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Natural Pink Diamonds - the Rarest Treasures in the World of Gemstones
Hidden deep within the Earth, diamonds form under immense heat and pressure, transforming into some of nature’s most breathtaking creations. As the renowned physicist Arnott once wrote in 1830, "The diamond has nearly the greatest light-bending power of any known substances, and hence comes in part its brilliancy as a jewel." But among the dazzling array of diamond hues—white, blue, yellow, green, and even black—natural pink diamonds stand apart as the rarest and most extraordinary treasures.
Known for their captivating color, remarkable brilliance, and unparalleled rarity, pink diamonds have become a symbol of opulence, love, and individuality. Revered throughout history and cherished by collectors and connoisseurs alike, these gemstones embody the mystery and wonder of the natural world, offering a glimpse into Earth's most exquisite artistry.
If you’re interested in learning more about other fancy diamonds, be sure to check out Fancy Diamonds: The deBoulle Guide to Colored Diamonds, where we cover everything there is to know about fancy diamonds.
What Are Pink Diamonds?
Pink diamonds are among the rarest and most fascinating gemstones in the world, revered for their exquisite beauty and enigmatic origin. While diamonds are universally admired for their brilliance and durability, pink diamonds are particularly captivating due to their stunning hues, ranging from soft blush to deep, vivid magenta.
What makes pink diamonds even more extraordinary is their scarcity. Found in only a handful of mines across the world—most notably the now-closed Argyle Mine in Western Australia—pink diamonds are as rare as they are stunning. The closure of this iconic mine has made these gems even more sought-after, elevating their status as one of the ultimate symbols of luxury and exclusivity.
Pink diamonds are more than just beautiful stones; they are masterpieces of nature, each one a unique blend of brilliance, mystery, and resilience that captures the imagination of collectors, jewelers, and romantics alike.The brighter the pink color of the diamond, the more valuable and desirable it is to collectors.
The Origins of Pink Diamonds
The journey of a pink diamond begins deep within the Earth's mantle, where immense heat and pressure forge these rare treasures over billions of years. However, what sets pink diamonds apart from their more common counterparts is the extraordinary process that gives them their stunning hue. Unlike blue diamonds, which owe their color to boron, or yellow diamonds, influenced by nitrogen, pink diamonds derive their color from a geological anomaly known as plastic deformation.
This rare phenomenon occurs during the diamond’s formation, as tectonic forces twist and compress the crystal structure, creating distortions that refract light in a way that produces the diamond’s distinctive pink hue. It is this natural, yet inexplicably precise, interplay of pressure and time that creates such an unparalleled masterpiece.
Pink diamonds are primarily discovered in only a few select regions around the globe. The Argyle Mine in Western Australia, long considered the epicenter of pink diamond production, was responsible for approximately 90% of the world’s pink diamonds before its closure in 2020. However, even during its four decades of operation, less than 1% of the diamonds discovered in the Argyle Mine were pink diamonds. Other sources include Brazil, South Africa, and India, but even in these locations, pink diamonds are discovered in extraordinarily small quantities, underscoring their rarity.
The closure of the Argyle Mine has elevated pink diamonds to a level of almost mythical exclusivity. Based on the frequency of discovery and the amount of pink diamonds already discovered, it’s estimated that there are less than 500 carats worth of pink diamonds remaining in the world.
With the supply now finite, each remaining stone becomes an even greater treasure—desired not just for its beauty, but for its origin story, one that speaks of Earth's powerful forces crafting perfection under unimaginable conditions.
Because of the way pink diamonds are formed and their internal structure, they are more challenging to cut and polish than traditional white diamonds. It can take up to three or four times longer to completely cut and polish a pink diamond than the more common white diamond.
Pink diamonds are a testament to nature's artistry, their origins a blend of science, mystery, and magic. From the depths of the Earth to the hands of the most skilled jewelers, these gems carry a legacy that is as captivating as their radiant beauty.
The Historical Significance of Pink Diamonds
A pink diamond is typically worth over twenty times what a traditional white diamond of the same size and clarity would be worth. However, like all diamonds, the diamond’s color intensity, clarity, cut, and shape play an essential role in how much they are valued.
The pink hue of the diamond is a significant factor in its value. A pink diamond with a purple hue is extremely rare and, therefore, more valuable than a pink diamond with a brown hue, which is more common.
