$14M Blue Diamond to Headline Christie's Geneva

RAPAPORT... A fancy-deep-blue diamond ring with a highestimate of CHF 14 million ($14.1 million) will go under the hammer at Christie's GenevaMagnificent Jewels auction next month. The 7.03-carat stone,mounted by Moussaieff, will lead the November auction, Christie's said Thursday.Another prominent lot is a 46.93-carat, D-color, internally flawless diamondring, which is expected to fetch CHF 3.8 million to 4.5 million ($3.8 millionto $4.5 million). Christie's willalso offer a 42.97-carat Burmese sapphire pendant, valued at up to CHF 3million ($3 million), and a pair of untreated Colombian emerald earrings, eachweighing over 7.5 carats, with a presale estimate of CHF 1 million to 1.5million ($1 million to $1.5 million). Other itemson offer include a rare Belle ??poque brooch, dated circa 1910, which wasprocured by the Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba at the height of hercareer. The turquoise and diamond piece is valued at CHF 250,000 to CHF 350,000($252,046 to $352,864). The salealso encompasses several Art Deco pieces from Cartier. Three brooches, formerlyin the collection of Countess Be??atrice of Granard OBE, have a high presaleestimate of CHF 220,000 ($221,856). A diamond Cartier bandeau, which can alsobe worn as a choker, two bracelets and a brooch, is valued at up to CHF 500,000($504,193). Highlightsfrom the collection are available for viewing at Christie's London on October 22and 23, and at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Geneva, from November 7 to12. Image: The 7.03-carat blue diamond ring. (Christie's)