Pre-Auction Analysis: April 2017, Sotheby’s Hong-Kong

This Sotheby’s Hong Kong pre-auction analysis focuses on visual elements that are not expressed on the GIA report, such as Undertone, Color Dispersion, and Inner-Grade (UDI). We use grades such as 1, 2, 3, and 4 to describe these features. The grade 4+ is used in special cases to describe unusual visual characteristics. Stones with a total score that ranges from 8 to 12 are considered top gems and are suitable for high jewelry. It is often difficult to identify these characteristics when viewing fancy color diamonds only in an auction catalogue, especially when the images are heavily processed. All images in this review were taken with an iPhone 7.

Important note: To all you auction bidders; we strongly recommend downloading the beta version of the new FCRF app and using the auction calculator. The app lets you calculate your bidding price per carat (including the house commission) as you follow the lot, and create your own archive.

Lot No’ 1784

3.13 carat fancy intense blue emerald cut. High catalogue estimation: US$: $1,640,000pc

Price Realized Per Carat- US$ 1,530,625

As the Cullinan mine produces only a very small amount of blue fancy color diamonds every year, any natural blue that comes into the market creates a lot of interest, especially in the intense grade.

The color inner-grade receives a 3, which means it is a solid “intense.”