A record-settingly massive white diamond nicknamed “The Rock” will soon hit auction, where it’s projected to go for as much as $30 million.
The piece—a 228.31 carat pear-shaped diamond that was mined and polished in South Africa more than 20 years ago—is said by Christie’s to be the biggest white diamond to have ever been listed for sale at auction.
This summer’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale will be headlined by “The Rock,” which was unveiled this week via Christie’s Dubai. In the months ahead, the piece will continue its pre-auction travels, including a stop at Rockefeller Plaza in NYC in April.
The larger Magnificent Jewels auction is set to include a curated assortment of historic and modern pieces from a variety of different periods and brands. In the days leading up to the potential sale, the piece will be on display at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva.
“The Rock will join the very best of legendary gemstones which have passed through Christie’s global salerooms since 1766,” Rahul Kadakia, who serves as International Head of Jewelry at Christie’s, said in a recent press release. “The market for diamonds is particularly vibrant and we are confident that this sensational gemstone will capture the attention of collectors across the globe this Spring season.”
The auctioneer also spoke with the Robb Report on Friday, further describing the well-hyped white diamond as a “unicorn” in the industry. “Honestly, the stone has no price,” Kadakia told the outlet.
In 2017, a 163.41 carat white diamond sold at a Christie’s auction for $33.7 million, a haul that may very well be surpassed this May.
