52 Carat Golconda Diamond Hits Christie's Auction Block

A 52.58 ct. D-color internally flawless Golconda diamond will headline the Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale in New York City on Dec. 10. Golconda diamonds are from mines of ancient Golconda, a city in southern India. Some of the world's most famous diamonds, including the Hope Diamond, have come from these ancient mines. This particular gem, an octagonal-cut diamond, is expected to bring in between $9.5 and $12.5 million. The Magnificent Jewels sale is expected to bring in over $45 million, featuring a collection of Leviev diamond jewelry. The star of the Leviev collection is a cushion cut 26.72 carat D-internally flawless ring. The ring is set in platinum with shield shaped diamonds on either side. Expected to fetch between 4 and 6 million, this ring is a true rare beauty. The Leviev collection also includes a diamond pendant necklace with a pear-shape D-color VVS1 diamond of 22.12 cts. strung on a necklace of pear-shape and oval-cut diamonds totaling 38.76 cts., estimated at $2.5 million–$3.5 million. Also making a splash at the sale will be a collection of colored Cartier jewels owned by Marion Rumsey Cartier. These art deco pieces are expected to fetch between $300,000-$500,000.