type of shopper who wants to see the stone first, this is the path for you. You could look at the color grade, the cut, and the report before choosing a setting.
A loose stone lets you compare diamonds side by side. A finished piece is simpler to buy. Either way, ask for the report and the color origin.
Oval, pear and cushion cuts are popular for pink. Rose gold, white gold, and platinum are the usual metals. The metal changes how the pink looks, so ask to see the stone in more than one setting.
Angara: Build It Your Way
Angara is renowned for personalisable designs. Some of the most common styles include halo rings, solitaires, drop earrings ad bezel. It’s ideal for that person who wants to pick the metal, shape and setting. You create it to suit your personality.
Online buying needs extra care, so ask these questions first:
- Is the pink diamond natural or synthetic?
- Does pink diamond has natural color or treated?
- Which lab graded it?
- What is the return policy?
If the seller can’t answer clearly, walk away.
Famous Pink Diamonds and What They Show:
These are single stones sold at auction. They are not products of the three brands above. They show where the top of the market sits.
| CTF Pink Star | 59.60 carat of this stone | With fancy vivid pink, internally flawless | Can be sold for $71.2 million, Sotheby’s Hong Kong, April 2017 | |
| Williamson Pink Star | 11.15 ct carat of this stone | With having fancy Vivid Pink, Internally Flawless, Type IIa | Is generally sold for $57.7 million, Sotheby’s Hong Kong, October 2022 | |
| Winston Pink Legacy | 18.96 carat of this stone | With fancy vivid Pink, VS1 | Is sold for about $50.3 million, Christie’s Geneva, November 2018 |
Information About the CTF Pink Star the CTF Pink Star is a 59.60 carat oval mixed cut diamond. It is the most expensive diamond or jewel that was ever sold at auction; it sold for $71.2 million. Chow Tai Fook purchased the stone, who named the purchase after its company.
The Williamson Pink Star, by contrast, is 32 carats and was discovered at the Williamson mine in Tanzania. It sold for roughly $5.2 million per carat, the most ever for a diamond at auction.
What is Winston Pink Legacy? Winston Pink Legacy is a pink diamond that weighs 18.96 ct. It was bought by Harry Winston in Geneva, and received the name of Winston Pink Legacy. It also broke its own per carat record for a pink. And you may also have heard of an even earlier record.
A 24.78-carat Fancy Intense Pink was sold at an auction in Geneva in 2010, where it commanded a value of $46.2m. The pink diamond sales topped the chart until 2017. Never use the sales to judge the pricing of a ring.
They don’t show the regular prices. But they do show one thing: even on the top end, the price goes up with color, size, clarity, and source. The
The Three Questions Buyers Ask Most:
Is It Natural or Synthetic?
This should be the initial question, and it is the right one. Treated natural diamonds and synthetic diamonds can look very much like natural pinks. You can’t tell by eye. A grading report from a recognized lab says which one you have.
Why Is a Pink Diamond So Expensive?
Several things push the price up. Strong pink color is rare. Supply is small. Larger stones with vivid color are still rare. But its high price tag can’t prove it is worthy. Price should depend on the stone’s quality.
Will the Color Stay Stable?
The natural pink tone of the crystal. It is not likely to be affected by daily wear. But ask if it is a natural or improved gemstone.
When taking the stone for repair, make sure to tell your jeweler beforehand since the intense heat of the repair can damage certain stones.
Treatments, Synthetic Stones and Reports:
Most pink diamonds are naturally pink, but not all of them. Colored treatment is possible. Pink diamonds can be lab-created.
The treatments may deepen or change the color. Treated pink diamonds are different than a natural pink gemstone. A laboratory-grown pink is a genuine gemstone, but not a natural stone. Dealers are required to inform you whether you are buying one or the other, so request in writing.
The Mistake I See Most:
Treated natural diamonds and synthetic diamonds can look the same as natural pinks. But there’s a difference between their ethical sourcing and their market price.
