- 1820
A RARE AND EXQUISITE FANCY VIVID PURPLISH PINK DIAMOND AND DIAMOND RING
Estimate
150,000,000 - 200,000,000 HKD
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Description
Set with a cut-cornered rectangular mixed-cut fancy vivid purplish pink diamond weighing 10.64 carats, between trapeze diamonds, mounted in 18 karat white and pink gold, size 5¼.
Condition
Accompanied by GIA report no. 2195940932, dated 14 June 2019, stating that the diamond is Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink, Natural Colour, Internally Flawless; further accompanied by a 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. The GIA report is additionally accompanied by a separate monograph expressing the rarity and the characteristics of the stone. Please refer to the report and monograph for further details. Stamped 750 for 18 karat white and pink gold. Diamonds estimated to weigh approximately 0.90 carat, are on average F - G colour, VVS - VS clarity, as gauged and graded in the mount. Signs of very minor wear to the metal. Overall in very good 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.Certificates of Authenticity: Various manufacturers may not issue certificates of authenticity upon request. Sotheby's is not under an obligation to furnish the purchaser with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer at any time. Unless the requirements for a rescission of the sale under the Terms of Guarantee are satisfied, the failure of a manufacturer to issue a certificate will not constitute grounds to rescind the sale. Gemological Certificates and Reports: References in the catalogue descriptions to certificates or reports issued by gemological laboratories are provided only for the information of bidders, and Sotheby's does not guarantee and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in such certificates or reports. Please also note that laboratories may differ in their assessment of a gemstone (including its origin and presence, type and extent of treatments) and their certificates or reports may contain different results.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.
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.Certificates of Authenticity: Various manufacturers may not issue certificates of authenticity upon request. Sotheby's is not under an obligation to furnish the purchaser with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer at any time. Unless the requirements for a rescission of the sale under the Terms of Guarantee are satisfied, the failure of a manufacturer to issue a certificate will not constitute grounds to rescind the sale. Gemological Certificates and Reports: References in the catalogue descriptions to certificates or reports issued by gemological laboratories are provided only for the information of bidders, and Sotheby's does not guarantee and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in such certificates or reports. Please also note that laboratories may differ in their assessment of a gemstone (including its origin and presence, type and extent of treatments) and their certificates or reports may contain different results.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.
Catalogue Note
Accompanied by GIA report no. 2195940932, dated 14 June 2019, stating that the diamond is Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink, Natural Colour, Internally Flawless; further accompanied by a 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. The GIA report is additionally accompanied by a separate monograph expressing the rarity and the characteristics of the stone, stating '...the delicate color superimposed on nature's hardest material is distinctively enticing, like blending of leather and lace or salty and sweet...Unlike other purplish pink color sensations in nature - like the sky at dawn or the delicate petals of a spring flower - the alluring color of the 10.64ct Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink diamond is enduring, captured, and preserved in the resilient structure of the diamond for posterity to witness and admire'.
_____________________________________________________________
Power of Pink
“As the color of unconditional love, compassion, and nurturing, pink carries a softness produced by the addition of white to red. The energy of red is balanced by the fullness of white – pink calms the fiery nature of red without weakening its intensity. Like the diamond, pink possesses a purity that cannot be matched. Though tender, the color’s emotional effects are strong.”
GIA Monograph of the 10.64 ct Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink Diamond
Pink is a relatively rare colour in nature – and although it has existed throughout the centuries, it wasn’t until the Renaissance that the concept of pink began to materialize by the artists of the time. The term pink only came to vogue during the late 17th century in English as the colour gained popularity among the European bourgeoise. The aesthetics of the time embraced the allure of pastel pink – and Madame de Pompadour, the chief mistress of Louis XV, was famed as an avid fan of pink. In 1757, French porcelain manufacturer Sèvres named its new shade of pink ‘Rose Pompadour’, paying homage to her obsession for pink. This subtle, but distinctive colour gained its fame as the colour of novelty, elegance and aristocratic splendour. As the years passed by it gained a stronger association with women and femininity, and as a staple symbol of love.
Diamonds, unlike some gems that occur in a limited range of colours, comes in a wide spectrum of rainbow hues. However, most diamonds form in the colourless range, or with tints of brown and yellow. It is extremely rare for a diamond to embrace the vibrant, attractive colours of pink, blue, red, green or violet. Therefore, when these extraordinary gems were found, they were prized and treasured for their uniqueness, with strong associations with royalty and power. The alluring pink hue not only captivated the eye of the beholder evoking emotions of adoration and love, but also has a unique place in the history of famed diamonds from the early ages. Pink diamonds have enjoyed a significant role throughout history, with early renowned pink diamonds such as the Darya-i-Nur, Noor-ul-Ain and the Agra. More recent famous examples including The Williamson.
