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The Story Behind the Stone: Famous Gemstones and Their Auction History

From world-record prices to royal provenance — discover the legends that live within these extraordinary gems


Some gemstones are more than just beautiful — they carry legacies of power, mystery, and unmatched value. Over the centuries, famous diamonds and coloured stones have captured global attention, especially when they come under the hammer. Their stories are rich in history, scandal, and glamour — and their auction records continue to shape the market today.


If you’re fascinated by gemstone history or curious about the high-stakes world of famous diamonds auctioned, this blog delves into some of the most iconic stones ever sold.


The Hope Diamond


The Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond


  • Weight: 45.52 carats

  • Origin: India

  • Famous For: Its deep blue hue and alleged curse


Perhaps the most legendary gemstone of all time, the Hope Diamond boasts a vivid blue colour caused by trace amounts of boron. It passed through the hands of royalty, including Louis XIV, before vanishing during the French Revolution. It resurfaced in London in the 1800s, ultimately landing in the hands of American socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean.


Although not auctioned in the traditional sense, the Hope was sold privately multiple times and now resides in the Smithsonian Institution, donated by jeweller Harry Winston.

The Pink Star Diamond
The Pink Star Diamond

The Pink Star Diamond


  • Weight: 59.60 carats

  • Type: Fancy Vivid Pink, Internally Flawless

  • Auctioned By: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2017

  • Price: $71.2 million


The Pink Star remains the most expensive gemstone ever sold at auction. Mined by De Beers in Africa, the stone was cut over a period of two years to achieve its remarkable clarity and colour. It was renamed the CTF Pink Star by its new owner, Chow Tai Fook.

This sale cemented pink diamonds as one of the most desirable categories in the auction world.
The Oppenheimer Blue
The Oppenheimer Blue

The Oppenheimer Blue


  • Weight: 14.62 carats

  • Type: Fancy Vivid Blue

  • Auctioned By: Christie’s Geneva, 2016

  • Price: $57.5 million


Named after its previous owner, Philip Oppenheimer of the De Beers dynasty, the Oppenheimer Blue held the title for the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction — until the Pink Star overtook it. Its rectangular cut and intense hue make it a rare masterpiece.


The Sunrise Ruby


The Sunrise Ruby
The Sunrise Ruby

  • Weight: 25.59 carats

  • Type: Burmese Ruby

  • Auctioned By: Sotheby’s Geneva, 2015

  • Price: $30.4 million


The Sunrise Ruby set a world record for a ruby at auction. Named after a poem by 13th-century mystic Rumi, this extraordinary pigeon-blood red gem was set by Cartier and hailed as one of the purest rubies ever graded by Gubelin.


The Rockefeller Emerald

The Rockefeller Emerald
The Rockefeller Emerald

  • Weight: 18.04 carats

  • Origin: Colombia

  • Auctioned By: Christie’s New York, 2017

  • Price: $5.5 million


Owned by the Rockefeller family and set by Raymond Yard, this exceptional Colombian emerald stunned with its clarity and rich green hue. Its provenance and quality made it one of the most important emeralds ever to come to auction.


Why Do These Gemstones Command Such High Prices?


Several factors influence record-breaking auction results for gemstones:


  • Rarity — Size, colour intensity, and quality make these stones one-of-a-kind

  • Provenance — Royalty, celebrities, or historic figures increase appeal

  • Certification — Lab reports from GIA, SSEF or Gubelin add confidence and value

  • Market Timing — Demand for coloured stones is rising, especially pinks and blues

  • Craftsmanship — Settings by houses like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, or Bulgari elevate the value even further


Expert Insight from Furlong

“These stones are more than assets — they’re cultural artefacts. Every facet holds a piece of history, and when they appear at auction, the whole world watches.”– Seth Solomons, Head of Diamonds & Special Stones, Furlong Auction House

What This Means for Sellers


While not every diamond is a Pink Star, many private collectors unknowingly own significant or rare gemstones. At Furlong, we regularly advise clients on whether a piece should be sold as-is or recut, certified, or reset to maximise its potential at auction.


Thinking of Selling a Diamond or Coloured Gemstone?


Our in-house specialists, including globally recognised valuers and diamond experts, offer:


  • Free, confidential valuations

  • Auction or private sale options

  • International marketing and bidding

  • Full guidance on certification and presentation


Book your gemstone valuation and discover if your stone has a story worth telling.

 
 
 

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