Gem Diamonds’ Letšeng mine yields 212 carat stone

Africa focused miner Gem Diamonds has found yet another big precious stone at its prolific Letšeng mine in Lesotho, the third greater than 100 carat diamond mined in September.

The 212.91 carat Type II white diamond was recovered on September 19th, the company said on Monday. It is the thirteenth diamond over 100-carat unearthed this year at the operation, it noted.

Type IIa diamonds are the most valued and collectable precious gemstones, as they contain either very little or no nitrogen atoms in their crystal structure.

The Letšeng mine, owned 70% by Gem Diamonds, is one of the world’s ten largest diamond operations by revenue. At 3,100 metres (10,000 feet) above sea level, it is also one of the world’s most elevated diamond mines.

The operation has a track record of producing large, exceptional white diamonds, which makes it the highest-dollar-per-carat kimberlite diamond mine in the world.

Source: DCLA

Sotheby’s to Sell 81ct. Flawless Diamond

A flawless white diamond with a high estimate of $19 million will feature in Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction in Hong Kong next months.

The emerald cut, 80.88 carat, D color, type IIa stone is valued at $12.8 million to $19.1 million USD, and is one of only five emerald cut diamonds over 80 carats offered in auction history, Sotheby’s said Monday.

A 10.64 carat, fancy vivid purplish pink, internally flawless diamond, polished as a radiant cut, with the outline of an emerald cut, is set to go under the hammer at the October 7 sale for $19.1 million to $25.5 million. The auction house will also feature a necklace by designer Anna Hu, containing a 100.02-carat, fancy intense yellow diamond, estimated at $5.1 million to $6.4 million.

“It is thrilling to be able to bring together three top class diamonds this autumn, all of which are exceptional in quality and rarely seen on the market, let alone presented in a single sale,” said Yvonne Chu, acting head of Sotheby’s Hong Kong jewelry division. “We are set for a bright season ahead.”

Also up for auction are an 11.88 carat, pigeon’s blood Burmese ruby and diamond ring, mounted by designer Raymond Yard and valued at $5.6 million to $8.2 million, and a jadeite bead necklace with a diamond clasp, estimated at $3.2 million to $4.1 million.

Other notable items include a 19th century 37.29 carat sapphire and diamond brooch. The piece, which Richard Burton gave to Elizabeth Taylor during their marriage, has a presale estimate of $1.7 million to $2.3 million.

Sotheby’s will showcase the pieces throughout Asia before the auction.

Source: DCLA

Sotheby’s to Sell 81ct. Flawless Diamond

A flawless white diamond with a high estimate of $19 million will feature in Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction in Hong Kong next months.

The emerald cut, 80.88 carat, D color, type IIa stone is valued at $12.8 million to $19.1 million USD, and is one of only five emerald cut diamonds over 80 carats offered in auction history, Sotheby’s said Monday.

A 10.64 carat, fancy vivid purplish pink, internally flawless diamond, polished as a radiant cut, with the outline of an emerald cut, is set to go under the hammer at the October 7 sale for $19.1 million to $25.5 million. The auction house will also feature a necklace by designer Anna Hu, containing a 100.02-carat, fancy intense yellow diamond, estimated at $5.1 million to $6.4 million.

“It is thrilling to be able to bring together three top class diamonds this autumn, all of which are exceptional in quality and rarely seen on the market, let alone presented in a single sale,” said Yvonne Chu, acting head of Sotheby’s Hong Kong jewelry division. “We are set for a bright season ahead.”

Also up for auction are an 11.88 carat, pigeon’s blood Burmese ruby and diamond ring, mounted by designer Raymond Yard and valued at $5.6 million to $8.2 million, and a jadeite bead necklace with a diamond clasp, estimated at $3.2 million to $4.1 million.

Other notable items include a 19th century 37.29 carat sapphire and diamond brooch. The piece, which Richard Burton gave to Elizabeth Taylor during their marriage, has a presale estimate of $1.7 million to $2.3 million.

Sotheby’s will showcase the pieces throughout Asia before the auction.

Source: DCLA