Does your partner look absolutely pretty in pink? Why not dazzle their special finger with a gorgeous pink diamond engagement ring? Yes, pink diamonds are a real thing. In fact, one of the biggest pink gems was recently discovered! We’ve got the scoop on it and everything else you should know about these rosy stones!
Meet the Lulo Rose
What weighs 170 carats and boasts the perfect shade of pale pink? That would be the Lulo Rose — a natural pink diamond unearthed in southwestern Africa's Lulo alluvial diamond mine. According to the Lucapa Diamond Company, which owns the mine and announced the “exceptional” find last month, the gem is reportedly the largest of its kind in 300 years!
The Lulo mine has a history of producing diamonds that weigh more than 100 carats. The Lulo Rose, for example, is among the top five largest stones. And while it will need to be cut and shaped into a polished gem, experts predict that it will sell for millions of dollars when auctioned.
But weight won’t be the only factor contributing to this gem’s hefty price tag. Pink diamonds are incredibly rare, one of the rarest types of diamonds besides red diamonds. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has indicated that fancy color diamonds make up just 0.001% of the millions of diamonds mined annually. And of that 0.001%, only a small fraction qualify as pink diamonds.
Now, you can probably understand why the Lulo Rose is so special!
What is a Pink Diamond?
To put it simply, pink diamonds are natural diamonds with a pink hue. That means these stones were formed billions of years ago beneath the Earth’s surface and are primarily made of carbon. They’re extremely durable too!
Until recently, these pink beauties were most prevalent in the Argyle mine in western Australia. But they have also been found in other countries, like South Africa, Brazil, India, Russia and Canada.
Unlike colorless diamonds — which are graded based on their cut, color, clarity and carat weight — fancy color diamonds are evaluated solely on color. You’ll likely see pink diamonds with color ratings ranging from “faint” to “fancy dark.” Or, you might come across pink stones that are graded on the Argyle color grading scale and therefore ranked from 1-9. Regardless of scale, just remember this rule of thumb: Diamonds with deeper shades are usually more valuable.
If you’re hunting for a pink diamond, it looks amazing in a variety of shapes, including heart, cushion and marquise cuts. So, how much can you expect to dish out for a precious pink diamond? These one-of-a-kind gems can sometimes cost $10,000 or even $700,000 per carat!
*Pro Tip: There’s a good chance a natural pink stone will be too pricey for your budget. If that’s the case, we recommend alternatives, such as lab grown pink diamonds. These stones have similar qualities to their natural counterparts, but they’re more affordable. Pink sapphires and morganites are other options!
How Do Pink Diamonds Get Their Color?
Most fancy color diamonds get their striking hues from chemical impurities in the stones. Traces of boron, for example, are responsible for the stunning blue shades that we see in blue diamonds.
But pink diamonds are different. It’s actually unclear what causes their rosy hues. The most common theory is these natural stones are exposed to extra intense pressure while being formed, resulting in a denser composition. The lab grown versions, on the other hand, typically undergo different processes to achieve their pink color. Most frequently, these diamonds are subjected to radiation and temperatures ranging from 600 to 1,000 degrees Celsius.
*Pro Tip: Sometimes, pink diamonds feature a secondary color, such as purple, brown, orange and gray. Gems with a purplish-pink tone seem to be more fashionable and valuable than those with brown hues. But the most desirable choice is a pure pink diamond without a secondary color.
Fun Pink Diamond Facts
● In 2013, the Pink Star, a 59-carat pink diamond originally uncovered in South Africa, shattered records and became the most valuable gem to ever be auctioned. The estimated purchase price was a whopping $83 million!
● When actor Ben Affleck first proposed to singer Jennifer Lopez in 2002, he did so with a rare 6.1-carat pink diamond that was surrounded by smaller baguette diamonds.
● A pink diamond was also the gem of choice for actor Ryan Reynolds. In 2012, he popped the question to fellow actress Blake Lively with an impressive oval-shaped, light pink diamond and diamond-studded rose gold band.
● When singer Lady Gaga was linked with talent agent Christian Carino, she often flashed her spectacular engagement ring, which reportedly featured a 6 or 7-carat pink center stone. The dazzling gem was thought to be a pink diamond or sapphire.
● The Daria-i-Noor is considered one of the oldest and most famous pink diamonds. Weighing roughly 186 carats with a light pink hue, this gem is reportedly the largest diamond featured in the crown jewels of Iran.
● Pink diamonds are so popular among celebrities that rapper Cardi B also received them from fellow rapper Offset! Her magnificent engagement ring features an 8-carat, pear-shaped diamond, and it’s bordered by a double halo of colorless and pink diamonds.
● Singer Mariah Carey and TV host Nick Cannon may have called it quits, but Carey was probably tickled pink when she accepted her gigantic 17-carat pink diamond engagement ring in 2008. Cannon reportedly wanted to locate the “pinkest” gem.
Have a question? We can help!
Gage Diamonds is Chicago's premier jewelry showroom and online retailer of engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry. We offer a selection of dazzling handpicked diamonds, including certified natural and lab grown diamonds.
We’re committed to helping you find the ring of your dreams. For inspiration, browse our website or set up an appointment with a member of our trusted staff at our in-person showroom.
We offer no-credit-needed financing – feel free to apply and get your approval within 24 hours!
Pay over time, because love shouldn’t wait.