Billed as the world’s most expensive Barbie, the doll, designed by Stefano Canturi was sold at auction for $302,000.
The Australian jewelry designer spent four weeks working on the doll. It is adorned with a diamond collar necklace made of three carats of white diamonds centered by a 1-ct. emerald cut fancy vivid pink diamond.
Bill Jordan Pope, recognized for his pioneering contributions in the development of synthetic diamond manufacturing for multiple industries from oil and gas drilling to diamond-coated hip joints, died Tuesday afternoon at his home in Springville, Utah, from natural causes. He was 88
As a renowned scientist who helped found three Utah companies, he was awarded the Utah Governor's Silver Medal Award for science and technology. As a chemical engineering professor and business mentor at Brigham Young University for 20 years, he inspired hundreds of aspiring business leaders.
Mr. Pope was extremely active in business development in Utah where he served as president of MegaDiamond, US Synthetic and Dimicron, all involving the manufacturing and use of synthetic diamonds.
"Bill's accomplishments in the synthetic diamond industry are legendary," said Terry Kane, executive director, Industrial Diamond Association of America. "There are many that have admired and will continue to admire his tremendous work and great innovations for generations to come. He will be greatly missed."
In 1966, Mr. Pope partnered with fellow Brigham Young University professor Duane Horton and Howard Tracy Hall, the first person to produce diamond from carbon using a verifiable and reproducible process, to form Megadiamond, a company that manufactures diamond products for industrial applications.
In 1972, he and his son Louis founded US Synthetic, which manufactures diamond inserts for applications in down-hole drilling tools. In 1998, he founded Dimicron Inc., which makes orthopedic parts for humans out of a diamond and metal composite called Poly-crystalline Diamond Compact.
"As one of the founding fathers of US Synthetic, Bill Pope had a profound influence on the people around him, the business, science and entire HPHT diamond industry," said Rob Galloway, president and CEO of the Orem, Utah based company. "We owe Bill a great debt of gratitude for his fortitude and unquenchable enthusiasm and support for our continued success."
Mr. Pope was active in civic affairs-serving in numerous leadership positions that saw him receive awards and honors including: Utah Valley University's Excellence in Ethics Award, the Freedom Festival's Pioneer of Progress Award, and the Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum's Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
His philanthropic generosity was known to both BYU and the University of Utah, where the Science Building is named in his honor and perpetual scholarships at both universities have been established. The Center for Humanitarian Outreach and Intercultural Exchange twice honored Mr. Pope with the Helping Hands Award. And the Provo and Orem Chamber of Commerce recognized Mr. Pope with the Arthur Watkins Award for Businessman of the Year. Mr. Pope has served in numerous volunteer positions in his community and church including bishop, stake president, and regional representative.
Mr. Pope received engineering degrees from the UVU and a PhD from the University of Washington. He received an honorary Doctorate Degree in Business from Utah Valley University. The alumni at BYU also honored Mr. Pope with Emeriti Award for his contributions to the community.
Two video tributes follow:
Mr. Pope is survived by his wife Margaret McConkie Pope, his son Louis and wife Chriss, his daughter Leslie and husband Alan Layton, his daughter Kathryn and husband David Paxman, his daughter Patrice and husband Wayne Tew, 28 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held December 4 at the Hobble Creek Stake Center in Springville. Condolences may be sent to the family through the Berg Mortuary of Provo.
The bridal boutique is featured on the web site's home page (www.diamondintherough.com) as a section with a selection of original solitaire natural rough diamond ring designs. Each ring features a natural rough diamond center stone with micro pave diamond accents. Micro pave diamond bands in 18k yellow and pink gold and platinum. Natural rough diamond bands are available to complement engagement rings or celebrate anniversaries. On average, the collection ranges from $3,500-$10,000 retail, with special pieces more than $10,000. Bands start at $2,000 retail.
Diamond in the Rough launched its bridal collection o the fall of 2009. It has an assortment of shades—such as champagne, rose, cognac, white and black in shiny to more opaque textures. Each ring is hand-crafted and designed around a natural rough diamond.
The miniature crown worn by Queen Victoria for her official diamond jubilee portrait in 1897.
For those of you still brimming with joy from the pomp and majesty of the royal wedding there will be another royal celebration next year.
In February 2012, Queen Elizabeth II will become only the second sovereign in British history to have reigned for 60 years. To mark the occasion, Buckingham Palace will host an exhibit of the many ways in which diamonds have been used and worn by British monarchs over the past two centuries. The exhibition includes an unprecedented display of a number of the queen’s personal jewels—either inherited or acquired during her reign.
