It will lead the Christie’s New York jewelry auction in June.
New York—There’sanother big diamondhitting the auction block, and this one could sell for as much as $18 million.
Christie’s has unveiled “The Light of Africa,” a D-color, flawless, Type IIa emerald-cut diamond weighing 103.49 carats estimated to sell for $11 million-$18 million when it goes up for auction next month.
It was cut from a 299.3-carat piece of ɾօυɢҺ, uncovered by Petra Diamonds at the storied Cullinan diamond mine in January 2021.
The miner said the stone was the third-largest high-quality white diamond recovered at Cullinan since it acquired its stake in 2008.
Petra sold the diamond to Dubai-based Stargems in March 2021 for $12.18 million.
The diamond’s source mine, Cullinan in South Africa, has produced some of the most significant diamonds in history, including the Great Star of Africa and the Second Star of Africa, both of which are part of the British Crown Jewels set in the Sovereign’s Scepter and the Imperial State Crown.
The Light of Africa will be unveiled at Christie’s Geneva from May 6 to 11, then travel to Christie’s Hong Kong from May 22 to 24, and finally land at Christie’s New York for exhibition from June 3 to 7.
The diamond will lead the New York Magnificent Jewels sale on June 8 as part of Christie’s Luxury Week.
The notable sale will follow shortly after that of the largest white diamond to ever appear at auction.
“The Rock,”a 228.31-carat G-color, VS1 clarity pear-shaped diamond, is expected to sell for between $20 million and $30 million at the Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale on May 11.
