World Auction Record Price-per-carat for a Fancy Intense Blue DiamondA Fancy Intense Blue Diamond and Diamond Ring

Set with an emerald-cut fancy intense blue diamond weighing 3.13 carats, flanked by two step-cut diamonds, to the circular-cut diamond-set oval band, the diamonds weighing approximately 2.50 carats in total, mounted in white gold. Ring size: 5¼

Accompanied by GIA report numbered 10095242, dated 13 December, 2016, stating that the 3.13 carat diamond is natural, Fancy Intense Blue Colour, Internally Flawless; also accompanied by diamond type classification report stating that the diamond is determined to be a Type IIb diamond. Further accompanied by GIA portrait. For further details, please refer to the reports.Mounted in white gold as tested. The colourless diamonds, estimated to weigh approximately 2.50 carats in total, are on average F to G colour and mostly VS clarity, as gauged and graded in the mounting. Signs of minor wear to the metal. Overall in very good 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.Certificates of Authenticity: Various manufacturers may not issue certificates of authenticity upon request. Sotheby's is not under an obligation to furnish the purchaser with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer at any time. Unless the requirements for a rescission of the sale under the Terms of Guarantee are satisfied, the failure of a manufacturer to issue a certificate will not constitute grounds to rescind the sale. Gemological Certificates and Reports: References in the catalogue descriptions to certificates or reports issued by gemological laboratories are provided only for the information of bidders, and Sotheby's does not guarantee and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in such certificates or reports. Please also note that laboratories may differ in their assessment of a gemstone (including its origin and presence, type and extent of treatments) and their certificates or reports may contain different results.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 portrait report numbered 10095242, dated 13 December 2016, stating that the 3.13 carat diamond is natural, Fancy Intense Blue Colour, Internally Flawless; also accompanied by diamond type classification report stating that the diamond is determined to be a Type IIb diamond.

________________________________________________

Mirror of the Sky

Blue diamonds bear the most spectacular and enchanting hue with their serene and tranquil shades of the sky. What makes these fascinating gems a true rarity is the combination of various dynamic yet sophisticated conditions; an uncontrollable force of nature that is perfected through the pinnacle of craftsmanship.

According to a GIA study, only 0.3% out of all the coloured diamonds submitted to the laboratory are predominantly blue, and a mere 10% of these exceptional discoveries would be larger than a carat. The natural exclusivity of these precious gemstones have only flamed the passionate desires of the connoisseurs throughout the centuries.

The legendary 45.52 carat Hope Diamond was professedly unearthed from the famed Golconda mines to reveal its glory, enticing the imaginations of many. True objects of desire, these remarkable and fascinating gemstones have repeatedly achieved record-breaking prices. Recently the 12.03 carat 'Blue Moon of Josephine' offered by Sotheby's Geneva in November 2015 set a new world auction record for any gemstone per carat, fetching a stunning US$4 million per carat.

Blue diamond's truly charming colour is often due to traces of boron in the crystal structure, placing these blue diamonds as Type IIb in the diamond type classification system. Due to this condition, faceting process demands extreme care and precision, as a result of the asymmetry of carbon atoms in Type IIb diamonds. There is zero tolerance for miscalculation; any minute error would result in a loss of colour and destruction of the beauty.

Lot 1784 offered here stands as a proud masterpiece that has been gifted with the hues of the sky and sea, perfected through an emerald-cut that is bold and distinctive – an attractive and even colour distribution only realised through savoir-faire craftsmanship.  This internally flawless 3.13 carat fancy intense blue diamond, dazzling in its magnificent charm, is a genuine classic, certainly not to be missed by the most discerning collectors.