Christie’s Places 30ct D/IF Diamond on the Block
March 24, 09
While the large and exceptional diamonds were the gems that suffered the worst price tumble in the current financial crisis, Christie’s still has a strong belief in their viability. The auction house is offering a number of high-end diamond items, some estimated at about $1 million.
Leading the diamonds in the sale is a pear-shaped diamond ring of 30.02 carats, D color and internally flawless clarity, set with an intense pink diamond band. Christie’s did not publish an estimate for this item, saying it will provide one on request.
Other highlights include a rectangular-cut diamond ring of 32.72 carats, D color and VS1 clarity estimated at $1.4 - 1.8 million, and a pear-shaped diamond pendant of 15.05 carats by Harry Winston, D color and VVS2 clarity, with an estimated sale price of $700,000 - $1 million.
Among the colored diamonds in the sale is a fancy grayish yellowish green "chameleon" briolette-cut diamond pendant necklace of 19.13 carats estimated at $800,000 - $1.2 million. The color of this diamond changes temporarily when gently heated, or when left in the darkness for a period of time and is therefore referred to as a “chameleon” diamond – this is the largest briolette-cut chameleon diamond in the world to be offered at auction.
The sale includes signed and vintage jewels, featuring an impressive antique ivory and multi-gem elephant, circa 1900, which is carved from a single piece of ivory.
“This exotic elephant is a rare relic of Indian refinement and a symbol of great power and prestige,” Christie’s writes in the auction catalogue. It has chrysoberyl bejeweled eyes, pearl tassels and golden toenails. The purple velvet carrying case is befitting of those made for orders originating on the Indian subcontinent, so this showpiece was likely made for an important Indian family. The auction house valuators estimate the value of the elephant at $80,000 - $120,000.