Christie’s auction house said it would offer a legendary 19-carat diamond that was once owned by French rulers, including Louis XIV and Napoleon.
The “Le Grand Mazarin”, a 19.07-carat light pink diamond, was auctioned only once, on the famous sale of French crown jewels in 1887.
Le Grand Mazarin
Christie’s chairman for Europe and Asia Francois Curiel said the diamond which was originally dug out of the ancient mines of Golconda in south-central India is “a timeless symbol of beauty, a French royal treasure adorning no fewer than seven kings and queens beginning with the Sun King Louis XIV.”
Le Grand Mazarin
The auction house said it hoped to rake in $6 million to $9 million (5.1 million to 7.7 million euros) for the diamond.
When it appears at the Christi’s Magnificent Jewels Auction in Geneva on November 14, it will mark the first time it goes under the hammer in 130 years.
Le Grand Mazarin
