Christie’s sells Archduke Joseph Diamond for $21.5 million
LONDON, November 14, 2012 – Christie’s sold the historic Archduke Joseph Diamond at its Geneva auction of Magnificent Jewels on November 13 for US$21,474,525 / SFr.20,355,000 (US$282,545 per carat), setting a new world record at auction for a colourless diamond.
The buyer of the Archduke Joseph Diamond, a cushion-shaped D colour internally flawless Golconda diamond of 76.02 carats, was not identified.
“In the busiest saleroom witnessed at the Four Seasons hotel des Bergues in Geneva in recent years, the Archduke Joseph Diamond of 76.02 carats sold for $21.5 million,” said François Curiel, President of Christie’s Switzerland and International Director of Christie’s Jewellery Department.
“The historic gem led Christie’s jewellery auction which totalled US$85 million.”
Alfredo J. Molina, the diamond’s former owner and CEO of America’s Black, Starr & Frost jewelers said: “I am thrilled but not surprised that the Archduke Joseph Diamond should have fetched such a high price.
“It is considered the finest and largest perfect Golconda diamond ever to appear at auction, with a noble lineage and royal provenance.
“I was blessed to be the Archduke’s guardian and champion for the past 13 years, and indeed it has become part of my very identity.”
