Christie’s Hong Kong will sell a rare 12.04 ct. pink diamond called the Martian Pink during its Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale on May 29.

The stone has been valued at $8 million-$10 million.

Purchased by Harry Winston in 1976, this is the largest round Fancy Intense Pink diamond ever to be sold at auction. Winston named the diamond the Martian Pink to celebrate the U.S. satellite mission to Mars, which occurred the same year he acquired the jewel.

Besides the Martian Pink, there is only one other known round pink diamond of substantial size in the world. The other pink stone, which weighs 23.60 cts., was given to Queen Elizabeth II for her 1947 wedding.

JCK