Flawless 76-carat diamond fetches $21.5 million at auction
What a beauty! The huge, rare gem once belonged to Archduke Joseph August of Austria
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Photos: All that glitters
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Precious petals
Diamond and colored gemstone jewels, including a yellow diamond necklace estimated to be worth $2 million to $3 million, will go on the block at Sotheby's "Magnificent Jewels" auction in New York on April 20, 2010.
This ruby and diamond flower brooch, originally from Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris, in 1967, contains round and baguette diamonds weighing approximately 4.05 carats. The petals are "mystery-set" with calibre-cut rubies, mounted in platinum and 18 karat gold. Van Cleef & Arpels created the mystery setting technique, in which prongs are concealed beneath the gems they hold.
Estimated value: $60,000 to 80,000 (Courtesy of Sotheby's) Back to slideshow navigation -
True blue
The major highlight of Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels auction will be pieces from the collection of Virginia winemaker and philanthropist Patrcia Kluge, including this platinum, sapphire and diamond ring. The cushion-shaped sapphire, weighing approximately 21.30 carats, is framed by round and single-cut diamonds weighing approximately 5.7 carats.
Estimated value: $200,000 to $300,000 (Courtesy of Sotheby's) Back to slideshow navigation -
Diamonds are forever
The Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels auction will include a pair of earclips set with oval sapphires framed by old mine diamonds weighing approximately 10.75 carats; they are estimated to be worth $100,000 to $150,000. Also on the block: A necklace composed of emerald beads accented by round diamonds weighing approximately 43 carats. It is estimated to bring $150,000 to $200,000. (Courtesy of Sotheby's) Back to slideshow navigation -
Birds of a feather
Crafted around 1940, this brooch depicts birds in flight. The wings are set with segments of cabochon moonstones, accented by round and single-cut diamonds and calibré-cut rubies.
Estimated value: $25,000 to $35,000 (Courtesy of Sotheby's) Back to slideshow navigation -
Dazzling diamonds
Sotheby's believes this to be the first necklace set entirely with fancy-vivid yellow diamonds ever to appear at auction. The 42 diamonds weigh a total of 100.17 carats.
Estimated value: $2 million to $3 million (Courtesy of Sotheby's) Back to slideshow navigation -
Pear-shaped pair
These pendant earrings feature pear-shaped emeralds weighing 10.58 and 9.76 carats, and diamonds weighing approximately 2.50 carats, mounted in platinum.
Estimated value: $350,000 to $450,000 (Courtesy of Sotheby's) Back to slideshow navigation -
On the watch
This pendant watch takes the form of a jardiniere (a decorative receptacle for plants). It includes platinum, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. The watch, an oval dial with Arabic numerals, is on the reverse side.
Estimated value: $30,000 to $50,000 (Courtesy of Sotheby's) Back to slideshow navigation -
Costly cat
This bangle bracelet is in the shape of a coiled panther. It is composed of carved boulder opal segments, accented by round diamonds weighing approximately 3 carats, cabochon rubies and sapphire, and emerald eyes.
Estimated value: $40,000 to $60,000 (Courtesy of Sotheby's) Back to slideshow navigation -
Wealth on wings
Dating to about 1890, this brooch/hair ornament is in the shape of a flying swallow. It has diamonds applied with white enamel, mounted in 10 karat gold.
Estimated value: $30,000 to $40,000 (Courtesy of Sotheby's) Back to slideshow navigation -
Verdant valuable
This Tiffany bracelet, dating to about 1925, includes emeralds weighing 39.60 carats, spaced by square emerald-cut diamonds weighing approximately 9.50 carats, mounted in platinum.
Estimated value: $350,000 to $550,000 (Courtesy of Sotheby's) Back to slideshow navigation -
Dietrich's diamonds
Dating to about 1930, this platinum and diamond brooch once belonged to actress Marlene Dietrich.
Estimated value: $30,000 to $50,000 (Courtesy of Sotheby's) Back to slideshow navigation
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Snow possible for unofficial start of summer
video Memorial Day weekend is supposed to mark the beginning of barbecues and sunbathing, but some parts of the country are expecting chilly winter weather, with up to six inches of snow possible in the Northeast.
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