A Diamond for the Infanta

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

It will be one of the most remarkable lots of this fall. A diamond in an extremely rare color, an exceptional size and a royal provenance dating back to more than three centuries ago.

This Indian greyish-blue diamond weighing 35.56 carat of VS2 clarity is chosen in 1664 by King Philip IV of Spain to enter the dowry of his daughter, the Infanta Margarita Teresa. The princess is well known for being in 1656 the main character of the Meninas of Velazquez. So this diamond is a contemporary of the royal glory of the Koh-I-Noor, the Regent and the Orlov. Entered in the Bavarian royal family by a marriage in 1722, it was then known as Blaue Wittelsbacher.

It is found twice at Christie's: in 1931 at the sale of the crown jewellery of Bavaria, and now in preparation for the sale of December 10 in London.

Christie's does not give a price in its release, but the Telegraph of Nov. 2 indicates that experts believe it could fetch £ 10 million.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

An outstanding result for the most exciting lot of the year.

The Wittelsbach diamond was sold £ 16.4 million including buyer's premium.

Christie's announced that it is the highest recorded auction price for a jewel.

My opinion is that this changes nothing in my previous remarks on the new challenge, at the end of the year, for selling color diamonds. Those that are both unique and prestigious continue to make excellent performance.

Unlike my usual practice, I put a link to the catalog page of this historic lot.

[Area Light Explorer]

This is notable.

I wonder how the value was assigned based on weight, size, clarity, color, etc. I am also interested if a breakdown is possible with the art and skill that went into finishing. It would seem this diamond with it's history would be valued even higher. A terrific gift to a special person.

Do you think timing in the offer so near the holidays may have driven up the price for the diamond? Or was this essentially assured without much competition?

Thanks for posting the link in this instance.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Hi Anthony

I have no doubt that the royal history made the price. The fact that only one other diamond of same colour and size is known in the world helped much.

I do not think that the cut and clarity had a role in this result.

It is a historic piece, contemporary to the Koh-I-Noor. I am sure that the price was not affected by the auction date, excepted the fact that top jewelry auctions in London and New York come generally in December (after Geneva and Hong Kong sales).

Christie's had not published their estimate, but the market had told about 10 M£. For sure, reaching 16.4 M£ (including fees) was the result of much competition.

Pierre

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

We have some additional information through the press today.

Christie's spokeswoman said the price nearly doubled its pre-sale estimate (Christie's had not published that estimate).

The previous top price for a diamond at auction was $16.5 million for a 100-carat diamond in 1995 in Switzerland. Converted into US currency, the price of the Wittelsbach diamond is 24.3 M$.

Christie's provided the buyer's name in a press release : Graff Diamonds.