Known as the Light of Peace Diamond, a pear-shaped brilliant-cut D colour diamond was sold for $US13.6 million ($AU20.15 million) at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in New York.
The 126-carat internally flawless diamond was expected to return at least $US15 million, falling narrowly short of its pre-sale estimate.
“Exceptional diamonds, like exceptional houses, are always given names, and Christie’s leads off its spring New York jewellery auction with a great example,” writes Carol Besler of Forbes.
The source of the diamond is unconfirmed and was simply listed as ‘West Africa’ when it was purchased by the Zale Corporation in 1969.
It’s believed the diamond was discovered in Sierra Leone.
One highlight of that auction was a ruby and diamond bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, named Jarretière, which actress Marlene Dietrich wore in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1950 film Stage Fright.
The bracelet garnered $US4.5 million ($AU6.67 million), reaching its top estimate. In total, the auction returned $US50.7 million ($AU75.1 million).
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