Photo courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd.
An exceptionally rare diamond is expected to sell for upwards of $47.7 million (US$38 million) when it goes under the hammer at Christie’s next month.
Weighing 15.81 carats, the Type IIa, fancy-vivid-purple-pink, internally flawless ‘Sakura Diamond’ is the largest of its kind to ever go to auction. The stone, which is set in a ring with white diamonds, is among the star highlights of Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale, slated for May 23.
“This exceptionally rare and magnificent wonder of nature represents a unique expression of identity and mesmerizing beauty through its enthralling purple pink hue, that will undoubtedly capture the hearts of discerning connoisseurs and collectors worldwide,” says Vickie Sek, chair of the department of jewellery for Christie’s Asia Pacific.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), only four per cent of pink diamonds possess a colour deep enough to qualify as ‘fancy vivid,’ Christie’s reports. Additionally, fewer than 10 per cent of diamonds of this colour weigh more than 0.2 carats.
The diamond is expected to sell for $31.3 million to $47.7 million (US$25 million to $38 million).
