In this article we reveal our list of the most expensive diamonds in the world. This list was researched and calculated by jewelry veterans Afshin Shaddaie and Benjamin Khordipour.
Skip to the bottom to understand how the prices of the diamonds on this list were calculated.
1. Cullinan Diamond (Rough)
The Cullinan Diamond remains the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, weighing an extraordinary 3,106 carats. It was discovered in 1905 at the Premier Mine in South Africa. The diamond was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the mine’s owner, and quickly became a global sensation due to both its size and remarkable clarity for a stone of such scale.
In 1907, the Cullinan was purchased by the Transvaal government for £150,000 and later presented to King Edward VII.
When adjusted for inflation, that transaction equates to approximately $1.2 to $1.3 billion today, placing the Cullinan securely at the top of any historical price ranking.
“The Cullinan is without a doubt the most expensive diamond in the world,” says Benjamin Khordipour G.D., “And the runner-up is so far behind.”
2. De Beers Centenary Diamond
The De Beers Centenary Diamond was cut from a massive 599-carat rough that was discovered in 1986. It was unveiled in 1988 to commemorate De Beers’ 100th anniversary. The finished (cut and polished) diamond weighs 273.85 carats and is famous for its exceptional symmetry, D color, and near-perfect internal characteristics.
Although the exact buyer was never publicly disclosed, the diamond reportedly sold privately in the late 1980s for around $100 million. Adjusted for inflation, that price translates to roughly $260 million today, making it the most valuable cut diamond ever sold. It is also the second most expensive diamond in history.
3. Pink Star
Originally mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999, the Pink Star was cut from a 132.5-carat rough and polished over the period of two years into a 59.60-carat oval. It earned a Fancy Vivid Pink grade from the GIA, along with an Internally Flawless clarity grade.
“This combination from a colored diamond is unheard of at this size,” says Afshin Shaddaie. “This diamond is one of the most interesting diamonds in the world to advanced collectors.”
The diamond sold at auction in 2017 for $71.2 million. When adjusted for inflation, the sale price rises to approximately $88 million, making it the most expensive diamond ever sold at public auction. It is also the most expensive colored diamond in the world.
4. Oppenheimer Blue
The Oppenheimer Blue is a 14.62-carat emerald-cut Fancy Vivid Blue diamond with internally flawless clarity. Its color saturation and clean step-cut geometry make it one of the most technically perfect blue diamonds ever graded.
It sold at auction in 2016 for $57.5 million, setting a record price per carat at the time. Adjusted for inflation, the sale equates to roughly $72 million at today’s prices, keeping it firmly among the most valuable diamonds in history.
5. The Graff Pink Diamond
The Graff Pink weighs 24.78 carats and is graded Fancy Intense Pink with extraordinary clarity. Originally part of a private collection, it was acquired by Laurence Graff, who oversaw a meticulous recutting to enhance its color and brilliance.
The diamond sold in 2010 for $46 million. Adjusted for inflation, the price equates to approximately $66 million, allowing it to outrank several newer sales despite its earlier transaction date.
At the time of sale in 2010, it broke the world record.
6. Williamson Pink Star
The Williamson Pink Star is an 11.15-carat Fancy Vivid Pink diamond, named in honor of the famous Williamson Pink diamond discovered in Tanzania. It displays exceptional color purity and a precision cut that maximizes brilliance without sacrificing saturation.
In 2022, the diamond sold at auction for $57.7 million. With inflation adjustment, the modern equivalent value is approx $63 million, placing it as the second most expensive pink diamonds ever sold.
7. De Beers Cullinan Blue
The De Beers Cullinan Blue also comes from the legendary Cullinan mine. It weighs 15.10-carat and this Fancy Vivid Blue diamond represents the finest modern output associated with that historic source. Its step cut emphasizes depth of color while maintaining excellent transparency.
The diamond sold in 2022 for $57.5 million. Adjusted for inflation, the sale price is approximately $63 million, matching it closely with the highest tier of blue diamond transactions.
After the Oppenheimer Blue, this is the most costly blue-diamond in the world.
