T his season's Magnificent Jewels auction (4 December | New York) offers a robust range of pieces, from those owned by great collectors, such as Barbara Sinatra and Margaretta “Happy” Rockefeller, to iconic designs by Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and more makers. Also not to be missed are impeccable diamonds in a variety of shapes, representing the very best of the best. Here, Sotheby's selected three show-stopping diamonds whose quality are only rivaled by their exceptional size.
1. An important diamond ring, set with an emerald-cut diamond weighing 25.03 carats. Estimate $2,900,000–3,500,000.
With a D-color grading and Type IIa distinction determined by the GIA, this diamond can be considered “whiter than white,” a highly desirable quality rendered even more impressive by the stone’s classic emerald-cut proportions. For someone who is seeking an exceedingly important, iconic white diamond with perfect specifications, this 25.03-carat stone is an immaculate find.
2. A highly important Fancy Vivid Blue diamond ring, set with a pear-shaped diamond weighing 10.62 carats. Estimate $20,000,000–30,000,000.
This alluring stone is the second largest Vivid Blue diamond to be offered at auction in New York. Blue diamonds of such a substantial weight are extremely rare – for every 10,000 gem-quality diamonds found, only one possesses brilliant and coveted color. With a lovely outline and even color saturation, this pear-shaped diamond evokes the legendary 9.75-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond pendant from the Collection of Mrs. Paul Mellon which sold for more than $32 million in 2014.
3. Harry Winston, An impressive diamond ring, set with a cushion-cut diamond weighing 51.52 carats. Estimate $3,500,000–4,500,000.
Known as the "King of Diamonds," Harry Winston was recognized as one of the greatest jewel connoisseurs from the 20th century. “Winston’s almost unerring instincts about gemstones grew over the years to legendary proportions…Mr. Winston wanted his settings to place more emphasis on the beauty of the gemstones themselves.” (Laurence S. Krashes, Harry Winston. The Ultimate Jeweller). In keeping with the maker’s desire to let extraordinary stones guide his designs is this classic cushion-cut diamond. Already remarkable for its impressive carat weight, the central diamond is flanked by two shield-shaped diamonds.
