Courtesy Sotheby’s

The Historic Pink Diamond

Sotheby’s will auction a “treasure chest of exceptional jewels” at its Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale in Geneva on May 12. 

Notable items in the sale:

• The Historic Pink Diamond, a 8.72 ct. non-modified cushion-cut fancy vivid pink diamond thought to have been owned by Princess Mathilde, niece of Napoleon (estimate $14 million–$18 million)

• The Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59 ct. Burmese ruby in rare “pigeon’s-blood red” (estimate $12 million–$18 million)

• A Cartier diamond necklace of 190 cts. t.w. (estimate $6 million–$10 million)

• Five tiaras, including a geometric design from Cartier (estimate $300,000–$500,000) 

“I have remained in awe of the Sunrise Ruby since the first moment I set eyes on it. In over 40 years, I cannot recall ever having seen another Burmese ruby of this exceptional size possessing such outstanding color,” said David Bennett, worldwide chairman of Sotheby’s international jewelry division. “We’ve had a tremendous response from those who’ve viewed the wonderfully rich selection to be offered in our Geneva sale.” 

JCK