Jean-Marc Lunel, an international jewelry specialist at Christieβs, was even more effusive. βIt is probably the most beautiful [diamond] ever presented at public auction,β he told AFP.
ONE OF FOUR 10+ CARAT INTENSE PINKS EVER AUCTIONED
In the fancy vivid pink range, diamonds exceeding 5 or 6 carats are exceedingly rare, fancy vivid pink diamonds over 10 carats are virtually unheard of. Β In more than 250 years of auction history at Christieβs, only four stones in the category have ever appeared in a sale.
The history of the Pink Legacy is only partly known. It is believed to have been discovered in a South African mine about 100 years, and was reportedly cut some time in the 1920s.
Originally owned by the Oppenheimer family, once owners of the De Beers Group, the nameΒ owner selling the diamond to Harry Winston was not released by Christieβs.