Unique Fancy Brown-Yellow Diamond Ring

Simply set with an oval fancy brown-yellow diamond weighing 49.31 carats, mounted in 18 karat pink gold. Ring size: 5¾

THE GOLDEN MAHARAJA - Rare Golconda Diamond Ring Colour and Clarity: According to GIA report, the oval diamond is natural, of Fancy Brown-Yellow colour, VVS1 clarity. Based on Gübelin report, this diamond is of Fancy Light Brown colour, VVS2 clarity. Please refer to the reports for details. Both laboratories confirmed that this diamond is a Type IIa diamond. In the Gübelin appendix further states that this Golconda diamond "displays an antique shape and cutting style which were often encountered in the 17th and 18th centuries...... Diamonds such as this 49.31ct cushion-shape, are endowed with distinct personalty and charm which are not found in the more modern brilliant cutting styles." In our opinion, this Golconda diamond shows a charming golden brown colour, with shimmering glitter and brilliance. Condition: Simple karat rose gold ring mount, in mint condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Accompanied by GIA report numbered 5151284201, dated 27 February 2013, stating that the 49.31 carat diamond is natural, Fancy Brown-Yellow colour, VVS1 clarity; and a diamond type classification report stating that the diamond is determined to be a Type IIa diamond. Type IIa diamonds are the most chemically pure type of diamond and often have exceptional optical transparency. Also accompanied by Gübelin report numbered 13030142, dated 27 March 2013, stating that the 49.31 carat diamond is natural, Fancy Light Brown colour, VVS2 clarity; and an appendix stating that this diamond 'displays an antique shape and cutting style which were often encountered in the 17th and 18th centuries...Diamonds such as this 49.31 ct cushion-shape, are endowed with distinct personality and charm which are not found in the more modern brilliant cutting styles.'

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The Maharaja’s Dream

The rarity of this diamond exudes beyond its superb size and clarity, it is also certified as a Type IIa Golconda diamond by both GIA and Gübelin, earning it a place in the family of legendary diamonds together with Koh-i-Noor and The Regent. The name Golconda evokes the richness and mystery of extraordinary gems, superb in quality and transparency, unearthed in the world’s earliest and richest diamond mines as early as 400 BC. This area in Eastern India yielded some of the most spectacular stones adorning jewels of the great Khan and monarchs, prized for their clarity, which Jean-Baptiste Tavernier described as “of the finest water”.

During the Renaissance, the name Golconda became synonymous to great wealth. The name, always spoken with great reverence by gem traders and collectors, promises a provenance that remained the only source of the world’s diamonds until the late 19^th century, and exclusivity took its toll. By mid-18^th century, the insatiable appetites of Indian maharajas and European royals had exhausted the supply. This ancient mine was long depleted and now dormant, large diamonds from this source and distinction are extremely hard to come by, even more scarce and desirable are stones like The Maharaja’s Dream (Lot 1741), which “displays an antique shape and cutting style which were often encountered in the 17^th and 18^th centuries…endowed with distinct personality and charm which are not found in the more modern brilliant cutting styles”, as stated in the Gübelin Gem Lab Appendix. The colours brown and yellow in most diamonds are usually due to presence of nitrogen, but for this particular Golconda diamond, the charming and mystic colour is caused by the colour centre evolved from crystal lattice distortion during the growth of a natural diamond. Its beguiling colour, conjuring up the triumphant glow of a sky at dawn, lit in champagne hue that emanates impalpable grandeur. And if the Maharaja’s dream has all but one shade, it would be covered in a canopy of this arresting golden colour.