Historical Pink Diamonds
The Darya-i-Nur (Sea of Light), is a pale pink diamond weighing 175 to 195 carats – inscribed in Persian ‘The Sultan, Shahib Qiram, Fath Ali Shah, Qajar 1250 (1834)’. It was pillaged from Delhi in 1739 and is currently in the treasure vaults of the central Bank of Iran in Tehran, having formed part of the Iranian Crown Jewels.
The Noor-ul-Ain (Light of the Eye), is a pale pink diamond weighing approximately 60 carats – and was likely cut from the Great Table diamond in the late 19th century. In 1642 Jean Baptiste Tavernier tried to purchase this legendary stone from a merchant in Golconda but was unsuccessful. It is the centre stone of the tiara created by Harry Winston for the Empress Farah Pahlavi to commemorate her wedding to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in 1958.
The Agra, named after the celebrated city of Taj Mahal, originally belonged to a Mogul Emperor Babur in 1526. Later the Duke of Brunswick, one of the most important collectors of diamonds in the 19th century, acquired the gem with 348,000 francs. It was then repolished to a 32.24 carat light pink diamond by a London Jeweller, Edwin Streeter. After being sold in June 2000, it was further recut to a 28.15 carat fancy intense pink diamond.
The Williamson, a 23.60 carat flawless pink diamond, is one of the most well-known modern pink diamonds. It was found in the Williamson mine in Tanzania, 1947. The owner of the mine, Dr John Williamson, then presented the diamond as a wedding gift to the Queen (Princess Elizabeth at the time). The Queen then wore the brooch at the wedding of the Duke of Kent in 1961, and at the wedding of the Prince of Wales.
The 10.64 carat Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink Diamond
Diamonds are graded by a standard called 4Cs – which refer to its carat weight, colour, clarity and cut. The first standardized grading systems for diamonds emerged in the 1950s, and a colour grading scale was developed by GIA in the 1970s to better understand and categorize coloured diamonds. To fully appreciate the beauty of the 10.64ct fancy vivid purplish pink diamond, it is crucial to understand how the 4Cs of the gem uniquely contributes to the rarity of the gem.
Carat weight
Diamonds that are over 10 carats are rare for colourless diamonds – but even rarer for coloured diamonds. In 2002, GIA conducted a data analysis on over 1,400 pink diamonds – and only 1% of all the pink diamonds that was graded was bigger than 10 carats. The fact that this fancy vivid purplish pink diamond weighs 10.64 carats is an astonishing marvel.
Colour
Within the diamond there exists a colour center, which is an atomic-level defect in the crystal structure that selectively absorbs light in the visible spectrum. These colour centers are often aligned along parallel ‘slip planes’ in the crystal structure. As the diamond formed, these layers of carbon atoms were displaced slightly along the slip planes, which generates a colour of unknown structure. In 2002, GIA conducted a data analysis on over 1,400 pink diamonds – and only 4% of all the pink diamonds that was graded achieved a ‘Fancy Vivid’ colour. The addition of a hint of purple helps the tone of the pink to be ‘sweeter’ in our eyes.
The exact cause of colour in pink diamonds have not been completely understood by the gemmologists of our time and is still a subject of much scientific investigation.
Clarity
‘Crystal’ is a term that is used in gemmology to describe the appearance of a top-quality gem that displays ‘fine transparency and exceptionally clear’ gemstone. The 10.64 carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond has been afforded the grade of internally flawless gem, and to describe it as ‘crystal’ would be an accurate description. As diamonds form under extreme pressure combined with high heat, there also exists other minerals or inclusions that gets trapped within the gem. As these gems travel their way through from deep within the earth’s crust to the surface via volcanic conduits and pipes, they endure through the tremendous stress and harsh conditions. Many fracture and crumble into smaller fragments. It is very rare to be able to find a clean gem of a size bigger than 10 carats to be completely free from inclusions and blemishes within. This is especially the case, for pink diamonds are rarely free from inclusions. This is due to the structural irregularity which is understood as one of the main reasons of the pink hue in a diamond. The 10.64ct fancy vivid purplish pink diamond is internally flawless and also does not have internal graining, which is exceptionally rare at a size larger than 10 carats. GIA stated in the Monograph the following: No internal clarity characteristics were observed at 10× magnification. Considering the heterogeneous formation environment, it is remarkable and rare for a large diamond crystal to be free of inclusions.
The 10.64 carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond has also been classified as a Type IIa diamond. Type IIa diamonds are rare, as they contain no IR-detectable nitrogen or boron impurities in their chemical structure and represent less than 2% of all diamonds mined. This makes the 10.64 carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond a chemically pure diamond, one of the most ‘perfect’ form of diamonds known to man.
