A decade-old diamond from a De Beers mine (in South Africa) is set to go on auction at Sotheby’s in New York next month (April 21st) and should fetch between $19-$25 million. Weighing in at 100.20 carats, the diamond has been described as an “ultimate emerald-cut diamond, D colour, internally flawless” and “unlike any diamond offered at auction before”.

Sotheby’s vice-president of sales for jewellery, Frank Everett, has said that the diamond was “for anyone who really desires the best of the best”.

After doing some Googling, it seems this precious jewel really is quite rare to come across.

A diamond of these proportions in this shape is so rare that it is, in fact, the largest emerald-cut diamond ever to be offered at auction.

The diamond was originally cut from a 200 carat stone, and it took almost a year to decide on what “cut” to give it.

It took a year of planning and decision-making to arrive at the unusual emerald cut, which shows the full beauty of this stone to its best advantage. The most unforgiving of all the diamond cuts, with its long and large facets, which allow a clear view through the entire stone.

Here are some more massive diamonds and their price:

• The Spectacular Oval Diamond of 118.28 carats sold for $30.6 million by Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2013, and current world record holder for most valuable white diamond ever sold at auction.
• The Winston Legacy 101.73 carat pear-shape diamond sold for $26.7 million by Christie’s Geneva in 2013.
• The Star of the Season 100.10 carat pear-shape diamond sold for $16.5 million at Sotheby’s Geneva in 1995.
• The Mouwad Splendour 101.84 carat pear-shape diamond sold for $12.7 million at Sotheby’s Geneva in 1990.

You can read about some more ridiculous diamond auctions HERE.

Start saving… It’s this or high school for the kids.

That is a bit over the top when you are looking to drop the knee, these cool cats at Black Key Diamonds will have you covered.

[Source: Fin24 and The Jewellery Editor]