Sotheby’s to Auction “The Light of Golconda”

By Erika W.

“The Light of Golconda” will lead Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels Sale on December 7, 2011 in New York. The old mine, cushion cut diamond weighs 33.03 carats and is graded D color, Internally Flawless, and Type IIa by the Gubelin laboratory. The exceptionally rare Golconda diamond will be on view in Geneva, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and finally Sotheby’s New York for a public exhibition, which will begin on December 3. “The Light of Golconda” is estimated to sell for $7 million.

Exhibition Dates for “The Light of Golconda”

Sotheby’s Geneva – 12-14 November

Sotheby’s Los Angeles – 18 November

Grand Hyatt Hotel, Hong Kong – 25-27 November

Sotheby’s Los Angeles – 18 November Sotheby’s New York – 3-7 December

Photo: Sotheby’s

While most diamonds contain trace elements, Type IIa diamonds are essentially chemically pure. Type IIa diamonds are known for an absence of color and exceptional transparency and represent less than 2% of diamonds mined worldwide.

Photo: Sotheby’s

“The shape and antique cutting style of the present diamond indicate that it was likely fashioned
in the 17th or 18th century, harkening back to some of the great Golconda diamonds that have appeared at
auction, including the Arcots, the Indore Pears and the Idol’s Eye.” – Sotheby’s

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