Precious Gems and Jewels in Photos A 118.28-carat white diamond sold in Hong Kong, Oct. 7, 2013, for about $30.6 million, or HK$238.68 million, the most paid for a white diamond. It is the biggest diamond ever sold at auction. The previous record price for a white diamond was $26.7 million. The largest D-color flawless type IIA diamond was mined in South Africa in 2011. Sotheby's didn't disclose the buyer and seller. Vincent Yu/AP Photo