Pre-Auction Analysis: Christie’s and Sotheby’s Fancy Color Diamond Lots

Our pre-auction analyses focus on visual elements that are not expressed in the GIA report, such as “inner-grade,” “undertone” and “color dispersion”. We use grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 4+ to evaluate these features. Stones with a total score of 8 to 12, have the physical features of a Gem quality stone. It is often difficult to identify these characteristics when viewing stones in an auction catalogue. All pictures were taken with an iPhone 7.

Christie’s Lot No’ 216

9.14 Fancy Vivid Pink Pear shape VS2

High estimate: $1,970,000 per carat.

According to our Rarity Evaluator, a stone with these gemological characteristics comes to the market once every few years and receives the “one of a kind” grade. However, rarity by itself is not enough in order for a stone to receive a high price per carat. The stone has