Christie's to auction blue Wittelsbach diamond

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Christie's to auction blue Wittelsbach diamond

November 04, 2008

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London—The Wittelsbach diamond, a 35.56-carat fancy deep grayish-blue diamond with a long history, is among the gems slated for auction at Christie's "Jewels: The London Sale" next month.

Officially known as "Der Blaue Wittelsbacher," the diamond is one of the few that can claim 17th-century heritage.

In 1664, King Philip IV of Spain (1605-1665) selected the diamond as part of the dowry of his daughter, Infanta Margarita Teresa (1651-1673), upon her engagement to Leopold I of Austria (1640-1705), who later became Holy Roman Emperor.

The diamond subsequently became part of the Austrian and then the Bavarian crown jewels.

The diamond has been part of a private collection since 1964, and its appearance at the upcoming Christie's auction marks its first offering to the international market in nearly 80 years.

"It is a great honor and a lifetime dream to handle a museum-quality stone such as the Wittelsbach," said Francois Curiel, chairman of Christie's Europe and international head of jewelry. "The appearance of a large blue diamond, among the rarest of colors, with a history that can be traced back to the 17th century and 300 years of royal connections will surely be a thrilling occasion for all collectors of exceedingly rare jewels and works of art."

"Jewels: The London Sale" is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Christie's King Street.

An estimate is available upon request for the Wittelsbach diamond.

In other blue diamond news, London-based mining company Petra Diamonds Ltd. sold a 39.19-carat rough blue diamond for $8.8 million to London jeweler Moussaieff, the mining company confirmed to National Jeweler.

Petra had the diamond on tender in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Moussaieff purchased it via the South African firm Laub Diamond.

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