Photo: Cedric Ribeiro. Courtesy of Sotheby’s
With colored diamonds being all the rage these past few years, Sotheby’s is set to unveil the Golden Canary in Dubai, UAE today. Weighing 303.10 karats, the deep brownish-yellow gem is one of the largest polished diamonds in the world, and the “largest flawless or internally flawless” diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America.
The historically remarkable gem was once known as the Incomparable Diamond, weighing just over 407 karats. It was then recut from its original shield shape to a classic pear shape, thus making it deeper in color and brighter in hue. The exceptional gem will travel around the world, making stops at Sotheby’s galleries in cities including Taipei, Geneva, Hong Kong, and will also headline its Magnificent Jewels auction in New York on December 7. With bidding starting at just US $1, it is expected to be valued at $15 million, and offered without reserve.
In the UAE, the global unveiling of the Golden Canary will take place alongside the launch of an exhibition featuring rare luxury items which will be available for immediate purchase. Think, wardrobe treasures like Hermès Birkin and Kelly handbags, which have been transformed by luxury brand Jay Ahr, and are making the Middle East debut. Other highlights of the exhibition open to the public till November 4, are Lebanese jewelry designer Gaelle Khouri’s new collection, and striking contemporary photography by Morocco-born artist Lalla Essaydi.
Photo: Cedric Ribeiro. Courtesy of Sotheby’s
“We have had an exceptional year of presenting extraordinary colored diamonds at our global jewelry auctions, as the demand and appetite for these rarities continue to grow,” stated Quig Bruning, head of jewelry for Sotheby’s America’s. “Just two weeks after the record-breaking sale of the Williamson Pink Star for $57.7 million, we are honored to offer the largest polished diamond in present existence to appear at auction. Steeped in history, The Golden Canary is one of the most exquisite diamonds to ever be discovered, not only for its sheer size and intensity in color, but for its stunning beauty that is sure to captivate collectors around the world. Sotheby’s is privileged to help write the next chapter for this incomparable, reborn gem.”
Katia Nounou Boueiz, head of Sotheby’s UAE adds, “We are excited to continue to celebrate the UAE as the ultimate destination for lovers of luxury, with the global unveiling of a gemstone of such extraordinary calibre alongside a selling exhibition curated by our team here on the ground.”
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