Tiffany to Sell Its Most Expensive Diamond

Tiffany 80carat necklace

Tiffany & Co. will offer a necklace featuring an 80-carat diamond, expected to be its most expensive piece ever, at the reopening of its New York Fifth Avenue flagship store next year.

The oval-cut, D-color, internally flawless stone, which the jeweler sourced from Botswana and will set in-house in New York, is at the center of the piece, Tiffany said Tuesday. It is also the largest diamond the company has ever offered. Only the 128.54-carat, yellow Tiffany Diamond worn by both Audrey Hepburn and Lady Gaga is larger, and that piece is not for sale.

The original 1939 version of the necklace 

The jewel is a reimagined version of a Tiffany necklace created in 1939 for the World’s Fair, which features an aquamarine in place of the diamond. The unveiling of that piece set the stage for the original opening of the flagship store on the corner of 57th Street and Fifth Avenue in 1940.

“What better way to mark the opening of our transformed Tiffany flagship store in 2022 than to reimagine this incredible necklace from the 1939 World’s Fair, one of our most celebrated pieces when we opened our doors…for the first time,” said Victoria Reynolds, chief gemologist at Tiffany.

Source: diamonds.net

Sotheby’s is set to auction off one of the rarest diamonds in the world

102.39 carat D Colour Flawless Oval Diamond

Sotheby’s is set to auction off a 102 carat diamond that could become the most expensive jewel ever sold to an online bidder.

The stone, a 102.39 carat D Colour Flawless Oval Diamond, could fetch $10 million to $30 million. Only seven flawless white diamonds of more than 100 carats have ever been sold at auction. It is the second-largest oval diamond of its kind ever sold at auction.

“One hundred-carat diamonds as a rule are exceedingly rare,” said Quig Bruning, head of Sotheby’s jewelry department in New York. “One hundred-carat D flawless are even more rare.”

While Sotheby’s doesn’t have an official estimate, comparable diamonds have sold for between $11 million and $30 million in the past, Bruning said.

The stone, described by Sotheby’s as “the size of a lollipop,” will be sold at a live auction in Hong Kong on Oct. 5, but it will also be open to online bidders starting on Tuesday. If it’s purchased by an online bidder, it would likely top the record for the most expensive piece of jewelry ever sold online a pair of fancy blue and pink diamond earrings that sold for $6 million online in 2016.

The 102 carat stone was cut from a 271 carat rough diamond that was discovered in the Victor Mine in Ontario in 2018. The diamond was cut and polished over the course of a year by Diacore to bring out its “best brilliance, fire and scintillation,” according to Sotheby’s. The stone belongs to an elite subgroup of diamonds known as “Type IIa,” which are the most chemically pure type of diamond with the highest level of transparency.


Demand for the rarest, largest diamonds has strengthened during the coronavirus pandemic, as the wealthy have benefited from stronger stock markets and investors look for long-term stores of value in a financial world awash with cash.

While demand for everyday jewelry sold in stores has plunged since people aren’t visiting malls and shops as often, or wearing jewelry as often prices for so-called investible diamonds have remained strong. Wealthy buyers, especially in Asia and the Middle East, covet diamonds as the ultimate hard-asset, since they are durable and portable.

Sales of jewelry and diamonds online have also increased, as people buy more from home. Sotheby’s said its online jewelry sales have totaled $31 million this year, seven times more than the same period last year. It has sold three lots for more than $1 million online.

“The retail experience going into the store, trying things on that’s gone right now, or at the very least has changed substantially,” Bruning said. “A lot of things have moved online, and we have been able to really capitalize on that by showcasing things in a new and compelling kind of way globally.”

When asked whether the buyer of a 100 carat diamond would ever wear it, he said: “Absolutely. They want to enjoy them.”

Source; CNBC

Pink diamonds deliver strong results for Rio

Argyle Avenoir 1.07 carat Fancy Red, oval cut diamond.

Rio Tinto announced that its 2019 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender collection of 64 rare pink and red diamonds saw double digit growth in the number of bids, with successful bidders hailing from nine countries.

The rocks were mined from the company’s Argyle mine in Western Australia and the collection is the 35th Tender since the operation became commercially active in 1983.

“Whilst bids and total values remain confidential, Lot 1, Argyle Enigma, the most valuable diamond in the collection, was won by Australian based Argyle Pink Diamonds partner Blue Star & Kiven Diamonds. Blue Star & Kiven Diamonds also won Lot 4, Argyle Verity,” Rio Tinto revealed.

According to Ron Kiven, director of Blue Star & Kiven Diamonds, no other diamonds on Earth match the rarity and provenance of Argyle pink diamonds.

“To have acquired two of the last Argyle pink diamonds to ever be unearthed, and one of the few Fancy Red Argyle diamonds in existence is the ultimate privilege,” Kiven said in a media statement.

Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine, located in the far north of Western Australia, produces virtually the world’s entire supply of pink, red and violet diamonds.

The mine, however, is scheduled to close in 2020 after almost four decades of production.

Source: mining.com

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Oval Cut

Oval shaped diamond

Features of an Oval Cut Diamond
1. Elongated Shape
The oval cut is an elongated shape that can range from a perfect oval to a more elongated ellipse depending on the ratio of length to width.
Proportions can vary, but a ratio of approximately 1.33 to 1.66 (length-to-width) is typically considered ideal for maintaining a graceful appearance.
2. Brilliant Cut Facets
Like the round brilliant cut, the oval cut diamond features 58 facets arranged in a brilliant cut style.
These facets are designed to maximize light reflection and create a stunning, fiery sparkle. The brilliance is typically comparable to that of round diamonds, though the oval shape tends to have a slightly softer light return due to the shape’s rounded edges.
3. Soft, Rounded Edges
Oval diamonds are characterized by their soft, rounded edges, making them less prone to visible chipping compared to shapes with sharp corners, such as the emerald cut or princess cut.
4. Larger Surface Area
The oval cut tends to appear larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight due to its elongated shape, offering more visual size, which is often appealing to those who prefer a larger stone without sacrificing carat weight.
5. Symmetry and Bowtie Effect
An important feature to check in an oval diamond is its symmetry. The diamond should have a balanced outline without any noticeable bulges or flat areas.
Many oval diamonds can exhibit a bowtie effect, where the center of the diamond appears darker, resembling the shape of a bowtie. While not a flaw, a noticeable bowtie can sometimes be distracting, so it’s important to select a stone with minimal or no bowtie effect.
Why Choose an Oval Cut Diamond?
1. Timeless Elegance with a Modern Twist
The oval cut has become increasingly popular due to its elegant, vintage charm, combined with a modern appearance. It offers the classic appeal of a round diamond but with a more distinctive and elongated look that feels fresh and different.
2. Appears Larger Than Other Shapes
Due to its elongated shape, an oval diamond can look larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight, offering more presence without the need to increase carat weight. This is especially appealing for those who want the look of a larger diamond at a more affordable price.
3. Versatility in Setting Styles
Oval cut diamonds pair well with various types of settings, including solitaire, halo, three-stone, and pavé bands. Their elongated shape can also flatter longer fingers, making them a popular choice for engagement rings.
The oval shape works well in both modern, minimalist settings and vintage-inspired designs, making it a versatile choice for any style preference.
4. Less Prone to Chipping
Since oval diamonds have no sharp corners like princess or emerald cuts, they are less susceptible to chipping or damage, making them a durable and practical choice for everyday wear, especially for engagement rings.
How to Choose the Perfect Oval Cut Diamond
1. Pay Attention to Proportions
Proportions are key when selecting an oval cut diamond. Look for a diamond with balanced length-to-width ratios (1.33 to 1.66) for a more elegant and symmetrical appearance.
Symmetry is also important to ensure the diamond’s facets align perfectly and create the desired visual appeal.
2. Check for the Bowtie Effect
The bowtie effect is a common characteristic of oval diamonds, but you may want to choose one with a minimal bowtie for better visual appeal. A pronounced bowtie can detract from the overall brilliance of the diamond.
3. Focus on the Cut Quality
The cut quality of an oval diamond significantly impacts its brilliance and sparkle. Ensure that the diamond has been cut to the highest standards, with well-executed facets that maximize light return. A well-cut oval will give the diamond brilliant sparkle similar to a round brilliant.
4. Opt for a Quality Certification
Choose a diamond with a certification from a reputable gemological laboratory, such as GIA, DCLA, or AGS. Certification ensures the diamond’s quality and gives you a detailed report on its cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
Oval Cut vs. Other Diamond Shapes
Shape Unique Feature Brilliance Popular Setting Style
Oval Cut Elongated shape, large surface area Similar to round brilliance Solitaire, Halo, Three-Stone
Round Brilliant Perfectly symmetrical, circular Maximum brilliance Solitaire, Pavé, Halo
Cushion Cut Rounded corners, soft sparkle Moderate brilliance Halo, Vintage-Inspired, Solitaires
Princess Cut Square shape with sharp corners High brilliance, sharp sparkle Modern Solitaire, Three-Stone
Emerald Cut Step-cut with large, flat facets Subtle sparkle, elegant shine Solitaire, Vintage-Inspired

The Oval Cut diamond is a stunning choice for those who seek an elegant, elongated shape with exceptional brilliance. Combining the fire and brilliance of the round brilliant cut with a unique and flattering shape, it is a versatile option for various jewelry settings. The larger surface area and soft edges offer a distinctive look while being less prone to chipping. Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist design or a vintage-inspired setting, the oval cut is a timeless option that is sure to stand out.