As expected, the highlight of Sotheby’s auction of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels certainly was ‘Graff Vivid Yellow’ diamond, which sold for £9.7 million ($16,25 million). This diamond, weighing 100.09 carats, set a record for a yellow diamond, although expected to reach between $15 million to $25 million. The total price, which Sotheby’s said was equivalent to $163,331 per carat, includes commission fees. Neither the seller nor buyer were identified.
Following the sale, David Bennett, Chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland and Chairman of the Jewellery Department for Europe and the Middle East, commented:
“100 carats is a magical number when it comes to diamonds. With its exceptional size and a superb daffodil colour, the Graff Vivid Yellow is a truly extraordinary diamond with immense presence. These rare qualities led to the record price achieved tonight. Throughout the day, we witnessed intense bidding from all corners of the globe for exceptional diamonds, gemstones and signed jewels.
Once again, fine pieces with important provenance were highly sought after. We were particularly pleased by the excitement surrounding were Suzanne Belperron’s creations, which further confirms her reputation as one of the greatest jewellery designers of the 20th century.”
Among the other lots at Tuesday’s auction was a white round diamond of 103.46 carats, also cut by Graff and described by Sotheby’s as one of the largest brilliant-cut diamonds in the world, which sold for 4.3 million francs ($4.82 million).
