Sotheby’s to Auction One of the Largest-Ever Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamonds

By Emili Vesilind | June 02, 2021

A 73 ct. fancy vivid yellow diamond estimated to sell for upward of $3 million will lead Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale opening June 9.

The Sienna Star, one of the largest fancy vivid yellow diamonds ever to be auctioned, is set in a diamond-peppered flexible ring crafted by London-based high jeweler Glenn Spiro. The largest ever sold was the 100.09 ct. Graff vivid yellow diamond, which set a new world auction record when it sold for $16.3 million at Sotheby’s in 2014.

“The absolute scarcity of fine yellow diamonds exceeding 50 carats makes the appearance at auction of this stone a landmark moment in the world of fine gems,” Sotheby’s said of the Sienna Star in a statement.

The sale will also feature important pieces from Cartier, Bulgari, and Van Cleef & Arpels, along with six major jewels that hail from a private collection and are estimated to sell for more than $13 million, with proceeds benefiting an unnamed charitable foundation.

Harry Winston emerald necklace — *This Harry Winston emerald and diamond necklace has a $1.5 million low estimate.*

The suite of pieces includes a breathtaking Colombian emerald and diamond necklace by Harry Winston estimated to sell for at least $1.5 million, and a 13.02 ct. Burmese ruby ring mounted by Carvin French that’s expected to fetch between $1 million and $2 million (see both pieces above).

The sale will also spotlight a signed Bulgari ring with a serious center stone: a 25.29 ct. cushion-cut sapphire, which is flanked by two tapered bullet-shape diamonds. The gorgeous ring, pictured below, is expected to nab between $2 million and $3 million.