Sotheby’s Is Offering 2 Diamonds Weighing More Than 100 Carats
“The Juno Diamond” and “The Earth Star” lead the June 16 Magnificent Jewels auction.
“The Juno Diamond” is a Type IIa, 101.41-carat, D-color, internally flawless pear-shaped diamond. Sotheby’s estimates it will sell for more than $10 million.
From “an important private collection,” according to Sotheby’s, The Juno Diamond is named for the Roman goddess of light and fertility.
Only 11 diamonds weighing over 100 carats have hit the auction block, Sotheby’s said, and it has sold seven of them.
Recently, “The Rock,” a 228-carat diamond, garnered nearly $22 million at Christie’s Geneva. It ranks as the fifth most expensive white or colorless diamond to sell at auction.
The most expensive was “The Art of De Grisogono, Creation I,” which earned $33.7 million at Christie’s Geneva in 2017. That stone weighed 163.41 carats.
Not content to be upstaged by the colorless stone, Sotheby’s is also offering a fancy deep orange-brown diamond with a unique setting.
Weighing 111.59 carats, the auction house said “The Earth Star” is the second-largest cut and polished brown diamond to come to auction, and one of only three such stones weighing over 100 carats to ever go up on the block.
The stone made an appearance in the 1968 tome “Famous Diamonds” by Lord Ian Balfour.
The rough version—weighing 248 carats—was discovered the year before in South Africa at the Jagersfontein mine.
Jagersfontein wasn’t known to produce brown diamonds or diamonds of that size. The stone came from 2,500 feet below the surface, deeper than is typical for such a large diamond.
The Baumgold brothers in New York cut and polished the stone into its current pear shape and named it The Earth Star for its brilliance.
In 1983, it sold for close to $1 million and has remained in private ownership until now.
Sotheby’s is offering the diamond without reserve, estimating it will sell for between $1.5 million and $2.5 million.
It is the largest diamond the David Webb workshop in New York City has ever mounted. The company set it into a pendant with azurmalachite, diamonds, and gold, emphasizing its origin beneath the Earth’s surface.
The Sotheby’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale is set for June 16.
Other highlights include a Type IIa, 26.06-carat diamond, D-color, VVS1 clarity, emerald-cut diamond set in a ring by Kwiat ($2 million-$3 million); a pair of sapphire and diamond ear clips; ($2 million-$3 million); and a Cartier emerald and diamond necklace ($1.5 million-$2.5 million).
All lots are available for viewing online.
The Latest
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
The retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.
The limited-edition men’s rings can be customized with one of 12 team logos.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
The program, now live in Europe, will roll out to the U.S. this summer.
Colored gemstones and signed jewels are the focus of its upcoming Geneva sale.