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AuctionsJun 10, 2016
‘Cullinan Dream’ Garners $25 Million at Christie’s
The 24.18-carat fancy intense blue diamond went for approximately $1 million per carat Thursday at Christie’s, falling within its pre-sale estimate.
The 24.18-carat fancy intense blue diamond dubbed the “Cullinan Dream” was the largest fancy intense blue diamond offered at auction when it hit the block Thursday, according to Christie’s.
New York--The 24.18-carat fancy intense blue diamond dubbed the “Cullinan Dream” sold for $25.4 million at Christie’s Thursday, falling within its pre-sale estimate of $23 to $28 million.
Flanked by baguette-cut diamonds totaling 2.36 carats, the stone now is the largest, most expensive fancy intense blue diamond offered at auction, according to Christie’s.
The Gemological Institute of America determined the diamond to be Type IIB and of VS2 clarity.
It is the largest of four blue diamonds cut from a 122.52-carat piece of rough discovered at the Cullinan mine in South Africa in 2014.
The Cullinan Dream led the Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale held Thursday in New York, which totaled $42.2 million.
Other top lots included an oval brilliant-cut diamond weighing approximately 52.76 carats and mounted in platinum that went for $2 million; a ring set with a cut-cornered square modified brilliant-cut fancy intense yellow diamond of 51.06 carats selling for $1.6 million; and platinum ear pendants, each featuring a cushion brilliant-cut diamond weighing approximately 21.21 and 20.80 carats, garnering $1.3 million.
A full list of results can be found on Christies.com.
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