Christie’s to exhibit a rare 35.56 carat blue diamond at London

Christie’s is scheduled to host one of the most historic exhibits, since 80 years, the Wittelsbach diamond, an extremely rare 35.56 carat, historic 17th century fancy deep greyish-blue diamond, to the international market, on 10 December 2008. The diamond has been named as “Der Blaue Wittelsbacher’’ since 1722, when it was presented in dowry to Infanta Margarita Teresa (1651-1673), in her marriage to Leopold I of Austria (1640-1705), who later became Holy Roman Emperor. Margarita’s father King Philip IV of Spain (1605-1665) selected, the diamond in 1664, and the stone became part of the Austrian and the Bavarian Crown jewel heritage. This extraordinary diamond is offered for sale from a private collection, where it has been since 1964.

The Wittelsbach diamond is accompanied by a certificate from the Gemological Institute of America dated September 24th, 2008, indicating that the diamond is fancy deep greyish-blue, VS2 clarity. According to the company, the colured diamond market has good demand in the international circles.

Christie’s had sold a 13.39 carat fancy intense blue diamond for $8.9 million, a world auction record, at its Geneva sale in May 2008; although the Wittelsbach diamond is incomparable. In the mid-1980s Christie’s sale of a 0.95 carat red diamond for $850,000 was the start of a market for coloured diamonds.

The Wittelsbach diamond originated from the famous Indian diamond mines, which have given many a rare diamonds to European royalty.

Christie’s London sale is slated to be held on 10 December 2008, while the public viewing has been scheduled for between December 5-7 and on 9th 2008.