The Most Expensive Jewel In The World

Blink and Miss It: The World's Priciest Jewel

Ever wondered what the most expensive piece of jewelry in the world looks like? It's not a flashy diamond necklace or a gold-encrusted tiara. No, it's a tiny, unassuming little bead called the Pink Star. This isn't your grandma's knitting project; it's a 59.60-carat diamond that's worth more than your average small country.

Now, you might be thinking, "A diamond? Really? I've seen those in vending machines." Well, hold onto your hats, because the Pink Star isn't just any diamond. It's a fancy vivid pink diamond, which is like the unicorn of the gem world. They're so rare that only one in 10,000 diamonds are pink, and even fewer are as big and perfect as the Pink Star.

So, how much does this little beauty set you back? Drumroll please... $71.2 million. Yes, you read that right. It sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong in 2017, making it the most expensive jewel ever sold at auction. But here's the kicker: it was bought by a guy named Chow Tai Fook, who promptly renamed it the Chow Tai Fook Pink Star. Talk about a power move.

From Mine to Market

But how does a diamond go from a lump of coal (okay, not quite) to the most expensive jewel in the world? Well, the Pink Star's journey started in Africa, in a mine owned by the De Beers group. It was cut from a 132.5-carat rough diamond, which took over two years to polish into its current, stunning form.

Now, you might be wondering, "Why is it worth so much?" Well, it's all about supply and demand, my friends. Pink diamonds are incredibly rare, and the demand for them is high, especially among the super-rich. Plus, the Pink Star is one of the largest internally flawless, fancy vivid pink diamonds ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America. In other words, it's a rare gem that's also practically perfect in every way.

Famous Fans and Fun Facts

So, who's been lucky enough to get their hands on this pricey piece? Well, after its record-breaking sale, the Pink Star went on a bit of a world tour. It's been exhibited in Hong Kong, New York, and London, giving diamond lovers a chance to gawk at its pink perfection.

Sale > costly jewelry in the world > in stock

But the Pink Star isn't just about the bling. It's also got a bit of a cultural significance. In 2013, it was loaned to the National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. for an exhibit called "The Nature of Diamonds." It was a chance for the public to see this rare gem up close and learn about the science behind its stunning color.

And here's a fun fact for you: the Pink Star isn't the only famous pink diamond out there. There's also the Hope Diamond, which is on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. It's a 45.52-carat deep blue diamond with a bit of a dark past. Legend has it that it's cursed, but we won't get into that. Let's just say, the Pink Star has some big shoes to fill.

Bringing the Bling into Your Life

Now, you might be thinking, "That's all well and good, but I can't exactly afford a $71.2 million diamond." And you're right. But that doesn't mean you can't bring a little bit of that pink star power into your life. Here are a few tips:

• Start small. You don't need a giant diamond to make a statement. A little pink pendant or a pair of stud earrings can be just as stunning.
• Think outside the box. Pink diamonds aren't the only way to get that rosy glow. Rose quartz, tourmaline, and even some types of sapphire can give you that same pink hue.
• Shop smart. You don't have to break the bank to find a beautiful piece of jewelry. Look for sales, shop at independent jewelers, or even consider lab-created diamonds. They're just as sparkly, but a lot kinder to your wallet.

So, there you have it. The Pink Star might be out of reach for most of us, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy a little bit of its sparkle in our own lives. After all, as the old saying goes, "Diamonds are a girl's best friend." And who are we to argue with that?