The 14.83-carat jewel, cut from crystal mined in Russia in 2017, was called “The Spirit of the Rose”, after a ballet performed by the Ballets Russes and Vaslav Nijinsky in 1911.
The hammer price of CHF21 million before commission was reached after just a few minutes, when it was bought by a telephone bidder who chose to remain anonymous, Sotheby’s said on Wednesday.
Coloured stones have been greatly valued as an asset class by the wealthy in recent years, with top-quality pink diamonds especially prized, according to the Reuters news agency.
The Argyle mine in western Australia, which had produced the world’s largest supply of pink diamonds, stopped production last week due to depletion.
“The lucky buyer could well profit from prices soaring for pink diamonds in the coming years thanks to increased rarity,” Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds, Europe’s largest online diamond jeweller, said in a statement.
In 2018 the ‘Pink Legacy’ diamond garnered CHF45.7 million when it was auctioned by Christie’s, also in Geneva, setting a record price per carat for a stone of its kind.
The absolute record price for a pink diamond was the “Star Pink”, sold for CHF65 million in Hong Kong in 2017.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
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The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
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The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
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In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
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As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
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A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
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The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
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Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
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Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
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Earring record shattered at Geneva auction
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Sotheby’s in Geneva has set a record auction price for a pair of earrings, selling a duo of blue and pink diamond jewels for $57 million.
Chinese vase sells for millions, 10,000 times estimated value
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“Including the commission, the vase will cost the Asian buyer CHF6.08 million,” auctioneer Olivier Fichot told the AFP news agency. The 60cm high vase with three blue dragons on a yellow background was listed in the catalogue as originating from the beginning of the 20th century with a fake 18th century Qianlong seal. Qing dynasty?…
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.