GENEVA.- On 15 May 2013 Christie’s will have the privilege of presenting at auction in Geneva an extraordinary pear-shaped perfect diamond weighing 101.73 carats. Offered for sale for the very first time, this sensational gemstone is not only one of the largest pear-shaped diamonds known to date, it is also one of the world’s most perfect diamonds: a D colour, Type IIA Flawless gem. (estimate on request).

Rahul Kadakia, Head of Jewellery, Christie's Switzerland and Americas: ‘Just as a great artist is able to ‘see’ a masterpiece in a block of marble, a perfect diamond is the result of the skill and vision of a master cutter who is able to uncover beauty from a rough gem. On 15 May, Christie's Geneva will offer for sale this wonderful pear-shaped diamond of 101.73 carats, which has literally been sculpted like a work of art. This diamond is in its scale, quality, and rarity one of the most beautiful ‘white’ diamonds Christie’s has ever had the honour of offering for sale.’

ABSOLUTE PERFECTION
Meeting every criteria of perfection, the diamond on offer at Christie's Geneva May auction of Magnificent Jewels has been graded by the Gemological Institute of America with the best colour, D, and the best clarity, Flawless. Its absolute symmetry is a tour-de-force, demonstrating the exceptional skills needed to achieve such a perfect gem. It also benefits from rare brilliance and inner limpidity that is only to be found in the chemically pure Type IIA diamonds, which account for less than 2% of the world’s diamond production.

THE ROUGH DIAMOND OF 236 CARATS WAS FOUND AT THE JWANENG MINE IN BOTSWANA AND TOOK 21 MONTHS TO POLISH
Out of a total annual worldwide diamond production in excess of 100 million carats, the Gemological Institute of America estimates there are no more than 600 diamond crystals that finish as polished stones between one and two carats and that are D color, flawless clarity. Above ten carats this figure decreases dramatically, at 101.73 carats it is not only an exceptional rarity but a grand event in the world of gems and jewellery.

Establishing a New Legacy at Christie's
The successful buyer of this 101.73 carat superb gemstone will have the privilege of establishing his or her own legacy by endowing this extraordinary diamond with a name, after which the stone will join the ranks of the world’s most illustrious and famous diamonds opening a new chapter in jewellery history.