Cut
Cutting for colour diamonds are one of the most challenging aspects of diamond manufacturing. As no diamond in its rough state is equal, the distribution of colour within the gem must be studied thoroughly before carefully choosing a shape and cut for the stone. This process may take months, or even years with the most cutting-edge technology. The 10.64 carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond has been carefully examined in order to bring out the stunning hue within its rough without reducing the intensity of the saturation or damaging the structure of the gem. All in all the gem was polished as a radiant cut – with the outline of an emerald cut diamond, combined with the scintillation of a brilliant-cut diamond. It boasts an attractive combination of step- and brilliant-cut facets especially with coloured diamonds as it enhances its face-up colour.
In its entirety, the 10.64 carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond positions as one of the rarest objects in the world. Its most exquisite trait could easily be its enchanting pink hue – but the astonishing size of over 10 carats, paired with an internally flawless clarity, is what makes the gemstone a fine treasure. For a pink diamond of such size to be devoid of inclusions, as well as internal graining, is exceptionally rare, given structural irregularities within the diamond is one of the main reasons as to how the pink hue is obtained. The result of an amazing collaboration between nature and man, the 10.64 carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond is truly an exceptional jewel to behold.
“In the 10.64ct Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink diamond the delicate color superimposed on nature’s hardest material is distinctively enticing, like the blending of leather and lace or salty and sweet.”
GIA Monograph of the 10.64ct Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink Diamond
_____________________________________________________________
Power of Pink
“As the color of unconditional love, compassion, and nurturing, pink carries a softness produced by the addition of white to red. The energy of red is balanced by the fullness of white – pink calms the fiery nature of red without weakening its intensity. Like the diamond, pink possesses a purity that cannot be matched. Though tender, the color’s emotional effects are strong.”
GIA Monograph of the 10.64 ct Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink Diamond
Pink is a relatively rare colour in nature – and although it has existed throughout the centuries, it wasn’t until the Renaissance that the concept of pink began to materialize by the artists of the time. The term pink only came to vogue during the late 17th century in English as the colour gained popularity among the European bourgeoise. The aesthetics of the time embraced the allure of pastel pink – and Madame de Pompadour, the chief mistress of Louis XV, was famed as an avid fan of pink. In 1757, French porcelain manufacturer Sèvres named its new shade of pink ‘Rose Pompadour’, paying homage to her obsession for pink. This subtle, but distinctive colour gained its fame as the colour of novelty, elegance and aristocratic splendour. As the years passed by it gained a stronger association with women and femininity, and as a staple symbol of love.
Diamonds, unlike some gems that occur in a limited range of colours, comes in a wide spectrum of rainbow hues. However, most diamonds form in the colourless range, or with tints of brown and yellow. It is extremely rare for a diamond to embrace the vibrant, attractive colours of pink, blue, red, green or violet. Therefore, when these extraordinary gems were found, they were prized and treasured for their uniqueness, with strong associations with royalty and power. The alluring pink hue not only captivated the eye of the beholder evoking emotions of adoration and love, but also has a unique place in the history of famed diamonds from the early ages. Pink diamonds have enjoyed a significant role throughout history, with early renowned pink diamonds such as the Darya-i-Nur, Noor-ul-Ain and the Agra. More recent famous examples including The Williamson.
Historical Pink Diamonds
The Darya-i-Nur (Sea of Light), is a pale pink diamond weighing 175 to 195 carats – inscribed in Persian ‘The Sultan, Shahib Qiram, Fath Ali Shah, Qajar 1250 (1834)’. It was pillaged from Delhi in 1739 and is currently in the treasure vaults of the central Bank of Iran in Tehran, having formed part of the Iranian Crown Jewels.
The Noor-ul-Ain (Light of the Eye), is a pale pink diamond weighing approximately 60 carats – and was likely cut from the Great Table diamond in the late 19th century. In 1642 Jean Baptiste Tavernier tried to purchase this legendary stone from a merchant in Golconda but was unsuccessful. It is the centre stone of the tiara created by Harry Winston for the Empress Farah Pahlavi to commemorate her wedding to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in 1958.
The Agra, named after the celebrated city of Taj Mahal, originally belonged to a Mogul Emperor Babur in 1526. Later the Duke of Brunswick, one of the most important collectors of diamonds in the 19th century, acquired the gem with 348,000 francs. It was then repolished to a 32.24 carat light pink diamond by a London Jeweller, Edwin Streeter. After being sold in June 2000, it was further recut to a 28.15 carat fancy intense pink diamond.