The exhibition titled, “Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration,” presented by The Royal Collection, will coincide with the 2012 summer opening of Buckingham Palace. It will be held in August and September of 2012. Final dates have yet to be confirmed. It is one of several exhibitions celebrating the queen’s diamond jubilee.
Queen Victoria is the only other British monarch to celebrate a diamond jubilee. The exhibition will include the coronation necklace and earrings created for Victoria and subsequently worn by Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and the current queen at their coronations. The necklace is formed of 25 graduated cushion-shaped brilliant-cut diamonds and a central drop-shaped pendant of 22.48 cts.
Other items to be displayed include:
Queen Victoria’s fringe brooch, which was designed to be worn along the top of the fashionably low-cut bodices of the period. It consists of a large emerald-cut brilliant diamonds surrounded by twelve large brilliants, from which are suspended nine diamond chains. It was made in October 1856 by R & S Garrard, who remodeled an existing piece of jewelry and added the stones that had been presented to the Queen by the Sultan of Turkey, Abdul Mejid I, in May that year. It was left to King Edward VII and often worn by his consort, Queen Alexandra. The Queen Mother wore the brooch for the coronation in 1953.
The miniature crown worn by Queen Victoria for her official diamond jubilee portrait in 1897 (top picture), by R & S Garrard in 1870. It was designed to be worn over a veil, which the queen adopted following the death of Prince Albert. The crown’s 1,187 diamonds give it a grandeur that belies its tiny proportions (3.54 inches by 3.94 inches). Probably because of its physical lightness, Queen Victoria favored this crown over any other throughout the last 30 years of her life.
The “Girls of Great Britain Tiara,” a wedding present to Princess Victoria Mary of Teck (later Queen Mary) on behalf of the “Girls of Great Britain and Ireland.” The tiara was presented to the queen as a wedding present and is still frequently worn her.
The exhibition also includes a number of historic objects to show the skill and ingenuity with which diamonds have been used in different cultures and traditions. They include the 18th century bloodstone snuff box made for King Frederick the Great of Prussia. The box incorporates nearly 3,000 diamonds arranged pictorially to represent flowers, insects and musical instruments.
For tickets and visitor information, go to www.royalcollection.org.uk or call +44 (0)20 7766 7300.
Bollywood star Raima Sen unveils Luxury ATM in Mumbai.
Why accept money from an ATM when you can get diamond jewelry, gold or silver?
A company in India has built what it says is the world’s first machine that dispenses gold, silver, diamond jewelry and religious jewelry.
The Gitanjali Group, the machine’s creator, is calling it an ATM, but I think a vending machine would also be an apt description. These types of machines have been vending gold at certain places around the world for the past few years. But this is the first such machine that also dispenses other precious metals and jewelry.
The first ATM was recently placed at a Mumbai shopping center and introduced with a ceremony featuring a Bollywood star Raima Sen (pictured).
The machine dispenses gold and silver bars, coins, pendants with religious motifs and a range of diamond-studded jewelry. The convenience of this machine will especially come in handy for those last-minute gifts, the company said.
“It has a particular significance in India, where usually such items are purchased as tokens to observe traditions on auspicious days,” Sanjeev Agarwal, CEO, Gitanjali Export Corp. Ltd., said in a statement. “But it also offers choices for occasions like Valentine’s Day, or to a husband who forgot an anniversary or his wife’s birthday”
The ATM uses a touch screen interface and provides consumers a mix of up to 36 options in different sizes, price points and designs across the precious metals and jewelry categories. This may include coins in various grams, pendants with religious motifs, and heart shaped pendants and diamond studded pendants. Prices range from about $20 to $610. Credit and debit cards are accepted.
The ATM is a part of a larger “Go for Gold” umbrella brand initiative created by Gitanjali to promote the purchase of gold—whether in the form of jewelry or coins/bars—and focus attention on the company’s gold products.
It is appropriate that it is the Gitanjali Group that is introducing this ATM concept. The Mumbai-based company is the world’s largest integrated branded diamond jewelry manufacturer. It is one of India’s largest manufacturer of diamonds and diamond and gold jewelry. It has close to 40 brands in several categories, including lifestyle, watches and 19 jewelry brands. Most of its brands use a Bollywood star for its advertising and marketing. Many of its brands are retailed through company-owned branded stores. The company recently acquired several Italian jewelry and watch manufacturers that it has incorporated into its branded marketing concept. It also owns retail chains in the U.S.
The ATM seems to be just one more creative way for the company to sell its many products.
