45ct. Diamond to Set Record at Christie’s Sale

RAPAPORT… A 45.46-carat diamond will lead an online auction at Christie’s, becoming the highest-valued jewel to be offered in a virtual sale.

The round-brilliant, D-flawless, type IIa diamond, named The Flawless Star, carries a high estimate of $6 million at the Jewels Online sale, set to run from March 28 to April 7, Christie’s said Monday. The previous record belongs to a round, 50.03-carat, G-color, VVS2-clarity diamond, which Sotheby’s auctioned in June. The stone, which had a high estimate of $5 million, fetched $2.7 million. The highest price Christie’s has garnered online was $2.1 million for a 28.86-carat diamond ring in 2020.

Another notable item at the same auction is a necklace set with a modified pear brilliant-cut, 12.12-carat, E-color, internally flawless diamond. That piece is estimated at $550,000 to $650,000.

The sale also includes more than 100 lots to be sold without reserve, including an unmounted cushion modified brilliant-cut, 5.31-carat, D-color, VS2-clarity diamond, which has a price of $80,000 to $120,000. Meanwhile, a cushion-cut, 5.02-carat, I-color, SI1-clarity diamond ring is expected to achieve up to $100,000.

Jewels from Buccellati, Bulgari, Cartier, Graff, Harry Winston, and Tiffany & Co. will also be up for sale, Christie’s added.

Image: The 45.46-carat diamond. (Christie’s)