After Sotheby's recently announced the forthcoming auction of the outstanding De Beers Cullinan Blue diamond, Christie's is now following suit and auctioning off the largest white diamond in auction history in May.
The pear-shaped cut stone weighs 228.31 carats, which is why it rightly bears the name 'The Rock'. The diamond was mined and cut in South Africa twenty years ago and comes with a G colour and VS1 clarity certificate from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The Institute also states that 'The Rock' is the largest D-Z colour grade pear-shaped diamond ever classified by the in-house laboratory staff.
See also: The World's 10 Most Expensive Diamonds
See also: Barnebys’ Guide to Diamonds
“The Rock will join the very best of legendary gemstones which have passed through Christie’s global salerooms since 1766," said Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewellery. "The market for diamonds is particularly vibrant and we are confident that this sensational gemstone will capture the attention of collectors across the globe this Spring season.”
The most expensive white diamond in auction history was also auctioned by Christie's in Geneva in 2017 for $33.7 million, weighing 163.4 carats, and set in an emerald and diamond necklace. 'The Rock' will be offered on 11 May with an estimate of $20-30 million.
This auction isn't the only high-profile sale at Christie's this spring. Until 7 April, you can bid on beautiful jewellery and gems in Christie's 'Jewels Online' sale. The showpiece of this offer is the 'Flawless Star' white diamond weighing 45.46 ct. With an estimate of $4-6 million, the large brilliant is the most expensive gemstone ever offered in an online-only auction.
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