The Israeli Diamond Industry reports that it concluded 2011 with double-digit growth in exports and imports. This was achieved despite a slowdown in activity reported in the global diamond industry in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Israel’s total net polished diamond exports increased 23.5 percent in 2011 over 2010, reaching $7.2 billion. Net exports of rough diamonds rose 14.9 percent for the year to $3.5 billion. Net imports of polished diamonds in 2011 jumped 34.7 percent to 5.7 billion while net imports of rough diamonds were up 17.5 percent over 2010 to $4.4 billion.
The United States remained Israel’s major export market for polished diamonds, with 39 percent of the total. This was followed by Hong Kong 26 percent, Switzerland 6 percent, India 5 percent, United Kingdom 3 percent and the rest of the world 21 percent.
Net polished exports to the US stood at $2.8 billion, Hong Kong $1.9 billion, Switzerland $420 million, India $341 million and the UK $205 million.
“The year 2011 began with record growth in the first three quarters in all parameters, balanced out to some degree by a worldwide slowdown later in the year,” said Moti Ganz, Israel Diamond Institute chairman. “In 2011 we have exceeded our polished diamond export figures of 2007, which stood at $7.1 billion before the start of the economic crisis. This is clear testimony to the strength and vitality of the Israeli Diamond Industry.”
The Beny Steinmetz Group, will soon issue an initial public offering for its Koidu diamond mine in Sierra Leone, according to the Financial Times and other reports.
The privately held natural resources company will issue its float on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in later half of 2012 through a spinoff company called Octea, which serves as the holding company for the mine, according to the report. It will attempt to raise $400 million to $600 million and achieve a valuation of $2 billion to $3 billion.
BSG reportedly says the mine is expected to produce 500,000 carats this year and buyers of the its diamonds include Tiffany & Co.
It’s the latest attempt to take advantage of rising diamond demand in Asia along with dwindling supply. The Oppenheimer family, which owned a major stake in De Beers, sold out to its partner Anglo America for $5.1 billion. Russian diamond mining giant Alrosa is also reportedly attempting a listing. Other investment vehicles are being developed by luxury retailer Harry Winston, which has a 40-percent stake in the Diavik Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories of Canada, diamond dealer Martin Rapaport, who is known for his Rap Diamond Price List, and Clive Cowdery, the founder of the U.K. insurance company, Resolution.
This float also highlights the dramatic changes of the diamond mining industry in the west African country. In the 1990s, the illicit use diamond mines were used by rebel groups to fund the attempted overthrow of the government and commit atrocities on its citizens, including mass murder, mutilations and virtual slavery in the diamond mines. It eventually led to ban of diamonds from the country.
The fact that Tiffany, which prides itself on being a good corporate citizen, is now sourcing diamonds from the mine showcases the international effort to end the abuse of the illicit diamond trade and its ability to bring stability to the country.
The De Beers Group said Friday that total sales increased 26 percent year-over-year to $7.4 billion. Sales of rough diamonds by the Diamond Trading Company, the company’s the rough diamond sales and distribution arm, increased 27 percent for the year to $6.5 billion—the second highest level of sales for the diamond giant. Diamond prices for 2011 rose 29 percent as diamond production fell 5 percent to 31.3 million carats, compared with 2010.
EBITDA for the year increased 21 percent to $1.7 billion with third party debt reduced to $1.3 billion, compared with $1.8 billion in 2010.
De Beers described 2011 as “a year of two halves.” The first “saw exceptional consumer demand growth which, when coupled with lower than historical levels of global diamond production, resulted in very strong polished and rough diamond price growth,” the South African-based company said. “Rough diamond prices in this period included an element of speculative buying in the trading centers.”
However, in the second half of the year demand fell as “both retail and cutting center sentiment was impacted by the challenging macro-economic environment, restricted liquidity (particularly in dollars) in the cutting centers and a slowdown in the rate of growth of consumer demand at retail,” the company said.
De Beers Diamond Jewellers, a diamond jewelry retail venture with LVMH, reported “good growth” in sales across all regions, with greater China particularly strong. “The China opportunity is a priority for De Beers, with further 2012 expansion plans following the opening of stores in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian and a second Hong Kong store in 2011,” the company said.
De Beers Forevermark diamond brand continued its expansion as it entered India and the U.S. during the second half of the year. Forevermark is now available in 658 retail doors across nine markets, an increase of 89 percent compared with 2010.
In its outlook, De Beers said that despite economic uncertainty and “barring a global economic shock,” it expects “to see continued growth in global diamond jewelry sales, albeit at lower levels than the exceptional 2011 growth,” driven by luxury goods sales, improving sentiment in the US (the largest diamond jewelry market), continued growth in China, and “the positive impact of the 2011 polished price growth on retail jewelry prices.”
