Christie's to Sell 25ct. Diamond for Nearly $500K

RAPAPORT... A 25.40-carat diamond ring will take center stage at the upcoming Christie's auction in Paris, where it's set to fetch up to EUR 450,000 ($475,052).The old-cut, I-color, VS1-clarity jewel will lead a selection of important diamond and gemstone pieces that will go under the hammer at the June 23 to July 7 Joaillerie Paris auction. Among those are a cushion-cut, 10.56-carat Kashmir sapphire ring with a high estimate of EUR 400,000 ($422,268). Other notable items include the personal jewelry collection belonging to designer Jean Fouquet. The group comprises pieces from the Art Nouveau period up to the 1950s. The centerpiece of that assortment is an Art Deco ring with a 7.14-carat Burmese sapphire and diamonds, which carries a high price of EUR 80,000 ($84,454).Meanwhile, a modified pear-cut, 9.46-carat, D-color, VS1-clarity diamond ring is estimated at up to EUR 300,000 ($316,703), as is a Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond Zip necklace that can be transformed into a bracelet.Christie's will also offer jewelry by other iconic designers including Belperron, Bulgari, Cartier and JAR, it added.Image: The 25.40-carat diamond ring. (Christie's)