Christie's to Sell $15m Light of Peace without Reserve
May 23, 23
(IDEX Online) - The Light of Peace, a 126.76-carat D-color, internally flawless diamond valued at up to $15m, is to be sold by Christie's New York without reserve.
It started life as a 434.6-carat rough gem from Sierra Leone, which was bought by the Zale Corporation of Dallas in 1969 and cut into what was then the Zale Light of Peace and 12 smaller gems.
Funds raised from showing the diamond were donated to peace-supporting missions until the stone was sold in 1980.
The Type IIa, pear brilliant-cut diamond will now lead the Magnificent Jewels auction on 7 June, which also includes signed jewels by Cartier, Chaumet, Harry Winston, JAR, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, and Verdura.
Christie's says the current (unidentified) owners will give an undisclosed portion of the proceeds to the UN refugee agency USA for UNHCR. Estimate $10m to $15m.
Pic courtesy Christie's