THE largest vivid orange diamond ever to appear at auction is a highlight at Christie’s sale of Magnificent Jewels in Geneva on November 12. At 14.82 carats this gem is the largest vivid orange diamond in the world and is estimAted at US$17-20 million.
Pure orange diamonds are rare in nature. At auction the largest sold was less than six carats. The Gemological Institute of America says that diamonds in the orange hue rarely exceed three or four carats in size when polished.
Christie’s sale will feature over 280 lots and includes rare gems and signed jewels. Highlights include an exceptional ruby and coloured diamond ring ($1.6-2.7 million), a 58.92 carat sapphire, modelled as a brooch by Anna Hu ($2.5-3.5 million), a seven strand natural pearl necklace from a Royal family (($3-4.5 million) and a belle Epoque sapphire and diamond necklace by Cartier ($270,000-370,000). (Click on image to enlarge).
UPDATE: IT SOLD FOR US$35,540,611 (US$2,398,151 per carat) A WORLD RECORD PRICE PER CARAT FOR ANY COLOURED DIAMOND AT AUCTION.