13-Carat Pink Diamond Pulled from Jewelry Auction Allegedly Stolen
It’s believed to be part of a $90 million scheme perpetrated by a man who billed himself as a psychic online.
Christie’s unveiled the 13.15-carat, VVS1/potentially internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond ring in mid-November, billing it as a highlight of the Dec. 6 Magnificent Jewels auction in New York.
It had a pre-sale estimate of between $25 million and $35 million.
Not long after its debut, the diamond was pulled from the auction. Christie’s confirmed the stone’s withdrawal to National Jeweler but did not offer any further explanation or comment.
Recently, reports have been emerging about the diamond’s history and why it was withdrawn.
According to court documents first uncovered by Court Watch, the diamond allegedly was stolen from an unnamed wealthy individual who lives in Doha, Qatar.
An employee of this individual contacted a man named John Lee, who had advertised himself as a psychic online.
The employee sent Lee some of their jewelry to have it “cleansed of bad spirits.”
When said employee’s jewelry was returned but they were still experiencing “bad feelings,” Lee encouraged the employee to send him some of the employer’s jewelry for cleansing, court documents state.
The employee removed jewels from their employer’s safe and sent them to Lee at addresses in Davenport, Florida, and Paramus, New Jersey.
In addition to the large pink diamond, jewels shipped to the “psychic” included an approximately 42-carat white diamond, as well as two large yellow diamonds, according to court documents.
Instead of returning the jewelry, Lee allegedly sold the goods to a jeweler.
The pink diamond then showed up at auction, where it was recognized and eventually identified as a stolen diamond belonging to the wealthy Qatari.
Agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security were present at a private viewing in which the diamond was identified and “took immediate possession of the stone, as it was readily apparent the diamond was stolen property,” according to court documents.
Christie’s didn’t respond to National Jeweler’s request for comment on the case by press time but confirmed to Rapaport it had cooperated with the authorities.
According to the court documents, at least 17 gems and jewels valued at more than $90 million have been identified as stolen as part of this alleged psychic’s scheme.
Lee is being charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen goods.
The Latest
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.