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Black diamond, largest ever cut, goes on show in Dubai
Black diamond, largest ever cut, goes on show in Dubai
January 18, 2022 | 12:34 AM
The world’s largest known cut diamond went on public display for the first time yesterday ahead of its sale, when it is expected to reach $5mn.The Enigma, the name of the rare black carbanado diamond, was put on display in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.The diamond is believed to have been created when a meteorite or an asteroid hit the Earth more than 2.6bn years ago, according to Sotheby’s auction house jewellery specialist Sophie Stevens.One of the most difficult substances to cut, the 555.55-carat diamond has never been shown by its unnamed owner of the past 20 years, but experts turned it into a 55-face jewel.Its shape was inspired by the Middle East palm-shaped symbol of power and protection, the Hamsa, which is also associated with the number five.“It is very different,” said Stevens of the jewel, which holds a Guinness World Record as the largest cut diamond.After being on show in Dubai the Enigma will also be taken to Los Angeles and London, before a seven day online auction starts on February 3.What Sotheby’s called a “cosmic wonder” could very well go to a bitcoin bidder, Stevens said.“We are accepting cryptocurrency for the diamond, which we have done for other important stones,” she said.Last year in Hong Kong, the Key 10138 diamond sold for $12.3mn which was paid in cryptocurrency.
January 18, 2022 | 12:34 AM