Diamond ring, Harry Winston

The emerald-cut diamond weighing 24.42 carats, flanked by tapered baguette diamonds, mounted in platinum. 

Property of a Lady, Christie's, New York, April 11, 1984, lot 143. 

See GIA report stating the diamond is D-VVS1, potentially flawless. The baguette-cut diamonds are approximately D-E color and VVS clarity. In good condition. Fitted with a hinged shank to allow slipping over the knuckle. For a tiny size 2 finger.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 16800595 stating that the diamond is D color, VVS1 clarity; together with original working diagram stating that the stone may be potentially flawless. 

Also accompanied by a letter from the GIA stating that the diamond has been determined to be a type 11a. 

As the letter from the GIA attests, under 2% of the world's diamonds fall into the type 11 category, stones that contain little or no nitrogen. Within this rare classification, those stones graded as type 11a are the most chemically pure and are often completely colorless. Type 11b stones, which contain boron, are often blue in color.

 

Type 11a diamonds originated in the legendary Golconda region in India. These alluvial deposits, mined since antiquity and long depleted, produced some of the world's most famous and historically important diamonds, including the Koh-i-Nur, the Regent and the Great Mogul, all classified as type 11a. Today the term 'Golconda' is often used to denote quality rather than place and is reserved for those few diamonds that display extreme transparency with no trace of yellow body color.   

 

The absence of color in the present stone, combined with its exceptional transparency, make it a splendid example of a type 11a stone. The large size and beautiful cut only contribute to its desirability.