Sotheby’s has assigned a high estimate of $7 million to the 31.68-carat ‘Desert Rose’ diamond, which will lead its Abu Dhabi jewellery auction on December 5 2025. The stone, graded as a Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink with VVS1 clarity, is recognized as the largest diamond of its category ever reported by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
The pear-shaped gemstone is positioned as the headline lot for Sotheby’s debut “Collectors’ Week” in Abu Dhabi, a new multi-category luxury event featuring fine jewellery, watches, collector cars and design objects. The auction house has set the estimate for Desert Rose at $5–7 million, reflecting global demand for rare coloured diamonds, particularly large stones in vivid hues.
Industry analysts note that the sale underscores the UAE’s growing role as a key market for high-value gemstones and luxury collectibles. Over the past five years, major auction houses have expanded their presence in the Gulf, driven by increasing regional interest from private collectors, family offices, and wealth hubs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Sotheby’s stated that the stone’s size, colour saturation and clarity combination place it among the most significant pink diamonds to have appeared at auction in recent years. The sale will test appetite for top-tier natural colour stones following a year of strong performance in the ultra-rare segment, despite wider softness in the global diamond market.
The auction results are expected to serve as a benchmark for upcoming coloured-diamond sales in early 2026.