Buyers who go by appearances normally pay a natural toll for something else. That is the casual mistake I see most often.
What the Report Tells You?
Request the seller’s GIA report. It will tell you whether the diamond is synthetic or natural. Also, it also provides the stone’s color grade, carat weight, and if it has been treated.
Ensure that report corresponds with the stone. Inquire about verifying the report number with the lab.
How to Buy Pink Diamond Jewelry?
Begin with the stone. Not the company. An illustrious nomenclature is no indicator of quality. Ask for an independent grading report. A seller’s own paper is not proof.
Verify origin and treatments. Get the answers in writing. Peel prices by colour, quality and rarity. Looks mean little. Two stones can be similar and be far apart in grade. Sample the cut. The right cut enhances the sparkle and keeps the hue. Most pink diamonds are cut into what are known as the oval, pear, cushion or radiant shapes.
Collect written quotes. Each quote should name the exact stone and its report. Prices vary widely, and no fixed price exists.
Claims That Should Make You Cautious:
Guaranteed Returns:
Never buy a pink diamond based on “a promise of profit”. Prices can be fickle. Nobody can promise to pay a profit.
“Rarest in the World”:
Pink diamonds are rare. But that is marketing. Questions why and on what is it based?
Values Based on Color Alone:
A strong color helps. It does not set the value. Size, clarity, distribution, origin and the report all matter.
Care and Everyday Wear:
Diamond is the hardest natural material. Hardness doesn’t make it unbreakable. A hard knock at an angle may chip it.
Protect your piece with a few habits:
- Choose a setting that covers the edges
- Take rings off during heavy work
- Keep stored its pieces separately because they don’t stress or scratch each other.
- Clean this stone with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush to remove dust.
You must need to check your jewelry with jeweler for prongs and setting once a year.
Pink Diamond Buyer Checklist:
- Get the diamond’s independent grading report.
- Check the color grade and carat weight.
- Confirm natural or synthetic.
- Get the treatment status in writing.
- Check the source.
- Compare prices on the basis of colour quality, and rarity.
- Write down quotes and be sure to collect the same grade and size.
- Review the return policy.
- For second-hand items, request their authenticity certificates.
- Avoid anyone guaranteeing profit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What Is the Most Expensive Pink Diamond Ever Sold?
The CTF Pink Star – 59.60 carat Fancy Vivid Pink. Sold for $71.2 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in April 2017.
2. Which Brand Is Best for a Pink Diamond?
It depends on what you want. Van Cleef & Arpels for design. Leibish & Co. for naturally colored diamonds. Angara for custom settings.
3. How Much Does a Pink Diamond Cost?
It varies widely. I don’t quote a value without examining the stone and its grading report. Ask for a written quote tied to the exact stone.
4. Is a Pink Diamond Natural or Synthetic?
You can’t tell by eye. A report from a recognized lab says which one it is.
5. Will a Pink Diamond’s Color Fade?
A natural pink color typically holds up well during everyday wear. Inquire if the pink is natural or enhanced, and inform your jeweler prior to any repair.The Three Questions Buyers Ask Most
6. Why Are Pink Diamonds So Rare?
No, beautiful pink color is rare, and the Argyle mine closed in 2020. Therefore, there is limited available stock with high market demand.
7. Is a Pink Diamond a Good Investment?
It can’t be promisable whether it is good for investment or not. Prices can change from time to time, if you choosed something, buy it, but don’t rely on a return.
8. Can I Buy a Pink Diamond Online?
Yes, with care. Get the grading report, the color origin and the return policy before you
Welcome to KnowYourGem.com! your ultimate destination for uncovering the fascinating world of gems and their secrets! I'm Kamil Hussain, a passionate blogger with a Master’s degree in Economics, dedicated to bringing you insightful, well researched content that blends the beauty of gemstones with the art of storytelling. With a keen analytical mind and a love for discovering hidden treasures, I created this platform to help you explore the brilliance, history, and value of every gem.
