Harry Winston 'Martian Pink' Diamond Sells for $17.4 Million

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

The largest round fancy intense pink diamond to ever appear at auction sold for $17.4 million at Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale Tuesday.

Known as the “Martian Pink,” the extremely rare 12-ct. diamond was owned by a private collector. It was purchased from Harry Winston in 1976—the same year, the United States launched its first satellite on a mission to Mars: The Viking Landers. Ronald Winston named the diamond to honor the historic event. It sold for approximately $1.5 million per carat. Its estimate was $8.4 million to $12.3 million. The diamond is mounted on a size-7, 18k gold ring.

Other significant diamonds sold at the auction include:

* A pair of brilliant-cut unmounted diamonds, weighing 10.88 and 10.88 carats, sold for $4.8 million. Both diamonds are of D color, flawless clarity, with excellent cut, polish and symmetry.

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A three-diamond ring from JAR sold for $2.9 million. It consisted of a 10.67-carat D color, internally flawless, oval-shaped diamond at its center is flanked by two D color, internally flawless diamonds of 6.07 and 6.04 carats. The estimate was $2.5 million – $3.5 million.

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A second large diamond with ties to Harry Winston, an 11.85-carat D VVS1 potentially flawless round brilliant-cut diamond, sold for just under $2 million, within its is estimate.

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* It was mostly diamonds that stole the show, but one other gemstone elbowed its way into being one of the top items sold Tuesday. A 6.04-carat Burmese ruby and diamond ring by Etcetera sold for $3.4 million, just within its high estimate. This no heat cushion-shaped stone possesses the most desirable “pigeon’s blood red” color.