Lot 348. 16.98 carats, D color, VVS1 clarity Diamond ring, Van Cleef & Arpels, New York. Estimate 900,000 — 1,000,000 USD. Lot Sold 1,552,000 USD. Photo Sotheby’s.
The emerald-cut diamond weighing 16.98 carats, flanked by 2 tapered baguette diamonds weighing approximately .70 carat, mounted in platinum, size 4 ¾, signed VCA NY, numbered 4105 SO. With signed box.
Accompanied by GIA report no. 15678460 stating that the diamond is D color, VVS1 clarity; together with original working diagram stating that the stone may be potentially flawless.
Originally purchased in 1965 from Harry Winston, the diamond weighed 18.55 carats and was certified on March 2, 1965 as D, Internally Flawless by GIA report no. NY 25468. In 1972, in order to enhance its brilliance, the diamond was re-cut by Lazare Kaplan & Sons to its current proportions and weight ,16.98 carats, and was recertified on May 17, 1972 as D, Internally Flawless by GIA report no. NY 662344. It was then re-mounted by special order by Van Cleef & Arpels, New York.
In a letter dated June 1, 1972 from Herbert Singer to Leo and George Kaplan, Mr. Singer comments:
« Nell is delighted, as am I, with the proportions of the ring and with its enhanced brilliance.
We are grateful to you for your wise advice and counsel. In expressing our gratefulness, it, of necessity, must extend to Dad not only for his impeccable judgment in a field in which he has attained world renown but, more importantly, for providing sons to whom he has imparted his skills, his standards of integrity and his dedication to excellence. »
Sotheby’s. Magnificent Jewels. New York | 24 Apr 2007