WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR A WHITE DIAMOND

An unmounted oval brilliant-cut diamond weighing 118.28 carats.

Colour and Clarity: According to GIA report, the oval diamond is D colour, Flawless clarity, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. Separate letter states that this diamond is a type IIa diamond. Please refer to the report and letter for details. In our opinion, this oval diamond has a pleasing outline, very nice face-up brilliance and great material showing a "watery" transparency. Condition: Newly cut diamond, in excellent condition.
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 numbered 2155581489, dated 21 August 2013, stating that the 118.28 carat diamond is D colour, Flawless clarity, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry; also accompanied by diamond type classification report stating that the diamond is determined to be a Type IIa diamond. Type IIa diamonds are the most chemically pure type of diamond and often have exceptional optical transparency. Also accompanied by a letter stating that the 118.28 carat diamond "is the largest Oval Shaped D colour, Flawless or Internally Flawless diamond we have graded as of the date of this letter and the report issued."

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A WONDER OF NATURE

Diamonds are one of Nature’s most wonderous gifts. Transformed from carbon under immense pressure and unbelievable heat, diamonds represent the mystery of creation, but through Man, by cutting and polishing, it becomes an amazing object of beauty and allure.

Throughout history and the centuries past, diamonds have been the folklore of Kings and Queens, countries and wars. Whilst in contemporary times, diamonds are readily available to the world at large, Nature’s largest and most perfect endowments are as before only available to a select few.

Large flawless diamonds are the paragon of white diamonds. Rarer still are D/Flawless Type IIA diamonds. These are the most chemically pure type of diamonds and have exceptional optical transparency. Extraordinarily limpid, they have been compared to pools of crystal waters or drops of frozen ice. First identified as originating from the famed Golconda region of India, Type IIA diamonds are now recovered in all major diamond producing regions. Two famous examples of Type IIA diamonds are the Cullinan I and the Koh-i-Noor, both part of the British Crown Jewels.



MAN & NATURE

Discovered in 2011 from the deep mines in Southern Africa, the 299 carat rough of this oval diamond is one of the largest and most beautiful diamond rough found in recent years. Carefully and meticulously worked over months, step by step, through the skills and artistries of the best diamond master cutters and polishers to guarantee the greatest standards of proportionality and beauty, man was able to transform Nature’s rough endowment into a mesmerizing object of enthralling beauty.

The Perfection and Harmony of Nature and Man together is aptly exemplified by the magic of these alluring diamonds, one of the hardest and most precious materials known to mankind.

100 CARAT D/IF DIAMONDS AT AUCTION

The magic of the carat number “100” makes for an auction legend. The appearance of a 100 carat D-Flawless diamond is always an international newsworthy event.

Only very few D-Flawless or Internally Flawless diamonds have appeared and sold at auction over the decades, and Sotheby’s Geneva has had the privilege of selling three of these important stones over the years:

- The Mouawad Splendour, modified pear-shape, 101.84 carats, sold for CHF15,950,000 (US$125,295 per carat), Sotheby’s Geneva, 1990
- The Star of Happiness, rectangular-shape, 100.36 carats, sold for CHF17,823,500 (US$118,397 per carat), Sotheby’s Geneva, 1993
- The Star of the Season, pear-shape, 100.10 carats, sold for CHF19,858,500 (US$165,322 per carat), Sotheby’s Geneva, 1995
- The Winston Legacy, pear-shape, 101.73 carats, sold for CHF25,883,750 (US$262,917 per carat), Christies Geneva, 2013

This highly important oval diamond at 118.28 carats, is the largest D-Flawless diamond ever to be offered for sale at auction and the largest oval D-Flawless diamond in the world as graded by the GIA. Sotheby’s Hong Kong is honoured to be offering this spectacular diamond for auction in October 2013, as we celebrate 40 years in Asia.