‘Perfect’ diamond on tour before auction

The largest “perfect” diamond to ever be auctioned has touched down in London ahead of its predicted $25m (€22m) sale in New York this spring.

Considered to be internally flawless in appearance, the 100-carat diamond was in London for a one-day viewing ahead of Valentine’s day.

According to Sotheby’s, it joins an exclusive club of only five diamonds of similar quality, which weigh more than 100 carats, ever to be sold worldwide.

Gary Schuler, head of Sotheby’s jewellery department in New York, said: “This diamond is the definition of perfection.

“The colour is whiter than white, it is free of any internal imperfections, and so transparent I can only compare it to a pool of icy water.

“It is the first true emerald-cut diamond over 100 carats to be offered at auction,” he said.

Originally uncovered in southern Africa, the stone weighed more than 200 carats before being meticulously refined to 100.20 carats by its current owner.

Sotheby’s hosted the emerald-cut gemstone in its New Bond Street Gallery yesterday and it is scheduled to appear in Dubai, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Doha.

After completing its world tour, it will be auctioned in New York on April 21, where it is expected to fetch $19m to $25m. Lisa Hubbard, chair of North and South America for Sotheby’s international jewellery division, said: “The rarest object of natural beauty on the market right now, this 100-carat diamond could be considered the ultimate acquisition.”