103-Carat ‘Light Of Africa’ D-Flawless Diamond Could Fetch $18 Million

The “Light of Africa,” a 103.49-carat D-Flawless diamond will be the top lot at Christies New York Magnificent Jewels sale on June 8. Its estimate is $11 million to $18 million.

In addition to its other attributes of size and purity, this emerald-shaped diamond also possess excellent polish and symmetry, according to Christie’s. It belongs to the rare Type IIa category, which make up less than 2% of all diamonds, making this one of the most rare and valuable diamonds. It was graded by the Gemological Institute of America.

The diamond was cut from a 299.3-carat rough, unearthed from The famed Cullinan Diamond Mine owned by Petra Diamonds. This important gemstone was mined, cut and polished in South Africa. The Cullinan Diamond Mine has produced some of the most historic and sensational diamonds in history, including the Great Star of Africa and the Second Star of Africa which are both part of the British Crown Jewels.

The diamond will go on a world tour beginning in Geneva May 6 – 11, followed by Hong Kong May 22 – 24, before returning to Christie’s New York Rockefeller Center headquarters where it will be on exhibit June 3 – 7, before June 8 auction.

The top five colorless diamonds offered by Christie’s

• A diamond and emerald necklace by De Grisogono featuring a 163.41-carat rectangular cut-cornered diamond. It sold for $33.7 million at Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale on November 14, 2017. Price per carat was $206,236.
• The “Winston Legacy,” a 103.73-carat pear-shaped diamond that fetched more than $26.7 million at Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale on May 15, 2013. The price per carat was $262,832.
• The “Archduke Joseph Diamond,” a 76.02-carat cushion-shaped diamond that fetched more than $21.4 million at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale on November 13, 2012. The price per carat was $282,485.
• Le Légende diamond and cultured pearl sautoir necklace by Boehmer et Bassenge featuring a 92.15-carat heart-shaped diamond. It sold for more than $14.9 million at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale on May 17, 2017. Its price per carat was $162,659.
• An unnamed 75.97-carat pear-shaped diamond that fetched more than $14.4 million at Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale on May 14, 2014. Its per carat price was $190,532.