On the production side, the company said it does not expect an increase in diamond carat production in 2012 and that it will “ramp-up profitable carat production as Sightholder demand dictates. In the medium to longer term, the industry fundamentals remain positive with consumer demand, fueled by the emerging markets of China and India, outpacing what will likely be level carat production.”
This should be the last time in the 80-plus-year history of De Beers that it will file an annual report under the ownership of the Oppenheimer family. On November 4, 2011, the family agreed to sell its 40 percent interest of De Beers to its main partner, Anglo American, for $5.1 billion in cash. The transaction is expected to close during the second half of 2012.
On Wednesday, De Beers named Gareth Mostyn as its new CFO and board member.
Britain's Royal Family released an official Diamond Jubilee portrait of Queen Elizabeth adorned with jewelry from The Royal Collection in honor of her 60th anniversary as Britain’s Monarch.
The Queen is wearing the State Diadem (crown), a circlet of diamonds, created in 1820. She wears this during the procession to and from the State Opening of Parliament, and she wore it on her Coronation Day, for the procession to Westminster Abbey.
The Queen is also wearing Queen Victoria’s Collet Necklace which has been worn by five generations of Royal Ladies (Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and the present Queen). Queen Victoria (The Queen’s great-great grandmother) wore this necklace for her own official Diamond Jubilee photograph, issued in 1897.
On the blue Garter Riband (or sash) The Queen is wearing the Royal Family Orders of her grandfather, King George V, and father, King George VI.
Her dress is made of white silk, satin and lace with silver colored sequins. The dress has a flowing scalloped edge, and was created in Buckingham Palace by Miss Angela Kelly. In the background is the Queen Victoria Memorial.
The portrait was taken by John Swannell in the Centre Room in Buckingham Palace in December 2011. It is one of two commissioned Diamond Jubilee photographs of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh that were released Sunday.
“This is the third time I’ve had the pleasure of photographing Her Majesty, and I always find these events very exciting,” Swannell said. “The Queen and Prince Philip, I thought, were patient and very relaxed on the day, which I hope is reflected in the photographs.”
Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne of Great Britain on Feb. 6, 1952, upon the death of her father King George VI. She is only the second monarch to celebrate diamond jubilee of her reign.
Toronto-based jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia was recently honored as a winner of the Rio Tinto Diamonds Global Design Competition for her “Canoe” diamond necklace. It will be among winning designs that will be showcased at the annual Academy Awards 2012 with a chance to be selected and worn on the red carpet by Hollywood’s elite.
Set in 18K white gold, with 28.96 carats of Canadian diamonds, Ahluwalia said the necklace was inspired by a poetic image of the magical Canadian landscape and its pristine white winters. It captures a snapshot of a snow covered canoe in a frozen crystalline lake.
“Celebrating the magic and beauty of Canada, my home, is the inspiration for my design,” she said. “Canoe is a carrier of Canadian myths, a symbol very unique to Canada that represents voyage, harmony with nature, discovery and courage. It is one of the greatest gifts the First Nations people gave to all those who came after.”
Reena Ahluwalia with her trophy.
After receiving a record number of entries from around the globe, a panel of judges from the U.S. jewelry and fashion industries gathered in New York to select nine winners in four categories: Ahluwalia, received the Master Craftsman award in the Canadian Diamonds category.
The necklace comes together with two diamond-studded links embracing the neck that represent the fluidity of lake. Irregular intersecting lines, studded with Ideal Square cut diamonds depict the chunks of floating ice. The necklace culminates into a canoe shaped element. “Canoe” has an angled faceted interior,
“I wanted the diamonds to reflect on the opposite facets for a dramatic shine and create an icy crystalline look,” Ahluwalia said.
Crossworks Manufacturing Ltd., a manufacturer of branded Canadian diamonds, collaborated with Ahluwalia, sponsored manufacturing and provided Canadian diamonds for the necklace.
Exports of gems and jewelry from India are expected to rise 5 to 7 percent in 2012/13, a slower pace than the prior year than the estimated 9 percent growth in 2011/12 that ends in March, as sourcing of rough diamonds and color stones is the "biggest constraint," Rajiv Jain, chairman of Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, reportedly said.
Jain expects gems and jewelry exports from India to rise to $47 billion in the 2012 fiscal year, Reuters reports.
India, the largest diamond manufacturing center in the world, does not mine diamonds of its own. It depends on raw materials from Botswana, Zambia and South Africa among others for supply.
"Every mining country wants to process diamonds and color stones in their home country and increase employment there," Jain reportedly said.
Gems and jewelry amounts to 17 percent of India's total exports, and employs 1.5 million workers.
Jain reportedly said the council was focusing on Latin American countries and Commonwealth of Independent States, along with China, to promote jewelry from India, but will take time for substantial increase in the market share, Reuters reports.
