15.81ct. Pink Could Fetch $38M at Christie's

RAPAPORT... A purple-pink diamond weighing nearly 16 carats will take center stage at the Christie's Magnificent Jewels sale in Hong Kong, the largest of its kind ever to be offered at an auction.The 15.81-carat, fancy-vivid-purple-pink, internally flawless, type IIa stone, known as the Sakura Diamond, is set in a ring and bracketed by white diamonds. The piece is expected to sell for $25 million to $38 million when it goes under the hammer on May 23, Christie's estimated Tuesday."This exceptionally rare and magnificent wonder of nature represents a unique expression of identity and mesmerizing beauty through its enthralling purple-pink hue that will undoubtedly capture the hearts of discerning connoisseurs and collectors worldwide," said Vickie Sek, chairman of the jewelry department for Christie's Asia Pacific.Other notable items at the sale include the Sweet Heart - a heart-shaped, 4.19-carat, fancy-vivid-pink diamond - and a 50.05-carat, D- flawless briolette diamond that will be offered without reserve.The auction house will also hold its Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale in May. That show will star a parure of sapphire and diamond jewels from St?(C)phanie de Beauharnais, grand duchess of Baden, the adopted daughter of Emperor Napol?(C)on Bonaparte. The nine-piece set includes a tiara, a collier, a pair of earrings, two pendants, two brooches, a ring and a bracelet. Christie's will offer each jewel as individual lots at the May 12 sale.Additionally, a sapphire and diamond crown that belonged to Maria II, queen of Portugal, will also go up for auction. The headpiece, which is set with a large Burmese sapphire center stone, is estimated at up to CHF 350,000 ($371,584).Image: The 15.81-carat purple-pink Sakura Diamond. (Christie's)