The Rock (diamond)
The Rock is the world's largest white diamond ever auctioned. It is a nearly colorless 228.31 carat pear-shaped diamond mined in South Africa c. 2000. The diamond is described as larger than a golf ball, and it was auctioned in 2022 for 21.9 million USD.
Classification
The Rock is a 228.31-carat white diamond which has been graded by the Gemological Institute of America. It has G color, VS1 clarity.[1] The color of white diamonds can range from D to Z: D-color is the highest grade for white diamonds, and it is the rarest and most expensive. The Rock is G-color, which is the fourth whitest level of white diamonds.[2] It is the highest grade in the near-colorless color range and only professionals can see a slight tint of color in a G-colored diamond.[3] The diamond is 61.3 grams (2.2 oz) and it has dimensions of 5.4 centimetres (2.1 in) by 3.1 centimetres (1.2 in).[2] It is described as "larger than a golf ball.[4]
History
The Rock was mined and polished in South Africa c. 2000.[5][6] It is cut in a symmetrical pear-shape.[6] The diamond was displayed in Dubai, Taipei and New York City before arriving at Christie's in Geneva for auction.[7]
On May 11, 2022 Christie's Geneva auctioned the diamond and it was sold for 21.9 million USD.[6] It was the largest white diamond ever auctioned.[5] Previously the largest white diamond ever auctioned had a mass of 163.41 carats and realized a price of 33.7 million USD.[8]
The owner was from North America and was anonymous.[9] The New York Post described the sellers as a family of jewelry collectors who had the diamond made into a necklace at Cartier.[10] The buyer who purchased the diamond at Christie's Geneva was an unnamed private collector.[9]
See also
- Cullinan Diamond
- Diamond color
- Golden Eye Diamond
- Golden Jubilee Diamond
- Nassak Diamond
- The Enigma Diamond
- Tiffany Yellow Diamond
- List of diamonds
References
- ^ Mobley, Grant (11 May 2022). "The Rock: Largest White Diamond Ever Auctioned at Christie's Sells for $21.9 Million". The Natural Diamond Council. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ a b "'The Rock,' the largest white diamond ever put up for auction, sells for more than $21 million". Associated Press. USA Today. 12 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ Fried, Michael (25 May 2022). "D Color Grade Diamonds". The Diamond. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "'The Rock' diamond dazzles in Geneva". Bangkok Post. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ a b Mordowanec, Nick (28 March 2022). "'Legendary' Rare White Diamond 'The Rock' Is Largest Ever to Be Auctioned". Newsweek. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ a b c Palumbo, Jacqui (11 May 2022). "'The Rock,' the largest white diamond ever auctioned, falls short of expectations". CNN. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Giant white diamond 'The Rock' makes debut in Dubai". France 24. 25 March 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ Porterfield, Carlie (25 March 2022). "This $30 Million White Diamond Is The Largest To Ever Appear At Auction". Forbes. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Largest diamond 'The Rock' fetches $21.9M at auction". Daily Sabah. 11 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ Cherner, Jessica (11 May 2022). "'The Rock,' the largest white diamond ever auctioned, sells for $21.9M". NYP Holdings, Inc. Retrieved 27 May 2022.