Imagine the shock of discovering a gem so rare that it captures the awe of the entire world. In 1999, De Beers unearthed a stunning 132.5-carat diamond in Africa. This remarkable find was meticulously cut and polished into the breathtaking 59.60-carat “Pink Star.”
Classified as a super-rare Type IIa diamond, this stone is renowned for its exceptional purity and almost perfect optical transparency. The vivid pink hue of the Pink Star is not just rare; it’s nearly mythical, captivating the hearts of ultra-wealthy collectors and gem connoisseurs around the globe.
The journey to perfect the Pink Star took over two years, requiring the extraordinary skill and precision of the world’s most skilled lapidarists. In such a high-stakes craft, even a minor error could irreversibly mar the potential treasure.
Fourteen years after its discovery, the Pink Star was initially auctioned by Sotheby’s in Geneva, November 2013, fetching a record-breaking $83 million. However, the sale fell through due to the buyer’s payment default, reportedly caused by a failed arbitrage attempt.
The stone reappeared in the spotlight in April 2017 at another Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong. After fervent bidding, it was sold for $71.2 million to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, setting a new world record for any diamond or jewel sold at auction.
The Pink Star is known for its ultra-rare pink color, representing the zenith of diamond desirability. It earned the grade of “largest Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Pink diamond in the world” by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Its exclusivity makes it a true one-of-a-kind gem.
What inspired me to delve into the story of the world’s most special ring? It was a moment of personal significance in my own life that, while not comparable in monetary value to the Pink Star, is utterly priceless to me.
The Arizona Diamondbacks recently honored me with a personal gift—a 2023 National League Championship Ring engraved with my last name just like the players’ rings. As the founder of 72SOLD, one of their exclusive partners, this ring symbolizes more to me than just a successful baseball season; it represents a gift of friendship by one of the classiest organizations I’ve ever had the honor to be associated with.
When my son, Corey, saw the ring, he jokingly remarked, “Dad, I’ve only asked for one thing in your will, your cell number (it’s very memorable). That Dbacks ring is request #2.”
I am profoundly grateful to the Diamondbacks. A few years ago, when they invited 72SOLD to become their exclusive real estate partner, we were just starting out. Yet, they had heard about our innovative home selling process and believed in the positive difference it could make in the community. Thank you.
The Diamondbacks are more than just an outstanding MLB team; they are a collection of the most caring and principled individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with. They truly embody class in every action, an example I strive to emulate with 72SOLD.
I am sharing a few photos and details of this magnificent ring. It features the iconic “A” logo, adorned with 27 diamonds set against black ceramic. Surrounding the logo are 41 diamonds, honoring Manager Torey Lovullo and the 40-player roster. The basepaths of the baseball diamond design are highlighted with 17 round diamonds, and the bases, marked by four diamonds, symbolize the four games won in the NLCS.
As if the ring wasn’t enough, the Diamondbacks invited me (for the third year in a row) to throw the first pitch at their first home game against the Cincinnati Reds (my hometown) on May 13. If you’d like to attend and see if I throw a strike, email Media@72sold.com for discounted tickets, which as a partner we can obtain for you.
Is my Diamondbacks Championship Ring worth $71.2 million? No, but to me… it’s absolutely priceless.
P.S. Last year, the speed gun clocked my fastball at a blinding 27 mph. This year, I’ve been training to reach 30 mph. See you at the game!
