An oval-cut fancy intense pink diamond ring of approx. 3.86 cts.

Lot 317. Set with a modified oval-cut fancy intense pink diamond, weighing approximately 3.86 carats, flanked on either side by a half moon-cut diamond, to the pavé-set pink diamond band, mounted in 18k rose gold, (illustrated unmounted)
With report 16275775 dated 25 September 2007 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is fancy intense pink, natural color, VS1 clarity

Accompanied by a supplemental letter stating that the diamond has been determined to be a Type IIa pink diamond. Type IIa pink diamonds are very rare in nature, often have relatively few inclusions and are noted for their homogenous color in the rough. Unlike many other colored diamonds, the color in pink diamonds can not only be caused by impurities, but it may also be a result of the diamond's exposure to heat and pressure during transportation into the earth's crust. Type IIa pinks have been found in a number of mining regions around the world. Historically they were found in India (particularly from the Golconda region) and, in more recent times, most notably from Brazil and Africa. Among famous gem diamonds, the 70.39 carat Empress Rose and the 28.15 carat Agra, are examples of Type IIa pinks

Estimate: $1,200,000-1,500,000

Note : The color pink is one of the rarest and more desirable hues in diamonds. Pink diamonds, such as the 185-carat Darya-i-noor, now part of the Iranian Crown Jewels, were cherished by the Mughal rulers of 17th century India. More recently, pink diamonds have been discovered in very small numbers around the world. However, the majority that are seen in the market have a secondary color modifier, a variant that is generally purple or brown. This elegantly shaped pink diamond is exceptional in the fact that it is a straight intense pink, without any secondary color. What makes this diamond even more rare is its saturation and purity as well as the unique Type IIa classification.

Christie's. Magnificent Jewels. 11 December 2007. 20 Rockefeller Plaza, New York