Squash-ball Sized Diamond Up For Auction

Published on 22/04/08

A diamond the size of a squash ball is to be auctioned at Christie's in Hong Kong next month.

The 101.27 carat diamond is expected to fetch up to $7.5 million (£3.8 million) and is one of just three colourless diamonds of more than 100 carats to have ever been sold at auction.

Set in a tiara, the jewel is the largest diamond of its kind to appear at auction in 18 years and was cut from a 460-carat hunk of rough crystal.

Rated very very slightly imperfect 1st degree for clarity, the piece is an internally flawless diamond and is being sold on May 28th at the Hong Kong auction house.

"With Asia becoming such a vibrant market, it is fitting that this rarest gem should be offered...to the growing number of collectors in the region," commented Francois Curiel, chairman of jewellery with Christie's.

Founded by James Christie in 1766, the auction house saw global sales reach £3.1 billion last year.