Million-Dollar Diamond Leads Bonhams December Jewelry Sale in New York - 

Bonhams Fine Jewelry auction on December 9 will feature a rare, unmounted modified pear cut diamond, weighing 17.82 carats, and estimated to fetch $1-1.5 million. As a type IIa diamond, the breathtaking stone is not only beautiful, it is also scientifically extraordinary.

Scientists classify diamonds into two types, based on the presence or absence of nitrogen in the diamond's atomic structure. Type II diamonds contain little — if any — nitrogen, and make up less than 2% of the world's diamonds. Type IIa diamonds, such as the one on offer, are considered the most chemically pure of all diamonds, and often have exceptional optical transparency.

"This diamond comes to us from a private collection and has a limpid quality that is very important to true connoisseurs," explained Susan Abeles, Bonhams Head of US Jewelry.

Outstanding diamonds sparkle throughout the sale. Especially notable is the rainbow array of colored diamonds on offer, including a rare fancy intense blue diamond ring from a private collection, weighing approximately 1.12 carats (est. $100,000-150,000). Also available are a natural very light pink diamond ring, weighing 5.07 carats (est. $275,000-300,000) and a fancy light yellow diamond ring, weighing 7.79 carats (est. $60,000-80,000).

Highly sought-after signature diamonds also feature prominently in the sale. A diamond solitaire ring by Harry Winston centering a pear-shaped diamond, weighing 5.05 carats will be on offer (est. $225,000-350,000), as well as a diamond and sapphire necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels (est. $70,000-90,000). A jade, diamond and eighteen karat gold brooch by David Webb is sure to attract attention (est. $50,000-70,000), as will a pair of diamond earclips from Bulgari, featuring alternate gem-set and diamond drops (est. $30,000-50,000) — just one of a fine selection of gorgeous Bulgari pieces available.

On the heels of Bonhams remarkable results for sapphires in October Fine Jewelry auction, the December sale includes many extraordinary pieces featuring the precious stone. The most remarkable is an important Burmese sapphire ring weighing 38.71 carats (est. $550,000-750,000). A 18.57 carats sapphire and gold pendant fragment is also available (est. $55,000-75,000).

Additional gemstone treasures in the auction include a rare Burmese ruby necklace composed of three strands of graduated beads (est. $150,00-180,00) and a ruby and diamond ring from Van Cleef & Arpels, centering a cushion-cut ruby, weighing 3.77 carats (est. $80,000-100,000).

"The December 9 sale features splendid diamonds and the finest gemstones. It's the ideal opportunity to find the perfect holiday gift for someone truly special," said Virginia Salem, the Director of the Jewelry Department in New York.

Bonhams Fine Jewelry auction will take place on December 9 in New York. The auction will preview at Bonhams San Francisco November 15-17, Bonhams Los Angeles November 22-24, and at Bonhams New York December 5-8.