AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI.

A model holds a 12.03-carat blue diamond during a press preview by auction house Sotheby's in Geneva on November 4, 2015.

A 12.03-carat blue diamond could fetch a record $55 million (47 million Euros) when it goes under the hammer by Sotheby's on November 11 in Geneva.

Categorized as a fancy vivid blue diamond, the Blue Moon, discovered in South Africa in January last year, is the largest cushion-shaped stone in that category to ever appear at auction. 

    

      AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI.

GENEVA (AFP).- A 12.03-carat blue diamond could fetch a record $55 million (51 million euros) when it goes under the hammer at Sotheby's auction house in Geneva on Wednesday.

The "fancy vivid blue diamond" Blue Moon, discovered in South Africa in January last year, is the largest cushion-shaped stone in that category to ever appear at auction.

Sotheby's put its estimated sale price between $35-$55 million which, at the higher end, would mark an all-time record for the sale of a diamond at auction.

"Fancy vivid" is the highest category for coloured diamonds.


 Record auctions at Christie's and Sotheby's set to bring sparkle to diamond market.
On the eve of that event, Sotheby's competitor Christie's is set to auction off a cushion-shaped 16.09-carat pink diamond that is tipped to fetch up to $28 million.

Christie's said only three fancy vivid pink diamonds of over 10 carats have been up for sale in 250 years.

The flawless pink diamond is the largest in its class ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The sparkling oval-cut rock has received the highest possible GIA colour and clarity rating.

The world record for a diamond sale at auction is currently held by a 24.78-carat pink diamond, known as the Graff Pink, which sold in Geneva in November 2010 for just over $46 million.

In November 2013 a plum-sized diamond that weighed in at 59.60-carats and was known as the "Pink Star," was auctioned by Sotheby's in Geneva for $83 million, a world record for a gem, but the buyer, New York diamond cutter Isaac Wolf, defaulted on the payment.

The current record for a blue diamond belongs to the Zoe Diamond, which in November 2014 fetched $32.6 million in New York.

The stunning 9.75 carat, pear-shaped diamond was bought by a private Hong Kong collector.

The price also set a new world auction record for price-per-carat for any diamond, the auctioneers Sotheby's said.

Only five white diamonds weighing more than 100 carats have been sold at auction, according to Sotheby's. The most expensive was the 118.28-carat gem which sold by Sotheby's for $30.6 million at a Hong Kong auction in October 2013.

In May 2014, a 100.09-carat yellow diamond sold for $16.3 million at auction in Geneva, a record for a diamond of this colour. The Graff Vivid Yellow Diamond is one of the largest yellow diamonds in the world and its colour is described as "daffodil yellow."

Posted from Artdaily online 11/9/2015

© 1994-2015 Agence France-Presse

Previous Article Next Article
“Janet, thank-you for everything you do. As I said before, you are truly an artist, and that is why it is so special buying jewelry from you.” Peter, Atlanta, GA

” Beauty, exquisite design, pleasant and personalized attention. These qualities have been constant in our 20 years of shopping with Janet and Jeff Deleuse – Two exceptionally talented and caring people. The Best!’ Helen P.,Belvedere

"This store has a very pleasant environment and Jeff and Janet are both kind, wonderful people. I used Jeff a few times for appraisals and he was very thorough and was happy to answer lots of questions. He uses scientific methods and tests rather than going solely by appearance as some jewelers will try to do, and his expertise is well respected. On one occasion, he even went out of his way to help expedite a deal for me. He has my highest recommendation. Suzanne T., San Rafael, CA

“Jeff is an incredible gemologist who knows everything there is to know about gem stones. He is a true professional and can be trusted. The quality of their work is impeccible and always consistent. I would recommend Deleuse Jewelers to anyone looking for a new, “bauble,” for themselves or someone special!” Terri B., Ross

"I have used Deleuse Jewelers for many years - for everything from purchasing jewelry to repairing jewelry to getting appraisals on jewelry. Their service and work is superb. I highly recommend them." Suzanne S., Tiburon, CA

"I purchased this beautiful chain from Janet Deleuse about 3 weeks ago. It was an online purchase so I was hoping I would be pleased. It exceeded my expectations as it was exactly as pictured. Delicate and perfectly crafted. Packing was very secure and shipping was quick. I would not hesitate to purchase from Deleuse again! Michele, New Jersey

“Janet and Jeff designed and crafted our wedding rings and did a great job. They worked with existing diamonds we had in an antique ruby cocktail ring, added the sapphire stone and made a beautiful pendant with the ruby. In addition, they designed earrings for our daughters. All are still in great shape today. They are easy to work with and very reliable and trustworthy.” Peg M., San Anselmo

Accreditation includes diplomas from the Gemological Institute of America and the American Gem Society and thirty years of experience.

Recently Viewed