Auctions

Sotheby’s Selling 100-Carat Round Brilliant for Over $33M

AuctionsFeb 09, 2018

Sotheby’s Selling 100-Carat Round Brilliant for Over $33M

The D color, flawless diamond is available through private sale at the Sotheby’s Diamonds retail store in London.

20180209_Sothebys1.jpg
Sotheby’s told National Jeweler that the asking price for this 102.34-carat diamond is “considerably higher” than the amount garnered by Christie’s “The Art of De Grisogono, Creation I,” which sold for $33.7 million last year.

London--On the occasion of the first anniversary of the opening of Sotheby’s Diamonds, the auction house’s retail boutique on New Bond Street, Sotheby’s is unveiling a very rare diamond for sale.

It’s offering a 102.34-carat, Type IIa, D color, flawless, round brilliant diamond.

Sotheby’s said the GIA-graded stone is the largest round, D color, flawless diamond on record, and the only round brilliant over 100 carats with perfect color and clarity.

The auction house displayed the stone to the public Feb. 8 and 9 at the New Bond Street salon.

De Beers mined the original rough diamond, which weighed 425 carats, in Botswana about two years ago, then Diacore cut and polished the stone in Johannesburg and New York over a period of six months.

Though Sotheby’s isn’t publicly disclosing the exact asking price, a spokesperson for the auction house told National Jeweler it expects the diamond to sell for more than any of the seven diamonds over 100 carats sold at auction, of which Sotheby’s sold five.


Each of the seven loose diamonds over 100 carats that have been offered at auction were fancy-shaped stones. This stone set for sale at Sotheby’s retail store in London is the largest Type IIa, D color, flawless, round brilliant-cut diamond over 100 carats on record.

The most expensive of those stones was a 118.28-carat D color, flawless, Type IIa oval diamond that sold for $30.8 million, or $260,252 per carat, at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in October 2013. It currently holds the price-per-carat record for a colorless diamond at auction.

Sotheby’s said that the round will not only beat that price per carat, but also top the highest price paid for any diamond jewelry at auction, which stands at $33.7 million for De Grisogono’s “The Art of De Grisogono, Creation I,” auctioned at Christie’s last November. That necklace featured a 163.41-carat emerald-cut stone.

The asking price for this stone is “considerably higher,” Sotheby’s said.

Patti Wong, founder and chairman of Sotheby’s Diamonds, said: “This stone is over 100 carats of flawless perfection. In the course of my long career, which has brought me close to some of the greatest stones the earth has ever yielded, I have not encountered anything quite like this.

“With its outstanding weight, its perfect color, clarity and cut, it is a masterpiece of nature brought to life by human hand, blazing with a brilliant
firework-like display of almost every color on the spectrum—mesmerizing to behold. It is a huge privilege to mark the first anniversary of our London salon with the exhibition of such a superlative stone.”

Sotheby’s operates two other Sotheby’s Diamonds retail locations, one in New York and one in Hong Kong.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Cynthia Erivo, Zendaya, Lewis Hamilton at the Met Gala
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met Gala

Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.

Rendering of M.S. Rau pop-up shop in Aspen, Colorado
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen

M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.

Vhernier Calla necklace rose gold and ebony
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler Vhernier

The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.

Header image w logo.jpg
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a Tradeshow

Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.

The six Couture Luminaries designers 2024
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up Couture

The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.

Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
Models Wearing Venetian Link Bracelets and Necklaces
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New Collection

The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.

Jewelers of America logo
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler Scholarship

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.

national-jeweler-top-image-v1.jpg
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of Jewelers

Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.

Rolex and Hallmark logos
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark Application

The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.

Anglo American executive Benny Oeyen
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen

The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.

Opening of Malabar Gold & Diamonds store in Naperville Illinois
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. Showroom

The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.

Ben Bridge Jeweler Logo
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate Scholarship

It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.

Mug shots of murder suspects Michael McCormack and Charles Robinson Shay
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado Jeweler

Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.

Five Platinum Pieces
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight Program

PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.

Kristie Nicolosi
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board Again

Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.

Karina Brez Bit of LUV Bracelet
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the Derby

Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.

Stock image of handcuffs and gavel
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian Families

The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.

Horizon Campaign Collage
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection

“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.

Pandora jewelry
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1

The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.

Glenn Lewis
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68

The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.

Harwell Godfrey
IndependentsMay 01, 2024
Harwell Godfrey Opens First Store

It is located in Marin County, California.

Woman holding a dress
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in April

Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.

Syna emerald earrings
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on Emeralds

May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.

Jacqui Larsson Looking at a Diamond
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director

Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

Tiffany Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste Wings Pendant
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue Book

The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.

Zales 100th Anniversary Marketing Campaign
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New Campaign

The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy