The diamond is said to be the size of an egg
Diamond expected to make history
Posted September 09, 2013 | By Emily Mobbs • Former Editor
A stone claimed to be “the greatest white diamond ever to appear at
auction” is expected to break the record for the highest price paid for a
white diamond.
The 118.28-carat D-flawless stone is part of Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction, to be held on 7 October.
According to chairman of Sotheby’s jewellery division in Asia, Chin Yeow Quek, the diamond – the size of an egg – is expected to sell for between US$28 million (A$30.5m) and US$35 million (A$38m). This would be the highest price paid for a white diamond, beating the 102-carat stone bought by jewellery and watch company Harry Winston for US$26.7 million (A$29m) in May this year.
The oval stone originated from a 299-carat rough that was found in 2011 in an African country whose name Sotheby's has declined to disclose. The successful buyer will receive naming rights to the stone.
As previously reported by Jeweller, Harry Winston named its recently-purchased diamond the Winston Legacy.
A 7.5-carat fancy vivid blue stone called Premier Blue will also feature in the auction and is expected to set a per-carat record for a diamond at the sale.
“We have made a concerted effort to make this a wonderful sale to celebrate Sotheby’s 40 years in Asia,” Yeow Quek said.
Given the two large items, he added that he hoped the sale would set a record for the largest ever jewellery auction.
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