One of three oval diamonds over 50 carats to come to auction in living memory will highlight Sotheby’s Hong Kong sale of magnificent jewels and jadeite on April 2. The spectacular 88.22 carat oval diamond is perfect according to every critical criterion and is estimated at US$11.2-12.7 million. It is D Colour, the highest grade for a white diamond, Flawless and of exceptional clarity, Type Ila with excellent cut, polish and symmetry.
As with the Koh-i-noor diamond (also oval) and the Cullinan I, which are part of the British Crown Jewels, the stone belongs to the rare subgroup comprising less than 2% of all gem diamonds, known as Type IIa*. Diamonds in this group are the most chemically pure type of diamond and often have exceptional optical transparency.
The 242-carat rough stone which yielded the diamond was discovered in Botswana in the mine of Jwaneng, a mine owned in partnership by De Beers and the government of Botswana and known for producing roughs of the highest quality.
David Bennett, Worldwide Chairman, International Jewellery Division, said: “For those who have had the chance to see the diamond, one adjective comes back: “breath-taking”. Barely any diamonds of this weight are known to possess the same exceptional qualities of purity and perfection as this remarkable stone which is so full of fire and blinding brilliance.”