NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s announces The Light of Africa Diamond (estimate: $11,000,000-18,000,000), which will lead the New York Magnificent Jewels sale on 8 June, as part of Christie’s Luxury Week.
The Light of Africa is a D-color, Flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 103.49 carats, with excellent polish and symmetry. It also belongs to the rare Type IIa category, which make up less than 2% of all diamonds, making this one of the most rare and valuable diamonds. Graded by the Gemological Institute of America, The Light of Africa is accompanied by a report from the GIA remarking its classification as the pinnacle of the diamond pyramid.
The diamond was cut from a 299.3 carat rough, unearthed from The Cullinan Diamond Mine owned by Petra Diamonds. This important gemstone was mined, cut and polished in South Africa. The Cullinan Diamond Mine has produced some of the most historic and sensational diamonds including the Great Star of Africa and the Second Star of Africa which are both part of the British Crown Jewels set in the Sovereign’s Sceptre and the Imperial State Crown.
The Light of Africa Diamond will be revealed at Christie’s Geneva from 6 to 11 May, followed by a tour to Christie’s Hong Kong from 22 to 24 May, before returning to Christie’s New York and will be exhibited from 3-7 June.
TOP 5 COLOURLESS DIAMONDS OFFERED AT CHRISTIE’S
1. A SENSATIONAL DIAMOND AND EMERALD NECKLACE, BY DE GRISOGONO
A rectangular cut-cornered diamond, weighing approximately 163.41 carats
Geneva Magnificent Jewels | 14 November 2017
Price realised: US$ 33,701,000
Price per carat: US$ 206,236
AUCTION RECORD FOR A COLOURLESS DIAMOND
2. WINSTON LEGACY
A pear-shaped diamond weighing approximately 101.73 carats
Geneva Magnificent Jewels | 15 May 2013
Price realised: US$ 26,737,914
Price per carat: US$ 262,832
3. THE ARCHDUKE JOSEPH DIAMOND
A cushion-shaped diamond weighing approximately 76.02 carats
Geneva Magnificent Jewels | 13 November 2012
Price realised: US$ 21,474,525
Price per carat: US$ 282,485
4. LA LÉGENDE A DIAMOND AND CULTURED PEARL SAUTOIR NECKLACE, BY BOEHMER ET BASSENGE
A heart-shaped diamond, weighing approximately 92.15 carats
Geneva Magnificent Jewels | 17 May 2017
Price realised: US$ 14,989,013
Price per carat: US$ 162,659
5. A MAGNIFICENT DIAMOND
A pear-shaped diamond weighing approximately 75.97 carats
Geneva Magnificent Jewels | 14 May 2014
Price realised: US$ 14,474,732
Price per carat: US$ 190,532
