35-carat royal diamond fetches USD 9.7 mn!

Zeenews Bureau

Geneva: A historic centuries-old diamond passed down through generations of European royalty was sold for USD 9.7 million at auction in Geneva. Beau Sancy, an important diamond originally from the Indian city of Golconda (modern day Hyderabad) came under the gavel at Sotheby's auction. The 35-carat diamond was adorned by Marie de Medici, Queen consort of Henry IV, at her coronation in 1610. Sharing more information about the historic diamond, Maithili Parekh, Director, Sotheby's India, said, "The Beau Sancy is one of the most fascinating and romantic gems ever to appear at auction. It is most likely to have originated from the mines in south-central India near the city of Golconda (modern day Hyderabad), the source of history's best known diamonds like the Hope, the Kohinoor and the Regent." According to news agencies five bidders spanning three continents competed for the historic jewel at a Sotheby`s auction. An anonymous telephone bidder purchased the jewel, put on the market by the House of Prussia and described by Sotheby`s as one of the "most fascinating and romantic" gems ever to come to auction. The buyer paid 9,042,500 Swiss francs (USD 9,699,618) including the buyer`s premium for the pear-shaped, double rose cut diamond.