The Beau Sancy is expected to fetch $2 to $4 million.
Photo credit: AFP - Getty Images
A celebrated 35-carat diamond that has passed through European royalty for hundreds of years will be sold at auction during Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels on May 15 in Geneva—on the second day of a two-day sale.
The international auction house says the Beau Sancy is one of the most important historic diamonds ever to come to auction. Passed down through the Royal Families of France, England, Prussia and the House of Orange, the celebrated diamond has witness of 400 years of European history. Weighing 34.98 carats, the modified pear double rose cut diamond comes to the market with an estimate price of $2 to $4 million.
“The Beau Sancy is one of the most fascinating and romantic gems ever to appear at auction and it is an immense privilege for Sotheby’s to handle the sale,” said David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery Department in Europe and the Middle East and co-chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland
Acquired by Nicolas de Harlay, Lord of Sancy (1546-1629), in Constantinople in the mid to late 1500s, the Beau Sancy is most likely to have originated from the mines in southcentral India near the city of Golconda, the source of history’s best-known diamonds, including the Hope, the Koh-i-Noor and the Regent. In 1604, the Beau Sancy was purchased by Henri IV of France and gifted to his wife, Marie de Medici. It was mounted atop the crown she wore at her coronation in 1610, as shown in a portrait by Frans II Pourbus, the Younger, now in the Louvre
Following Henri IV’s assassination by Ravaillac, the queen was exiled in disgrace and escaped to the Netherlands. Heavily in debt, her possessions were sold and the Beau Sancy was acquired by Prince Frederick Hendrick of Orange-Nassau (1584-1647). It was the most important expenditure in the state’s budget in 1641. In the same year, in an attempt to reinforce the alliances of the United Provinces of Holland with the great European powers, the diamond was used to seal the arrangement of the wedding of Frederick Hendrick’s son, Willem, later Willem II of Orange Nassau (1631-1660), to Mary Stuart, daughter of Charles I of England and Henriette-Marie of France, and grand-daughter of Marie de Medici.
After the death of her husband, Mary Stuart went to England with her jewels in order to support her brother Charles II in his fight for the throne. In 1662, the Beau Sancy was pawned to settle her debts and it was only in 1677, at the wedding of Willem III of Orange-Nassau (1650-1702) to Mary II Stuart, daughter of the King of England James II, that the diamond reentered the Treasure of the House of Orange-Nassau. In 1689, the couple ascended the throne of England and thus the Beau Sancy now joined the collection of the Queen of England. However, as the monarchs were childless at their death, the diamond went back to the House of Orange-Nassau.
In 1702, following the settlement of a dispute between the heirs to the House of Orange, Friedrich I, who had just been crowned the first King of Prussia, gave up the jewels of his legacy to obtain the Beau Sancy. The king made it the principal ornament of the new royal crown of Prussia and associated it with the first order of Prussia, the Order of the Black Eagle.
The largest gemstone within the House of Prussia’s collection, the Beau Sancy passed down to each successive generation until today. Worn by the women of the family on important royal occasions, the diamond adorned the costume of each successive bride on the day of her princely wedding, much like it had in the past. When the last German Emperor and King of Prussia fled to exile in Holland, in November 1918, the crown jewels remained at the Kaiser’s palace in Berlin. At the end of World War II, the collection was transferred to a bricked-up crypt for safe keeping in Bückeburg, where it was later found by British troops and returned to the estate of the House of Prussia.
After the war, the diamond was subsequently passed down to the eldest son of the Kaiser, Kronprinz Wilhelm (1882-1951) and his son, Prince Louis Ferdinand (1907-1994). After the death of Prince Louis Ferdinand, the diamond was inherited as part of the estate by his grandson, Georg Friedrich (1976-), Prince of Prussia and current head of the Royal House of Prussia.
The Beau Sancy has been shown publicly only four times in the last 50 years: first in 1972, alongside the Grand Sancy in Helsinki, in 1985, in Hamburg at the Schmuck aus dem Hause Hohenzollern exhibition, in 2001, in Paris again alongside the Grand Sancy at the Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle, and finally in 2004, in Munich at the Schatzhäuser Deutschands exhibition.
The Beau Sancy will be showcased in an international tour before its auction in Geneva on May 15, at the following dates and locations:
Hong Kong March 30 - April 2 New York April 14-16 Rome April 19 Paris April 24-25 London April 27-30 Zurich May 2-3 Geneva May 11-15
The 9-ct. Belle Epoque cushion-cut, fancy vivid purplish pink diamond ring has an auction estimate of $6 - $8 million. Photo credit: Christie's Images Ltd. 2012
As reported previously, the April 17 Magnificent Jewels auction at Christie’s New York includes 12 items of art deco jewelry and objects from the estate of Huguette M. Clark.