8. Blue Moon of Josephine
The Blue Moon of Josephine is a 12.03-carat cushion-cut Fancy Vivid Blue diamond known for its exceptional color uniformity. The stone was renamed after its purchase, reflecting the tradition of associating rare diamonds with personal legacy.
It sold at auction in 2015 for $48.5 million. When adjusted for inflation, that figure rises to roughly $62 million, underscoring the premium placed on vivid blue diamonds of elite quality. This diamond is also the 3rd most expensive blue diamond.
9. The Princie Diamond
The Princie Diamond is a 34.65-carat Fancy Intense Pink cushion-cut diamond with historic ties to Indian royalty. Its large size and evenly distributed color make it one of the most significant pink diamonds ever sold.
The stone fetched $39.3 million at auction in 2013. Adjusted for inflation, that price equates to roughly $52 million, securing its place among the most valuable diamonds of all time.
10. The Bleu Royal
The Bleu Royal is a 17.61-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond distinguished by its rich saturation and refined cut. Its size places it among the largest vivid blue diamonds ever offered at public auction.
It sold in 2023 for $43.8 million. With inflation adjustment, the value increases to approximately $47 million, confirming continued strong demand for top-tier blue diamonds in the modern market.
11. The Orange Diamond
Known simply as The Orange, this 14.82-carat Fancy Vivid Orange diamond is one of the rarest naturally colored diamonds ever graded. Pure orange diamonds without modifying hues are exceptionally uncommon, especially above 10 carats.
The diamond sold in 2013 for $35.5 million. After inflation adjustment, the modern equivalent is approximately $47 million, reflecting the extreme rarity premium applied to pure orange coloration.
12. The Zoe Diamond
The Zoe Diamond is a 9.75-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond with exceptional clarity and brightness. Its relatively modest carat weight is offset by an unusually pure and evenly distributed blue hue.
It sold in 2014 for $32.6 million. Adjusted for inflation, the price rises to approximately $43 million, placing it comfortably within the top ranks of historic diamond sales.
13. The Eternal Pink
The Eternal Pink is a 10.57-carat Fancy Vivid Pink diamond notable for its balanced proportions and strong saturation. It represents a new generation of elite pink diamonds entering the market after decades of declining supply.
Sold in 2023 for $34.8 million, its inflation-adjusted value stands at approximately $37 million. Even without long historical provenance, its technical quality secured a top-tier price.
14. Winston Legacy Diamond
The Winston Legacy Diamond is a 101.73-carat pear-shaped diamond graded D color and flawless clarity. It is one of the largest colorless diamonds ever to achieve a flawless grade.
The diamond sold in 2013 for $26.7 million. With inflation adjustment, that figure increases to roughly $35 million, demonstrating that extreme size remains the key driver for colorless diamond value.
15. The Archduke Joseph Diamond
The Archduke Joseph Diamond weighs 76.02 carats and is graded D color with high clarity. Its name traces back to European nobility, contributing historical prestige alongside gemological excellence.
It sold at auction in 2012 for $21.5 million. Adjusted for inflation, the modern equivalent price is approximately $29 million, securing its position among the most valuable diamonds ever sold.
How We Calculated the Diamonds and Prices
To calculate and rank the diamonds on this list, Afshin and Benjamin calculated based on the verified historical sale prices. Each entry required a documented transaction, typically through a major auction house or a widely reported private sale. No estimated values, insurance appraisals, or speculative “worth today” figures were used.
They included both polished-cut and rough diamonds into this list, provided the price applied to one identifiable stone. Additionally, they didn’t include any diamonds that were treated, enhanced, or materially modified after the sale.
“There are a few diamonds that were not included in this list,” says Benjamin Khordipour. “Either because there is no recorded sale or because they were adjusted after their purchase.”
All historical prices were then adjusted for inflation using modern consumer price index calculators to convert each sale into present-day U.S. dollar equivalents.
Whether you’re interested in learning more about diamonds or want to purchase one, Estate Diamond Jewelry is available. Our experts have been in the diamond business for decades and can answer any question or concern. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment at our New York showroom. If you’re not in New York, don’t worry; we also do video consultations.