The Williamson, a 23.60 carat flawless pink diamond, is one of the most well-known modern pink diamonds. It was found in the Williamson mine in Tanzania, 1947. The owner of the mine, Dr John Williamson, then presented the diamond as a wedding gift to the Queen (Princess Elizabeth at the time). The Queen then wore the brooch at the wedding of the Duke of Kent in 1961, and at the wedding of the Prince of Wales.
The 10.64 carat Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink Diamond
Diamonds are graded by a standard called 4Cs – which refer to its carat weight, colour, clarity and cut. The first standardized grading systems for diamonds emerged in the 1950s, and a colour grading scale was developed by GIA in the 1970s to better understand and categorize coloured diamonds. To fully appreciate the beauty of the 10.64ct fancy vivid purplish pink diamond, it is crucial to understand how the 4Cs of the gem uniquely contributes to the rarity of the gem.
Carat weight
Diamonds that are over 10 carats are rare for colourless diamonds – but even rarer for coloured diamonds. In 2002, GIA conducted a data analysis on over 1,400 pink diamonds – and only 1% of all the pink diamonds that was graded was bigger than 10 carats. The fact that this fancy vivid purplish pink diamond weighs 10.64 carats is an astonishing marvel.
Colour
Within the diamond there exists a colour center, which is an atomic-level defect in the crystal structure that selectively absorbs light in the visible spectrum. These colour centers are often aligned along parallel ‘slip planes’ in the crystal structure. As the diamond formed, these layers of carbon atoms were displaced slightly along the slip planes, which generates a colour of unknown structure. In 2002, GIA conducted a data analysis on over 1,400 pink diamonds – and only 4% of all the pink diamonds that was graded achieved a ‘Fancy Vivid’ colour. The addition of a hint of purple helps the tone of the pink to be ‘sweeter’ in our eyes.
The exact cause of colour in pink diamonds have not been completely understood by the gemmologists of our time and is still a subject of much scientific investigation.
Clarity
‘Crystal’ is a term that is used in gemmology to describe the appearance of a top-quality gem that displays ‘fine transparency and exceptionally clear’ gemstone. The 10.64 carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond has been afforded the grade of internally flawless gem, and to describe it as ‘crystal’ would be an accurate description. As diamonds form under extreme pressure combined with high heat, there also exists other minerals or inclusions that gets trapped within the gem. As these gems travel their way through from deep within the earth’s crust to the surface via volcanic conduits and pipes, they endure through the tremendous stress and harsh conditions. Many fracture and crumble into smaller fragments. It is very rare to be able to find a clean gem of a size bigger than 10 carats to be completely free from inclusions and blemishes within. This is especially the case, for pink diamonds are rarely free from inclusions. This is due to the structural irregularity which is understood as one of the main reasons of the pink hue in a diamond. The 10.64ct fancy vivid purplish pink diamond is internally flawless and also does not have internal graining, which is exceptionally rare at a size larger than 10 carats. GIA stated in the Monograph the following: No internal clarity characteristics were observed at 10× magnification. Considering the heterogeneous formation environment, it is remarkable and rare for a large diamond crystal to be free of inclusions.
The 10.64 carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond has also been classified as a Type IIa diamond. Type IIa diamonds are rare, as they contain no IR-detectable nitrogen or boron impurities in their chemical structure and represent less than 2% of all diamonds mined. This makes the 10.64 carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond a chemically pure diamond, one of the most ‘perfect’ form of diamonds known to man.
Cut
Cutting for colour diamonds are one of the most challenging aspects of diamond manufacturing. As no diamond in its rough state is equal, the distribution of colour within the gem must be studied thoroughly before carefully choosing a shape and cut for the stone. This process may take months, or even years with the most cutting-edge technology. The 10.64 carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond has been carefully examined in order to bring out the stunning hue within its rough without reducing the intensity of the saturation or damaging the structure of the gem. All in all the gem was polished as a radiant cut – with the outline of an emerald cut diamond, combined with the scintillation of a brilliant-cut diamond. It boasts an attractive combination of step- and brilliant-cut facets especially with coloured diamonds as it enhances its face-up colour.
In its entirety, the 10.64 carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond positions as one of the rarest objects in the world. Its most exquisite trait could easily be its enchanting pink hue – but the astonishing size of over 10 carats, paired with an internally flawless clarity, is what makes the gemstone a fine treasure. For a pink diamond of such size to be devoid of inclusions, as well as internal graining, is exceptionally rare, given structural irregularities within the diamond is one of the main reasons as to how the pink hue is obtained. The result of an amazing collaboration between nature and man, the 10.64 carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond is truly an exceptional jewel to behold.
“In the 10.64ct Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink diamond the delicate color superimposed on nature’s hardest material is distinctively enticing, like the blending of leather and lace or salty and sweet.”
GIA Monograph of the 10.64ct Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink Diamond