The auction house released images of the items being offered from the estate. The top lot for the auction is a 9-carat pink diamond ring that is estimated to fetch $6 - $8 million (top picture).
The 19.86-ct. D-color, potentially internally flawless clarity, Type IIa diamond ring by Cartier has an auction estimate of $2 - $3 million. Photo credit: Christie's Images Ltd. 2012
Another notable item is a 19.86-carat rectangular-cut diamond ring by Cartier (pictured above).
Circa 1925 Art Deco diamond bracelet by Cartier has an auction estimate of $300,000 - $500,000. Photo credit: Christie's Images Ltd. 2012
At least six other items in the auction are from Cartier, including bracelets, a flag brooch and a desk clock. Tiffany & Co. also figures prominently in the sale with at least two items. The auction estimate for the entire collection is $9 to $12 million.
Circa 1925 Art Deco emerald and diamond bracelet by Cartier has an auction estimate of $50,000 - $70,000.Photo credit: Christie's Images Ltd. 2012
The jewelry is part of the sale of Ms. Clark’s residences at 907 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan owned by the late copper heiress. Christie’s International Real Estate has been entrusted with the sale.
Diamond, ruby and sapphire American Flag brooch by Cartier has an auction estimate of $30,000 - $50,000. Photo credit: Christie's Images Ltd. 2012
Ms. Clark was the youngest daughter of former United States Senator and industrialist William A. Clark. She died May, 2011, at the age of 104.
Circa 1915 ruby, sapphire, emerald and gold bracelet by Tiffany & Co.has an auction estimate of $30,000 - $50,000.Photo credit: Christie's Images Ltd. 2012
Indian workers polishing diamonds. Photo credit: Solitaire International
February diamond imports fell 80 percent, year-over-year, to $476 million in February due to a 2 percent import increase for the precious gem, according to the India Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council as reported by the Times of India.
The tax has led to drastic drop in the “circular” or “round tripping” among the country's diamond dealers and manufacturers. These are deals in which the same goods are traded over and over to raise capital. The practice has reportedly come under fire, inside and outside the Indian diamond industry, according to reports because it allegedly involves defrauding banks, padding a company’s volumes or laundering money.
The import tax has also led to a decline in diamond exports, GJEPC reportedly said.
The largest round fancy intense pink diamond to ever appear at auction will be part of Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale on May 29. The 12-ct. diamond is estimated to fetch $8 - $10 million.
The extremely rare diamond is owned by a private collector. It was purchased from Harry Winston in 1976—the same year, the United States launched its first satellite on a mission to Mars: The Viking landers. Ronald Winston named the diamond the “Martian Pink” to honor the historic event.
The Martian Pink is one of two known significant sized round pink diamonds in this world—the other being the 23.60-carat Williamson Pink diamond that was presented to Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her wedding in 1947. While most natural pink diamonds exhibit a color modifier like purple, orange or grey, the gem that is up for auction “shows absolutely no trace of a secondary color, making it exceedingly rare,” the auction house said. “Combined with a Type IIa characteristic, the diamond shows an extraordinary limpidity together with a lovely intense pink coloration.”
A second item from Harry Winston, an 11.85-carat D VVS1 Potentially Flawless round brilliant-cut diamond, is being offered. “Its dimensions, perfected by the round brilliant cut, ensures a stunning visual display of brilliance,” the auction house said. “Combined with top D color, this brilliant-cut diamond is a wonderful example of the classic round stone.” The auction estimate is $1.7 - $2.5 million.
Canadian fine jewelry retail chain, Birks, will showcase a 10-carat fancy light purplish pink diamond at its Edmonton store at Manulife Place, 10180 - 101st St., from April 13-17. The radiant cut diamond with SI1 clarity is owned by a private collector and is available for $2.5 million CAD ($2.52 million).
The pink diamond originated from a rare rough stone of 21.35 carats found in a South African mine, making it one of the world’s largest pink diamonds ever mined, Birks said in a statement. Because of its large size, it took 3½ months to cut and polish the stone. The pink diamond, with its purple and pink hues, is set on a platinum ring.
Pink diamonds of this size, as regular readers of this blog know, are extremely rare. The auction house Christie's – one of the most important resellers of diamonds in the world—has reportedly auctioned 18 polished pink diamonds over 10 carats in its 244-year history. The South African 10-carat stone, made from a 21.35-carat rough stone, is even larger than Australia's biggest rough pink diamond weighing 12.76 carats, recently unearthed at its Argyle mine, the most famous mine in the world for pink diamonds.
