DUBAI: Colored diamonds have made history this year, headlining Sotheby’s flagship jewelry auctions in Hong Kong, Geneva and New York. Adding to the lineup, Sotheby’s Dubai today unveiled another landmark gem: The Golden Canary, set to highlight Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels auction in New York on Dec. 7 with an estimate in the region of $15 million.
Weighing in at 303.10 carats, the Fancy Deep Brownish-Yellow Diamond 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 (GIA).
Recut from its original shield-shape into a classic pear-shape, the Golden Canary is now deeper in color and brighter in hue.
Katia Nounou Boueiz, head of Sotheby’s UAE, said in a statement, “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.”
Also currently on show at Sotheby’s Dubai is a exhibition showcasing an edit of rare luxury items, all of which are available for immediate purchase. Open to the public until Nov. 4, the selling exhibition includes a selection of hand-embellished Hermes Birkin and Kelly handbags transformed by luxury brand Jay Ahr. It is the first time the collection is on show in the Middle East.
Lebanese jewelry designer Gaelle Khouri will also bring her new collection to the exhibition — a series of either graphic (Formes Angulaires) or sensual (Formes Instinctives) pieces in yellow, white, or rose gold often enhanced by diamonds and precious stones.
Additional items within the exhibition include contemporary photography by Morocco-born artist Lalla Essaydi.