Christie's auction: Golconda diamond necklace may fetch $10 mn

Hong Kong, May 26 (IANS) A pear and cushion-shaped diamond and emerald necklace, having two Golconda diamonds, is expected to fetch up to $10 million at Christie's Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels auction here May 27.

The necklace "The Eye of Golconda" comprises two rare Golconda diamonds, weighing 40.05 and 6.76 carats, respectively.

"The former, the necklace's centrepiece of imposing size, is the largest Golconda diamond ever available for auction in Asia," a statement said Monday.

Golconda diamonds are often described as "diamonds of first water", characterised by an almost indefinable water-clear appearance that attest to their diaphanous quality and a degree of transparency rarely seen in stones from other localities, it added.

The auction, consisting of over 300 lots, will unveil a 9.38 carats pear-shaped pink diamond, estimated to be worth between $5.8 million and $8.3 million.

Apart from this, a range of vividly saturated Burmese rubies and sapphires, Colombian emeralds and exclusive vintage pieces from Bulgari -- an Italian jewellery and luxury goods company -- among others will be a part of this auction.