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.
More on Auctions
The Latest
SurveysJan 30, 2023
Consumers Embracing Non-Traditional Ways to Mark Valentine’s Day The NRF’s annual survey shows that consumer attitudes about how, or even whether, to celebrate Feb. 14 continue to evolve.
Events & AwardsJan 30, 2023
JA Is Searching for the Next Retail ’20 Under 40’ Nominations are open now through March 24.
MajorsJan 30, 2023
10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have MissedA column detailing how independent jewelers did last year and the top watch brands of 2022 were among the most-read stories last week.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
FinancialsJan 27, 2023
Tiffany & Co. Shines for LVMH in 2022Acquired in 2021, the brand’s high jewelry sales have doubled and its new “Lock” collection was an instant hit.
Weekly QuizJan 26, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
MajorsJan 27, 2023
Diamond Council of America Appoints Treasurer, Board MemberExecutives from Fred Meyer Jewelers and Riddles Jewelers have filled the roles.
CollectionsJan 27, 2023
Piece of the Week: Heavenly Vices’ Lock NecklaceThe Victorian-inspired design is a functional lock and key.
Brought to you by
De Beers Institute of Diamonds Expands to Offer Education De Beers is sharing over 130 years of experience and expertise through the De Beers Institute of Diamonds with a selection of courses.
Supplier BulletinJan 26, 2023
JA New York Spring Brings the Industry TogetherFor over 100 years, JA New York has played an integral role in facilitating the evolution of our industry, while also honoring past traditions.
TrendsJan 26, 2023
At Vicenzaoro, Paola De Luca Gazes Into Jewelry’s FutureThe trend forecaster and her guests explored unconventional jewelry designs, NFTs, AI art, and more during her Trendvision presentation.
CollectionsJan 26, 2023
NDC and Lorraine Schwartz Announce New ‘EDDI’ ClassThe Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative provides diamond credit and mentorship to young brands helmed by BIPOC designers.
IndependentsJan 26, 2023
Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Set to Open 10th StoreIt will be located in San Antonio’s Alamo Quarry Market and will be Lee Michaels’ third location in the city.
Policies & IssuesJan 26, 2023
Diamonds Do Good Names 10 to Board of DirectorsStephanie Gottlieb, Jewelers Mutual’s Mike Alexander, and Craig Rottenberg of Long’s Jewelers are among the new board members.
WatchesJan 25, 2023
These Were 2022’s Top-Selling Watch Brands, Chrono24 SaysRolex remained No. 1 while a brand known for its pilot watches slipped into the No. 5 spot.
MajorsJan 25, 2023
John Hardy Names New CEOLuxury retail executive Frédéric Levy has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsJan 25, 2023
Couture DAC Accepting Applications for Mentorship ProgramJewelry designers have until early February to apply to take part in Couture's Diversity Action Council program.
CollectionsJan 25, 2023
Stephanie Gottlieb Announces First President, CCO HireMorgan P. Richardson joins from La Perla.
Policies & IssuesJan 25, 2023
PGI’s New Portal Wants to Teach You About PlatinumThe new portal will share information on responsible platinum sourcing and how it’s used beyond jewelry.
SourcingJan 24, 2023
Tiffany Buys 35 of the Last Diamonds Recovered From Argyle Purchased directly from Rio Tinto, the collection consists of pinks, purples and one red, none larger than 1.52 carats.
ColumnistsJan 24, 2023
On Data: Here’s How Independent Jewelers Did in 2022 Sherry Smith breaks down retailers’ performance last year, including how natural diamonds fared vs. lab-grown.
GradingJan 24, 2023
GIA and AGS Launch Diamond Light Performance Supplement ReportThe AGS Ideal Report by GIA is a digital-only addition to GIA diamond reports.
MajorsJan 24, 2023
WJA Announces New International Board MembersThe seven newcomers include executives from David Yurman, De Beers, and GIA.
EditorsJan 23, 2023
Designers to Watch in 2023: Aurelia DemarkThe designer finds the modernity in classic motifs and family heirloom jewels.
Policies & IssuesJan 23, 2023
Melanie Grant Named Executive Director of RJC She has more than 20 years’ experience in watches and jewelry, and says sustainability is the “greatest single issue” facing the industry.
Policies & IssuesJan 23, 2023
AGTA Forms Committee to Standardize Industry ‘Sustainability’ TermsIts focus are words like “sustainability,” “ethics,” and “responsible sourcing.”
IndependentsJan 23, 2023
10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have MissedAnother “Designer to Watch” and Kim Kardashian’s auction purchase were among our most-read stories.
MajorsJan 20, 2023
Quality Gold Acquires Herco Herco President Reuven Itelman is retiring and selling the company, which will relocate to Ohio from California.
