A Royal and Historic Pink Diamond Going Under the Hammer

"It is one of France’s most storied gems, with three centuries of royal provenance, no less than 4 kings, 4 queens, 2 emperors and 2 empresses" said François Curiel, Christie's Europe and Asia Chairman.

Amongst the happy owners of this diamond we can name Louis XIV  and Maria -Theresa, Louis XV,  Louis XVI, Napoleon Bonaparte and Marie - Louise, Louis XVIII, Charles X, Napoleon III et Eugénie.

This exceptional stone has already been set in several valuable jewels. Louis XIV asked to set the stone in a diademe for his wife Maria Théresa.  In 1810, the Emperor Napoleon commanded jeweller François-Regnault Nitot to create a magnificent diademe with the Grand Mazarin for his wife. 

In 1887, the diamond was bought by Boucheron at an auction of the French crow jewels in 1887. Later the stone was subsequently sold to European private collections. 

The last time the gem has been exhibited in public was in Paris in 1962. The Louvre held an exhibition of Extraordinary French Jewels and the Grand Mazarin was listed between the legendary Regent and Sancy diamonds. 

The GIA Report no. 5182785154, dated 4 October 2017, describes this old mine brilliant-cut diamond as a light pink colour, VS2 clarity, type IIA diamond.

This exceptional pink diamond of 19 carat will be at Christie’s New York on 6-7 November. Starting on 9 November, the Geneva pre-sale exhibition will be taking place at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, with the diamond finally being offered on the evening of 14 November in the Magnificent Jewels auction.  There are rumours that Christie's expect to fetch up to $9 million.

By YDCDL - Langerman Diamonds

Pictures and video: © Christie's Images Ltd 2017