'The Perfect Diamond,' a 44.09-Carat rectangular-cut diamond ring; D-color, internally flawless clarity, Type IIa, excellent polish and excellent symmetry; Estimate on request. Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012
Christie’s New York will hold its Magnificent Jewels auction on April 17 at its Rockefeller Center headquarters. The sale features more than 300 individual jewels, including top-quality diamonds, gemstones, natural pearls and signed pieces, with estimates ranging from $2,000 to $8 million. The total sale is expected to surpass $40 million.
16.33-Ct., pear-shaped diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels; D-color, potentially internally flawless clarity, Type IIa; Estimate, $1.85 million - $2.5 million.Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012
The sale features no less than 10 top-quality D-color diamonds. The assortment is led by what is known as “The Perfect Diamond,” (top photo) a 44.09 carat D-color internally flawless, emerald cut diamond (estimate upon request). Christie’s says the diamond exhibits excellent polish and symmetry with no fluorescence. It is certified as a type IIa diamond, the most chemically pure classification prized for its exceptional optical clarity.
Also among the top lots of the evening, as previously reported, are “The Clark Pink,” an extremely rare 9-carat pink diamond ring, and The Clark Diamond, a 20-carat D-color diamond ring. Both items are part of the sale from the estate of Huguette M. Clark, one of the last heiresses of America’s Gilded Age. Ms. Clark’s personal jewelry collection, which is believed to have been stored in a bank vault since the 1940s, includes signed Art Deco jewels by Cartier, Dreicer & Co. and Tiffany & Co. The complete collection of 17 jewels is expected to fetch up to $12 million.
A Colored Diamond Necklace, by Graff; Estimate $1.5 million - $2.5 million.Photo credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012
The sale also includes a selection of signed jewels from the Estate of Lucille E. Davison, a prominent collector, philanthropist and long-time trustee of Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. Her jewelry collection includes more than 40 signed jewels that represent the best in modern design, including several “mystery set” jewels by Van Cleef & Arpels, and a selection of bracelets and brooches conceived by the legendary designer Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. The total collection is estimated to reach $1 million.
Cushion-cut Colombian emerald ear pendants of 26.03 and 25.32 cts. $1 million - $1.5 million.Photo credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012
The April 17 sale is the first jewelry auction since the record-breaking $137.2 million jewelry sale of The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor in December—which served as the final note on a record $600 million in jewelry sales worldwide for the auction house that was “shaped by continuing demand for top colored and colorless diamonds with exceptional provenance,” said Rahul Kadakia, Head of Jewelry at Christie’s New York.
From the Estate of Lucille E. Davison, a 'Mystery-Set' ruby and diamond “Pavot” flower brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels; Estimate $60,000 – 80,000. Photo credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012
The 9-ct. Belle Epoque cushion-cut, fancy vivid purplish pink diamond ring from the estate of Huguette M. Clark sold for $15.7 million.
NEW YORK — A 9-carat pink diamond from the estate of Huguette M. Clark sold for more than $15.7 million, after intense, competitive bidding that led to an eruption of applause on the crowded auction floor at Christie’s Tuesday. It is the most valuable pink diamond ever sold in the United States at auction, according to the auction house.
The Belle Epoque cushion-cut, fancy vivid purplish pink diamond, known as “The Clark Pink,” was estimated to fetch $6 to $8 million. Clark, one of the last heiresses of America’s Gilded Age, died in May, 2011, at the age of 104. Her collection of 12 lots drew intense intentional attention because she lived a reclusive life in her later years and her jewels were believed to have been kept in a vault unseen since the 1940s.
The entire collection, which included picture frames, a clock, an American flag lapel and jewelry pieces by Cartier and Tiffany, took in a total of $20.8 million against a presale estimate of $9 million. Other significant items from the estate sale included:
* A 19.86-carat rectangular-cut diamond ring by Cartier that sold for $3.1 million; * An Art Deco diamond bracelet by Cartier that sold for $578,500; and * A ruby, sapphire, emerald and gold bracelet by Tiffany & Co. that sold for $266,500.
The collection was part of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale Tuesday that had 305 lots that included signature jewels, items from several estates and serious diamonds. It took in a total $70.7 million, with 95 percent of the items sold by lot and 97 percent of the estimated price realized.
More on other significant sales from the auction later today.
Pear-shaped diamond earrings by Harry Winston estimated to fetch $3.2 million and $3.9 million. Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012
Pear-shaped diamond earrings by Harry Winston weighing 16.21 and 15.67 carats is the top lot of the May 16 Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. The set of D/VVS2, potentially flawless diamond earrings is expected to fetch $3.2 million and $3.9 million.
