45ct. 'Star' Diamond Sets Online Record at Christie's

RAPAPORT... A 45.46-carat diamond was snapped up for $4.6 million at a recent online sale at Christie's, setting a record for the most expensive piece to be sold in a virtual jewelry auction.The round brilliant, D-flawless, type IIa diamond, named The Flawless Star, exceeded its $4 million low estimate at the March 28 to April 7 Jewels Online sale, Christie's said last week. In total, the auction garnered $9.1 million.The prior record for a jewel sold online belonged to a round, 50.03-carat, G-color, VVS2-clarity diamond, which fetched $2.7 million at Sotheby's in June. The highest price Christie's had previously garnered online was $2.1 million for a 28.86-carat diamond ring in 2020.Other notable items from the sale included an unmounted marquise-cut, 4.61-carat, D-color, SI1-clarity diamond, which achieved $107,100, smashing its $60,000 high price tag. An unmounted cushion-cut, 5.31-carat, D-color, VS2-clarity diamond, which was offered without reserve, realized $100,800, within its estimate.In total, Christie's sold 98% of items on offer, with the event attracting bidders from 29 countries. Some 17% of the bidders were participating in their first Christie's auction, the company said.Image: The Flawless Star. (Christie's)