An exceptional pink diamond ring, aptly named The Eden Rose, was the star of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in New York as it sold for US$13.3 million.

The 10.20-carat round brilliant-cut Type IIA fancy intense pink diamond “surpassed all expectations” and exceeded pre-sale estimates of US$9 million to US$12 million, revealed the auction house.

Overall, the June 11 sale generated total revenues of US$44.4 million, with 90 per cent of the 144 lots being sold. Apart from the pink diamond, other notable lots were a fancy colour and white diamond pendant, which was snapped up for US$2.16 million; a 2.28-carat fancy vivid blue heart modified brilliant-cut diamond, which fetched US$2.1 million; and a necklace with natural and cultured pearls and diamonds, which achieved US$378,000. 

Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewelry, said, “Collectors participated actively in all areas of the sale, paying strong prices for rare, coloured gemstones and natural pearls in particular.”

Mounted in 18-karat rose and white gold, The Eden Rose diamond is surrounded by a halo of pear-shaped brilliant-cut diamonds of 0.73 carat to 3.11 carats and two marquise brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 2.24 carats and 1.02 carats, respectively.

Christie’s said the diamond exhibits a “breathtaking” pink hue that is unlike many natural pink diamonds that display secondary hues such as brown, orange or purple. “The Eden Rose distinguishes itself for the complete absence of any secondary colour, displaying only the purest hue of pink,” the company stated.