The Daria-i-Noor
Easily one of the most well-known pink diamonds is the Daria-i-Noor, the world’s largest cut diamond that weighs 186 carats. Boasting a light pink hue, the Daria-i-Noor, worn by countless kings, was part of the crown jewels until around 1739 when the Persian Army captured it and returned it to Iran. Currently, the Daria-i-Noor is part of the Iranian Crown Jewels collection in Tehran.
The Noor-ul-Ain
Also known as ‘the light of the eye,’ the Noor-ul-Ain is a 60-carat pink diamond that legend says was discovered in the Golconda mines in India. With an oval brilliant cut, the Noor-ul-Ain forms the centerpiece of the Iranian Empress Farah Pahlavi’s wedding tiara that she wore during her wedding ceremony in 1958.
The Pink Star
The Pink Star, a 59.60-carat oval mixed-cut Vivid Pink Diamond, sold for over $70 million at auction. Along with being the largest Internally Flawless Pink diamond that has ever been graded by the Gemological Institute of America, the Pink Star also holds the record for the highest clarity and color grades for a pink diamond from the GIA. The Pink Star was discovered in 1999 in Africa by De Beers and was cut and polished for over two years.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Williamson Pink Diamond Brooch
When Queen Elizabeth II married Prince Phillip of Greece and Denmark in 1947, they received over 2,500 gifts, and included in their many gifts was an uncut 54-carat pink diamond from Canadian geologist John Williamson. The story goes that the enormous pink diamond was discovered by children under a tree on the grounds of a mine owned by Dr. Williamson located in Tanzania.
The Queen had the diamond cut by Briefel and Lemur into a faceted 23.6-carat pink diamond, and later, in conjunction with her grandmother, Queen Mary, the pink diamond was set into a platinum and diamond brooch in the shape of a jonquil flower, by Cartier in 1953.
The Symbolism of Pink Diamonds
Throughout history, pink diamonds have been revered not only for their breathtaking beauty but also for their profound symbolism. With their delicate yet vibrant hue, these rare gems are often associated with love, romance, and passion, making them a favored choice for those seeking to express deep emotional connections.
The color pink itself has long been connected to gentleness and affection, while diamonds symbolize strength and eternity. Together, these qualities create a powerful duality: a pink diamond embodies both tender love and unwavering resilience. This perfect balance makes them a meaningful gift to celebrate milestones, relationships, and moments of enduring significance.
Beyond love and romance, pink diamonds have also been associated with creativity and individuality. Their rarity and uniqueness mirror the qualities of those who choose them—people who value standing out in a world of tradition and embracing what makes them different. For this reason, pink diamonds are often favored by trailblazers and visionaries who see their jewelry not just as adornment, but as an extension of their identity.
Whether set in an engagement ring, a pendant, or a one-of-a-kind piece from deBoulle’s High Jewelry Collection, pink diamonds radiate a message that transcends time: the celebration of love, uniqueness, and the lasting beauty of life’s most precious moments.
deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry Pink Diamonds
At deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry, we have a variety of exquisite pink diamond jewelry pieces. So, if you’ve fallen in love with a pink diamond or want to show someone special just how much they mean to you, there’s sure to be a piece perfect for you.
deBoulle High Jewelry Collection - Pink Diamond Ring – This stunning pink diamond ring features a large central 3-carat pink diamond with a brownish hue, set in 18K rose gold and accented with both pink and white diamonds.
deBoulle High Jewelry Collection - Passion Ring – The deBoulle Passion Ring features an exquisite 3K pear-shaped pink diamond with stunning purple undertones that are flanked with pear-shaped diamond side stone and set in gorgeous 18K rose gold.
deBoulle High Jewelry Collection - Enchanted Rose Garden Earrings – Set in 18k rose gold, these beautiful earrings feature a flowing swirl of pink diamonds held aloft by stunning diamond leaves.
Let deBoulle help you find the perfect piece of history, beauty, and sophistication.
Explore our exquisite collection of natural gemstones and expertly crafted designs to find the jewelry that complements your style and celebrates your individuality. Let deBoulle help you shine with confidence, sophistication, and effortless grace.
Discover our stunning collection of high-end jewelry in Dallas and Houston at deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry, featuring exquisite diamond engagement rings and luxury timepieces perfect for that special moment. Visit us in-store or explore our selection online, and don’t hesitate to contact our expert staff with any questions or to view these magnificent pieces in person.
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