Christie's to Sell Historic Golconda Diamond

RAPAPORT... Christie's New York auction will feature a 17.21-caratdiamond given to Queen Charlotte of Great Britain by a regional ruler in India.The pear-shaped, brilliant-cut diamond, called Arcot II, was found in India'sGolconda region in the late 18th century. The stone, presented to the queen by the Nawab of Arcot, will go under the hammerat the Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence sale on June 19, the auction housesaid last week. The stone is one of a number of Indian jewels from theMughal period featured at the sale. The lots on offer span a period of more than 500 years. "This landmark collection traces the history of Mughaljewels and objects to [the] present day, and represents the most significantcollection of its type ever to come to auction," said Fran??ois Curiel, chairmanof Christie's Europe. "The collection begins in Mughal India, the mostimportant dynasty that ruled the country, famous for its emeralds, diamonds,sapphires, rubies, jeweled weapons and objects that are bejeweled beyondbelief." Christie's will also offer the Mirror of Paradise, a52.58-carat, D-color, internally flawless Golconda diamond, as well as carvedMughal emeralds ranging from approximately 10 carats to over 200 carats. Other notable lots include the Imperial Spinel Necklace andsarpechs -traditional Indian turban ornaments. A diamond necklace originally from thecollection of the Nizam of Hyderabad, featuring almost 200 carats of Golcondadiamonds, will also be for sale. The Mughal jewels are from the collection of the Al-Thani dynasty,the ruling family of Qatar. The auction house will preview the items betweenApril 24 and June 18 in London, Shanghai, Geneva, Hong Kong and New York. Image: The Arcot II diamond. (Christie's)