More than 340 lots estimated to bring in more than $50 million will be offered by the auction house in Geneva, including a colored diamond ring (whose history is closely linked to Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton), jewelry that once belonged to Mexian movie icon Maria Felix, a diamond tiara commissioned for the wedding of Count Carlo Raggio and Marchioness Tea Spinola in 1909, and a collection of Cartier cats.
Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012
A 12.6-carat fancy brown-orange diamond ring (pictured above) that was offered to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton in 1975 while they were in Africa is estimated at $600,000 – $800,000. Taylor refused the present, arguing that the money should be spent for building a hospital in Botswana.
Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012
Other significant items include a diamond flower brooch (pictured above) that is expected to fetch $2.5 million – $3 million and a 33.07-carat cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire ring that is estimated to sell for 2.5 million – $3 million.
Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012
A Belle Epoque old-cut diamond tiara (pictured above) was part of a large group of exceptional jewels, specially commissioned by Italian jeweler Filippo Chiappe (1863-1936), for the wedding of Count Carlo Raggio and Marchioness Tea Spinola in 1909. Appointed court jeweler to the Savoy House and official supplier to the Italian Royal Family in 1913, Filippo Chiappe is one of the most famous Italian jewelers of his time. It has an estimate of $320,000 – $530,000.
Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012
Jeanne Toussaint, appointed director of jewellery at Cartier in 1933, is credited with the creation of “Big Cat” jewelry. The Duke of Windsor commissioned a panther brooch in the late 1940s, and since then the panther has become an iconic Cartier motif. A great example of the legendary “Big Cat” series is a diamond, colored diamond, onyx and emerald tiger brooch created by Cartier in the 1960s. Designed as a tiger hanging from a baguette-cut diamond hoop, its body, tail and head set with yellow diamonds and onyx, its estimate is $290,000 – $380,000.
The highlight of a section dedicated to antique Indian jewels is the set of diamond, enamel and gold jewelry from the collection of Mexican movie legend María Félix (1914-2002). Comprising of a brooch designed as a Mughal tulip set with table-cut diamonds, a bracelet set with octagonal and pear shaped table-cut diamonds, a necklace centering upon a table-cut diamond flower-head with old-cut diamond leaves, and a pair of modern ear pendants, designed as diamond flower-heads, this set dates back to the 19th century and will be offered as a single lot with an estimate of $1 million to $1.5 million.
Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, May 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Viewings in Geneva will be held May 11 till May 16.
JAR three-diamond ring. Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012
The upcoming Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale is turning out to be something special in the quality and quantity of the items for sale. As previously reported, the May 29 sale at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, will have the largest round fancy intense pink diamond to ever appear at auction and a 11.85-carat D VVS1 potentially flawless round brilliant-cut diamond—both with Harry Winston pedigree. But there’s more.
The 1:30 p.m. sale, in the Woods Room of the convention hall, will include a three-diamond ring from JAR, a 6-carat, pigeon’s blood Burma ruby and diamond ring, and being Hong Kong, a superb jadeite bead necklace. The auction will also include natural pearls, Burmese sapphires, Colombian emeralds, rare period pieces, and selection of signed contemporary jewels.
The ring from JAR is set with three diamonds. They are a 10.67-carat D color, internally flawless, oval-shaped diamond at its center, flanked by two D color, internally flawless diamonds of 6.07 and 6.04 carats. The estimate is $2.5 million – $3.5 million. Perhaps the world’s most influential jewelry designer, Joel Arthur Rosenthal, along with his Swiss business partner, Pierre Jeannet, founded JAR in 1977. It is housed discreetly in an apartment boutique on Place Vendôme in Paris, only accepting clients by appointment. The one-of-a-kind and often made-to-order JAR creations are sought after by clients around the world and their appearance on the auction market marks an important event for collectors.
Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012
Also among the highlights of the auction is a 6.04-carat Burmese ruby and diamond ring by Etcetera (pictured above) with an estimate of $2.5 million – $3.8 million. This no heat cushion-shaped stone possesses the most desirable “pigeon’s blood red” color and an extraordinary degree of transparency. Burmese rubies over 5 carats, particular those gems that have not undergone any thermal enhancement are extremely rare.
Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012
Another item that will attract the attention of bidders is a jadeite bead necklace (pictured above) with an estimate of $3.2 million - $4.5 million. “Evenly and strongly saturated, each of the jadeite beads featured in this necklace exhibits the optimal combination of color, translucency and texture,” Christie’s says. “The beads display a vivid emerald green color with a desirable tone that is neither too dark nor light. Their fine texture and excellent glass-like translucency only bolsters the rareness of such high-quality material, resulting in one of the most anticipated jewels offered at auction this year.”
