GENEVA.- On 15 May 2013 Christie’s will be 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.

A SUPERB PRIVATE COLLECTION TO BE OFFERED AT CHRISTIE’S GENEVA ON 15 MAY 2013
Three exceptional jewels from a Superb Private Collection are amongst the most important lots on offer at Christie's Geneva spring auction on 15 May 2013. Each jewel represents the finest quality in the categories of 19th century jewellery, exceptional gemstones and contemporary makers. It is extremely rare to find such superlative jewels together in one collection.

Highlighting this superb private collection is an important oval-shaped D color, VVS1, potentially internally flawless diamond of 26.24 carats set as an elegant ring by the renowned jeweller Graff (estimate: SFr.2,250,000-3,250,000 / US$2,400,000-3,400,000). Equally extraordinary is an extremely refined Antique natural pearl and diamond devant-de-corsage brooch estimated at SFr.550,000-750,000 (US$580,00-790,000). An outstanding example of 19th century craftsmanship, this brooch shows a great use of diamonds, set to enhance the luminescence of the natural pearls. A recurring theme in jewelry, bows and knots have always been considered symbols of love. Ribbon bow jewels first appeared in the mid-17th Century, when cloth ribbons suspending pendants were translated into similar designs made from precious stones and metal. Also on offer is an elegant rectangular-cut emerald and diamond ring, by Verdura estimated at SFr.40,000-60,000 (US$43,000-63,000).