CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2015

The world’s largest cushion-shaped Fancy Vivid Pink diamond to be offered at auction will be one of the highlights of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale on November 10 in Geneva. Its estimate is $23 - $28 million.





The diamond is set in a ring and surrounded with a double row of pavé-set white diamonds and a third row of small pink diamonds underneath. The band is comprised of small circular-cut white diamonds set in platinum.





The diamond will tour Christie’s locations around the world, starting with Hong Kong, and continuing to New York and London prior to the exhibition and sale in Geneva.





Diamonds of a distinct pink hue are among the most sought-after, Christie’s said. While most pink diamonds exhibit a color modifier like purple, orange, brown or grey, this 16.08 carat gem shows no trace of a secondary color. In addition, it’s classified as a Type IIa diamond, which means it contains little if any nitrogen and accounts for less than 2 percent of all diamonds.





In almost 250 years of auction history, only three pure vivid pink diamonds of over ten carats have appeared for sale, the auction house said.





“As large and rare colored diamonds of this caliber become increasingly hard to locate, this 16.08 carat Fancy Vivid pink diamond comes to market at a time when great gems are mirroring prices achieved for masterpieces in the world of fine art,” said Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewellery.