The Largest Golconda Diamond to Appear at Auction in A Decade
27 November | Live Auction | Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Christie’s is proud to present the highly anticipated Magnificent Jewels live autumn auction on 27 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The auction will showcase over 110 lots, including
the mesmerizing 40.05 Carat D colour Internally Flawless Golconda Diamond and pink diamond Necklace (estimate: HK$28,500,000 – 38,000,000 / US$3,600,000 – 4,800,000). Standing out in its grandeur is its size – an astounding 40.05 carats, making it the largest Golconda Diamond to appear at auction in a decade. The exhausted Golconda mine further amplifies the exclusivity of this gem.
“Golconda” signifies the world’s finest diamonds, radiant gems with superb luminosity, transparency, and innate purity. Originating from the ancient diamond fields of Eastern India, the first diamond mine ever to be discovered in the world, this diamond possesses a unique brightness and a rare degree of transparency that transcends standard colour grade or clarity. Admired by royal houses and esteemed among gem connoisseurs, Golconda diamonds stand unrivalled in quality and allure.
Since its discovery by the Dravidians of India, diamonds have captivated mankind for centuries. Ancient Sanskrit texts dating from 321 BC described the diamond as ‘the jewel above all others’. The ancient princes of India believed that the diamond was created by thunderbolts. They revered the diamond for its magical protection and wore the gemstone for power and glory. Prized for its great brilliancy and extreme hardness, the diamond was considered the most beautiful and precious of all creations.
Diamonds are classified into two main types: Type I and Type II. Type II diamonds are lacking in detectable nitrogen and they are subdivided into two groups – IIa and IIb – both of which are rare. Of significance, are Type IIa diamonds, which are the most chemically pure form of diamond and show exceptional optical transparency. Type IIa diamonds are exceedingly rare, representing less than 2% of the world’s production of gem-quality diamonds. They have a perfect internal structure, lacking any foreign atoms and usually of extraordinary limpidity and without any trace of colour.
The characteristic that sets Golconda diamonds apart from all other diamonds is this subtle, luminous, Type IIa quality. Golconda diamonds have a degree of transparency rarely seen in stones from other localities, such as Africa, Brazil, Russia or Australia. It is not to be confused with clarity or colour grade. Rather, it is a quality in which light appears to pass through the stone as if it were totally unimpeded. Whiter-than-white, Golconda diamonds are colourless, appearing luminous, similar to fresh, clear water or frozen, transparent ice. They are like pools of crystal water, or pools of light, which show that almost indefinable water-clear appearance that attest to their diaphanous quality.
Lot 1883 is a magnificent diamond and coloured diamond pendent necklace with an important Golconda stone. Weighing 40.05 carats, the stone is graded by the GIA as D colour and internally flawless clarity. According to Gübelin Gem Lab, this Type IIa diamond displays an antique cutting style as well as a superior quality in purity of colour and transparency unique to the finest of type IIa diamonds. Diamonds of this kind, seldom encountered in the gem trade today, are extremely rare and comparable to those famous and exquisite diamonds which originated from the kingdom of “Golconda”.
Taking centre stage at the sale is The Pink Supreme, a phenomenal 15.48 Carat Fancy Intense Pink Internally Flawless Type Ila Diamond Ring (estimate: HK$70,000,000 – 100,000,000 / US$9,000,000 – 12,000,000). A true rarity, The Pink Supreme’s sensational ‘Fancy Intense’ pink hue is a distinction only a fraction of pink diamonds achieve from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and its Type IIa classification represents less than a mere 2% of all gem diamonds. Impressive in size, graded Internally Flawless and cut with expert craftsmanship, this is a pink diamond of unparalleled beauty and a true optical masterpiece.
Vickie Sek, Chairman, Jewellery Department, Christie’s Asia Pacific, remarked, “As we continue our legacy of introducing rare and coveted diamonds to the world, we are delighted to spotlight ‘The Pink Supreme’, alongside the extraordinary 40.05 carat Golconda Diamond this season. These remarkable jewels, together with a hand-picked selection of jadeites, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, underscore our unyielding commitment to quality. We eagerly anticipate opening the doors to Christie’s dazzling world of jewellery for enthusiasts and connoisseurs at our live auction on 27 November in Hong Kong.”
Live Auction:
Hong Kong | 27 Nov | Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, No.1 Harbour Road, Wanchai
CREDITS
CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LIMITED 2023
