Christie’s Presents ‘The Light Of Africa Diamond (Estimate: $11-18M)’

New York Magnificent Jewels | 8 June 2022.

Christie’s recently announced The Light of Africa Diamond (estimate: $11,000,000-18,000,000), which will lead the New York Magnificent Jewels sale on 8 June, as part of Christie’s Luxury Week.

The Light of Africa is a D-color, Flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 103.49 carats, with excellent polish and symmetry. It also belongs to the rare Type IIa category, which makes up less than 2% of all diamonds, making this one of the rarest and most valuable diamonds. Graded by the Gemological Institute of America, The Light of Africa is accompanied by a report from the GIA remarking on its classification as the pinnacle of the diamond pyramid.

The diamond was cut from a 299.3 carat rough, unearthed from The Cullinan Diamond Mine owned by Petra Diamonds. This important gemstone was mined, cut, and polished in South Africa. The Cullinan Diamond Mine has produced some of the most historic and sensational diamonds including the Great Star of Africa and the Second Star of Africa which are both parts of the British Crown Jewels set in the Sovereign’s Sceptre and the Imperial State Crown.

The Light of Africa Diamond will be revealed at Christie’s Geneva from 6 to 11 May, followed by a tour to Christie’s Hong Kong from 22 to 24 May, before returning to Christie’s New York and will be exhibited from 3-7 June.

Top 5 Colourless Diamonds Offered At Christie’s

1. A SENSATIONAL DIAMOND AND EMERALD NECKLACE, BY DE GRISOGONO
   A rectangular cut-cornered diamond, weighing approximately 163.41 carats
   Geneva Magnificent Jewels | 14 November 2017
   Price realised: US$ 33,701,000
   Price per carat: US$ 206,236
   AUCTION RECORD FOR A COLOURLESS DIAMOND
   
2. WINSTON LEGACY
   A pear-shaped diamond weighing approximately 101.73 carats
   Geneva Magnificent Jewels | 15 May 2013
   Price realised: US$ 26,737,914
   Price per carat: US$ 262,832
   
3. THE ARCHDUKE JOSEPH DIAMOND
   A cushion-shaped diamond weighing approximately 76.02 carats
   Geneva Magnificent Jewels | 13 November 2012
   Price realised: US$ 21,474,525
   Price per carat: US$ 282,485
   
4. LA LÉGENDE A DIAMOND AND CULTURED PEARL SAUTOIR NECKLACE, BY BOEHMER ET BASSENGE
   A heart-shaped diamond, weighing approximately 92.15 carats
   Geneva Magnificent Jewels | 17 May 2017
   Price realised: US$ 14,989,013
   Price per carat: US$ 162,659
   
5. A MAGNIFICENT DIAMOND
   A pear-shaped diamond weighing approximately 75.97 carats
   Geneva Magnificent Jewels | 14 May 2014
   Price realised: US$ 14,474,732
   Price per carat: US$ 190,532

Global Tour Dates And Location

Christie’s Geneva, Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues

6 May 10 am – 6 pm
7 May 10 am – 6 pm
8 May 10 am – 6 pm
9 May 10 am – 6 pm
10 May 10 am – 6 pm
11 May 10 am – 12 pm

Christie’s Hong Kong, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

22 May 10:30 am – 6 pm
23 May 12 pm – 8 pm
24 May 12 pm – 8 pm

Christie’s New York, 20 Rockefeller Plaza

3 June 10 am – 6 pm
4 June 10 am – 6 pm
5 June 12 pm – 5 pm
6 June 10 am – 6 pm
7 June 10 am – 6 pm

Christies

editor

Christie’s, the world's leading art business, had auction sales in the first half of 2019 that totalled £2.2 billion / $2.8 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and international expertise. Christie’s offers around 350 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectables, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery.