AuctionsApr 28, 2022
15-Carat Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Sells for $57.5MAuctionsMay 04, 2022
The 103-Carat ‘Light of Africa’ Diamond Could Sell for $18M
It will lead the Christie’s New York jewelry auction in June.
The 103.49-carat D color, flawless, Type IIa diamond called “The Light of Africa” could sell for as much as $18 million at auction in June.
New York—There’s another big diamond hitting the auction block, and this one could sell for as much as $18 million.
Christie’s has unveiled “The Light of Africa,” a D-color, flawless, Type IIa emerald-cut diamond weighing 103.49 carats estimated to sell for $11 million-$18 million when it goes up for auction next month.
It was cut from a 299.3-carat piece of rough, uncovered by Petra Diamonds at the storied Cullinan diamond mine in January 2021.
The miner said the stone was the third-largest high-quality white diamond recovered at Cullinan since it acquired its stake in 2008.
Petra sold the diamond to Dubai-based Stargems in March 2021 for $12.18 million.
The diamond’s source mine, Cullinan in South Africa, has produced some of the most significant diamonds in history, including the Great Star of Africa and the Second Star of Africa, both of which are part of the British Crown Jewels set in the Sovereign’s Scepter and the Imperial State Crown.
The Light of Africa will be unveiled at Christie’s Geneva from May 6 to 11, then travel to Christie’s Hong Kong from May 22 to 24, and finally land at Christie’s New York for exhibition from June 3 to 7.
The diamond will lead the New York Magnificent Jewels sale on June 8 as part of Christie’s Luxury Week.
The notable sale will follow shortly after that of the largest white diamond to ever appear at auction.
“The Rock,” a 228.31-carat G-color, VS1 clarity pear-shaped diamond, is expected to sell for between $20 million and $30 million at the Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale on May 11.
Related stories will be right here …
Christie’s has unveiled “The Light of Africa,” a D-color, flawless, Type IIa emerald-cut diamond weighing 103.49 carats estimated to sell for $11 million-$18 million when it goes up for auction next month.
It was cut from a 299.3-carat piece of rough, uncovered by Petra Diamonds at the storied Cullinan diamond mine in January 2021.
The miner said the stone was the third-largest high-quality white diamond recovered at Cullinan since it acquired its stake in 2008.
Petra sold the diamond to Dubai-based Stargems in March 2021 for $12.18 million.
The diamond’s source mine, Cullinan in South Africa, has produced some of the most significant diamonds in history, including the Great Star of Africa and the Second Star of Africa, both of which are part of the British Crown Jewels set in the Sovereign’s Scepter and the Imperial State Crown.
The Light of Africa will be unveiled at Christie’s Geneva from May 6 to 11, then travel to Christie’s Hong Kong from May 22 to 24, and finally land at Christie’s New York for exhibition from June 3 to 7.
The diamond will lead the New York Magnificent Jewels sale on June 8 as part of Christie’s Luxury Week.
The notable sale will follow shortly after that of the largest white diamond to ever appear at auction.
“The Rock,” a 228.31-carat G-color, VS1 clarity pear-shaped diamond, is expected to sell for between $20 million and $30 million at the Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale on May 11.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
SurveysOct 09, 2026
These Will Be the 10 Busiest Days for In-Store Shopping This Holiday SeasonStores should expect to see the most customers on Nov. 27, and Christmas week is expected to be hectic too, as Dec. 25 falls on a Friday.
CollectionsOct 09, 2026
Elisa Solomon Collabs With Serendipity 3 on ‘Frozen Hot Chocolate’ CharmThe charm, our Piece of the Week, features brown diamond frozen hot chocolate topped with white diamond whipped cream and a ruby straw.
WatchesOct 09, 2026
Movado to Sell Majority Stake in Ebel for $66.5MThe watch company agreed to sell a 95 percent interest to a group comprised of F.P. Journe, Chanel, and Swiss watch exec Pierre Jacques.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
Policies & IssuesOct 08, 2026
Third Wave of IEEPA Tariff Refunds Begins This round of tariff refunds is for importers that have sued over IEEPA tariffs in the Court of International Trade and won.
Weekly QuizOct 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsOct 08, 2026
Brent Neale’s New Collection Goes ‘Back to Basics’It revisits the brand’s most requested silhouettes, from "Pillow"-set necklaces and bracelets to "Signature"-set rings and earrings.
SourcingOct 08, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair Heads Back to BrooklynThe trade-only event includes buying opportunities as well as educational sessions on artisanal mining, the new Paraíba source, and more.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsOct 08, 2026
Pattons Fine Jewelry Sweeps Local Design ContestAra Chanakian, a jeweler at Pattons, took home top honors in every category at Jewelers of Louisiana’s annual jewelry design competition.
Supplier BulletinOct 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Helps Jewelers Turn Custom Design into a Hands-On Selling ExperienceSponsored by Overnight Mountings
Policies & IssuesOct 07, 2026
The Plumb Club Amplifies Its Voice as Geopolitical Pressures MountThe supplier organization recently joined JA and JVC to have more input on political issues affecting the jewelry industry.
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
Blue Nile, Royal Asscher Collection Highlights Natural Diamond BeautyBlue Nile, a Signet Jewelers-owned brand, is now Royal Asscher’s exclusive licensed retailer in North America.
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
4 Standout Pieces in Audemars Piguet’s First High Jewelry Collection “Royal Oak” pays homage to the brand’s most popular watch model using 18-karat gold as well as diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.
MajorsOct 07, 2026
Empire Safe & Vault Promotes Juan Morales to CEOAs part of the transition, Joseph Nicosia has stepped into the role of COO.
SourcingOct 07, 2026
AGTA Extends Deadline for 2026 Spectrum Awards EntriesParticipants now have until Oct. 14 to complete their submissions.
CrimeOct 06, 2026
6 Charged in Connection to String of New Jersey Smash-and-GrabsThe alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.
ColumnistsOct 06, 2026
Sherry Smith: Is the Consumer Really Trading Up?Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.
SourcingOct 06, 2026
DDG Taps Influencers for ‘My Diamond Does Good’ CampaignIn the new consumer-facing campaign, four fashion and lifestyle creators share the stories behind their natural diamond pieces.
MajorsOct 06, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names COO, CMOFGI President John Orrico is also leaving the company after more than 13 years.
Events & AwardsOct 06, 2026
JIS Fall Returns to MiamiThe 2026 edition will feature presentations on alternative materials and design trends, as well as pop-up activations on the show floor.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho KuéIt is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner AuctionThese jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.
CollectionsOct 05, 2026
Sorellina Writes Another Love Letter for ‘Postscript’ CollectionThe fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO BoardThe AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in VietnamThe new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
