Christie's to Sell Blue Diamond at Online Auction

RAPAPORT... A fancy-vivid-blue diamond is among the top items up for auction at the upcoming Christie's Jewels Online sale, where it is estimated to fetch up to GBP 500,000 ($673,314).The unmounted oval-cut, 1.02-carat stone is the most valuable jewel on offer at the sale, which will run until November 26 with viewings in London, Christie's said last week. A round brilliant-cut, 32.10-carat, S- to T-color, VS1-clarity diamond ring by Cartier will also star in the auction. The piece, from the collection of renowned Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich and his wife, soprano Galina Vishnevskaya, is estimated at up to GBP 300,000 ($403,979).Other notable items include a ring bearing a cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut, 12.56-carat, fancy-intense-yellow, VS2-clarity diamond flanked by trilliant-cut diamonds. The gem carries a high estimate of GBP 160,000 ($215,427). A rectangular emerald-cut, 5.26-carat, D-color, VVS1-clarity diamond ring is valued at up to GBP 150,000 ($201,979), as is a cushion modified brilliant-cut, 15.06-carat, fancy-yellow, SI1-clarity diamond ring. Signed jewels by Harry Winston, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Buccellati will also be seeking buyers. Another feature at the sale is a collection of pieces belonging to Victoria, Lady de Rothschild, a style icon, philanthropist and collector. Customers can view the items from November 18 to 25 at Christie's in London.Image: The 1.02-carat, fancy-vivid-blue diamond. (Christie's)