Lot Essay
US$650,000-800,000
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The world of coloured diamonds uncovers a fascinating blend of science, aesthetics and commerce, making it one of the most challenging and ultimately satisfying areas in gem and jewellery collecting.
Many of the causes of the colours in diamonds have only been scientifically elucidated in recent decades. Some of them are still inconclusively explained. Colours are created when the molecular structure of the diamonds are "tampered" with by nature. The inclusion of trace elements such as boron and nitrogen results in blue and yellow diamonds. The pinks and red seem to be the result of molecular distortion. Yet others, such as those of the green family, occur because of natural irradiation. It is the kaleidoscope of shades and hues which provide the aesthetic variety and challenge for the collector.
Every so often a diamond is discovered that surpasses our perception of what a diamond should be. With the majority of diamonds being colourless or near colourless, those that exhibit a pure hue of colour cannot fail to fascinate the true connoisseur. In order to standardise the classification of such diamonds, the Gemological Institute of America introduced a more specific scale of grading coloured diamonds, the term "Fancy Vivid" being the prize of the most demanding collectors. With saturation, shade and intensity of colour all playing vital roles in determining its grade, it is only when these virtues are in perfect harmony that the magical word of "Vivid" is applied.
Fancy vivid diamonds are the rarest and most sought after amongst coloured diamonds. Their production represents less than one percent of the entire world's diamond supply, accentuating the scarcity of those graded "Fancy Vivid". They are considered the finest due to their coveted medium tone and extremely strong saturation.
Christie's is fortunate to offer several major fancy vivid coloured diamonds in this Magnficient Jewellery sale. A group of superb fancy vivid yellow diamonds include a 30.39 carat radiant-cut, a pair of 4.74 and 4.75 carat brilliant-cut and, a magnificent necklace of Asscher and rectangular-cut totalling 42.41 carats. Even rarer are the 3.10 carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond and the 3.32 carat fancy vivid blue diamond. All these diamonds possess an intensity in hue, tone and saturation rarely encountered in the market.
AN UNMOUNTED RADIANT-CUT FANCY VIVID YELLOW DIAMOND
Details
AN UNMOUNTED RADIANT-CUT FANCY VIVID YELLOW DIAMOND
Weighing 30.39 carats
With report no. 13694427 dated 8 September 2004 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is fancy vivid yellow, natural colour, SI1 clarity
Weighing 30.39 carats
With report no. 13694427 dated 8 September 2004 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is fancy vivid yellow, natural colour, SI1 clarity