16/11/2011 14:15
Sun-Drop Diamond of South Africa costs $12.4 million
The Sun-Drop Diamond of South Africa, a giant pear-shaped yellow gem weighing 110.3 carats, has sold for more than $10.9 million at auction Tuesday, beating previous records for a jewel of its type, the Washington Post reports.
Including commission the unidentified telephone bidder paid almost $12.4 million for the gem, putting it within the $11 million to $15 million range Sotheby’s had estimated before the sale.
“It’s a record for a yellow diamond at auction,” said David Bennett, the head of Sotheby’s jewelry division. He added that it was the eighth most expensive diamond ever sold at auction.