What is the largest pink diamond in the world
The largest known pink diamond is the Daria-i-Noor, a vivid pink table-cut diamond weighing approximately 182 carats. It is part of the Iranian Crown Jewels and held for decades by the Iranian monarchy before the 1979 Revolution. The stone is believed to originate from the Kollur Mine in the historic Golconda region, now part of Andhra Pradesh, India. Its recorded history dates back to the early 18th century, appearing in Persian court inventories and later documented by European travelers. Today it remains one of the largest and rarest pink diamonds ever discovered, though it is not publicly displayed.
Daria-i-Noor at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Daria-i-Noor | Historical inventory records |
| Weight | Approximately 182 carats (36.4 g) | Gemological measurement |
| Shape | Table cut with additional rose cuts | Jewelry documentation |
| Color | Vivid pink (likely Type IIa) | Gemological description |
| Origin | Kollur Mine, Golconda, India | Historical mining records |
| Current Custodian | Iranian Crown Jewels, held by Central Bank of Iran | Museum and archival references |
| First Documented | Early 18th century | Persian and European accounts |
Why pinks command extreme value
Pink diamonds derive rarity from hue, saturation, and size. Large Fancy Vivid pinks are exceptionally scarce because intense color in stones above 100 carats is extremely uncommon. Most pink diamonds are smaller, and those with verified provenance from major historical mines such as Kollur or Golconda carry substantial premiums. The combination of size, color, and historical prestige amplifies desirability among collectors and institutions.
Historical background and lineage
Daria-i-Noor entered recorded history through Persian sources that linked it to the Safavid and Qajar dynasties. It was listed among crown jewels inventories and set into decorative elements, including a golden belt and a tiara. European visitors described its prominence in court ceremonies. Its survival through political upheaval and the transfer of royal collections positions it as a long-standing symbol of imperial authority rather than a modern acquisition.
From mine to museum: The journey
- Origin at Kollur Mine: Alluvial mining before the 19th century
- Entry into Persian royalty: Likely acquired in the 18th century
- Documentation by traders and travelers: Increasing visibility in the 19th century
- Transfer to modern stewardship: Incorporation into the Iranian Crown Jewels
- Post-1979 status: Secured within the Central Bank of Iran’s collection
Gemological profile and identification
Laboratory analysis typically grades Daria-i-Noor as a Type IIa diamond, indicating minimal nitrogen impurities and high optical transparency. Its color is attributed to plastic deformation and possible grain boundaries that selectively absorb light. The table cut showcases an exceptionally large, flat table facet, which magnifies the perceived color and clarity. Reports from recognized gemological laboratories confirm its measurements, proportions, and that it is untreated.
Market context and valuation
While the Daria-i-Noor is not sold on the open market, comparable pink diamonds provide context. Auction records for large pinks show per-carat prices reaching tens of millions of dollars for vivid hues, with size, provenance, and clarity driving premiums. Institutional buyers and museums prioritize stones with documented history and scientific verification, reinforcing the significance of heritage in valuation. Given its status as a national treasure, any change in its availability would likely influence the entire market for large pink diamonds.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Size comparison | Largest known pink, ~182 ct | Surpasses other named pinks such as Daria-i-Noor’s sister stone, the Noor-ul-Ain |
| Market equivalent | Hypothetical: $200M–$1B+ if offered | Based on per-carat benchmarks for top vivid pinks; not an actual sale |
| Color rarity | Fancy Vivid Pink, Type IIa | Represents the top tier of diamond color grading |
| Custodial stability | Held in national collection since the 20th century | Reduces liquidity but increases historical value |
Comparison with other notable pink diamonds
Several famous pinks approach but do not exceed Daria-i-Noor in size among publicly documented stones. These include the Pink Star (formerly the Steinmetz Pink) and the Rose of the Rose, though both are smaller. The pink diamond called the Noor-ul-Ain is closely related and also historic, yet reported at a slightly smaller size. The scarcity of large, intensely colored pinks means each new discovery or reappearance attracts considerable attention from scholars and collectors.
Status and preservation today
As part of the Iranian Crown Jewels, the Daria-i-Noor is held in secure vaults managed by the Central Bank of Iran. It is not on public display, which limits gemological access but helps preserve its condition. Institutions sometimes conduct imaging and spectroscopic studies when permitted, adding to the scientific record. Its continued existence in a stable custodial environment ensures that it remains a definitive reference for the largest known pink diamond for the foreseeable future.
Key takeaways
- Daria-i-Noor is the largest verified pink diamond at approximately 182 carats
- It originates from the historic Kollur Mine in Golconda, India
- Faint to none Type IIa color and a table-cut shape contribute to its distinction
- It is part of national treasure holdings, not a tradable market asset
- Its valuation context is derived from comparable pinks and its unparalleled size
For researchers, collectors, and enthusiasts, the largest pink diamond represents the convergence of geology, history, and rarity. The Daria-i-Noor’s enduring prominence reflects both its extraordinary physical properties and its storied lineage within one of the world’s most celebrated royal jewel collections.