An exceptionally rare cushion-shaped ‘fancy’ vivid pink diamond – the largest ever of its kind to go to auction – is expected to fetch up to a whopping 28 million dollars.

The auction house says it’s the largest diamond of its kind to come to auction.

A smaller, 8.72-carat pink diamond of the same shape and fancy vivid pink grade sold for $US15.9 million at auction in May.

Fancy vivid pink means the hue is of the purest and strongest saturation.

In almost 250 years of auction history, only three pure vivid pink diamonds of over ten carats have appeared for sale, Christie’s said.

The pink diamond set in a ring is surrounded by a double row of pave white diamonds, highlighting the main stone, with a third row of small pink diamonds underneath.

In the realm of natural coloured diamonds, those of a distinct pink hue are the most sought after among gem connoisseurs – regularly achieving record auction prices.

The stone’s even colour distribution, combined with a balanced saturation and tone and straight pink hue, qualify the gem for the coveted ‘Fancy Vivid’ colour grading from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

• 440 prisoners to receive Special Presidential Pardon for Poson
• Broadcasting Authority Bill continues to draw criticism from many quarters
• Pakistan Navy Frigate SHAHJAHAN in Colombo
• MEPA appoints two PCs to assist AG Department in X-Press Pearl claim
• Sri Lanka and France celebrate 75 years of friendship