Rare blue diamond smashes record
From correspondents in Hong Kong
October 09, 2007 03:39pm
Article from: Agence France-Presse
A RARE flawless blue diamond has been snapped up at a Sotheby's sale in Hong Kong for $US7.98 million ($8.95m), making it the most expensive gemstone in the world per carat ever bought at auction.
The Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Ring broke the auction record which had stood for 20 years, according to a Sotheby's spokeswoman, fetching $US1.32m for each of its 6.04 carats.
The price for the emerald-cut piece smashed the record held by the Hancock Red, a red diamond which was sold for $US926,000 per carat, Sotheby's said.
The purchase was clinched by Moussaieff Jewellers in London, a specialist in rare stones.
The entire jewel sale fetched $US40.84m, including $US2.64m for the Irving Berlin emerald, a long 47.60 carat necklace previously owned by the celebrated US composer and lyricist.
Last Update: December 19, 2007