Cover A 28.86-carat diamond just set a new world record for the most expensive jewel ever auctioned online. (Photo: Courtesy of Christie's)

A 28.86-carat diamond just set a new world record for the most expensive jewel ever auctioned online after selling for US$2.1 million

With sales postponed and auction houses closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, auctioneers such as Sotheby's and Christie's are moving jewellery sales online. And this month, Christie's has announced that it's auctioned off the most expensive jewel ever sold during an online auction. 

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Christie's

The Type 11a gemstone, which is one of the rarest categories of diamonds in the world, weighed a jaw-dropping 28.86 carats and is formed with pure carbon. Type 11a diamonds make up 1–2 % of all natural diamonds, and are chemically the most pure, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

Classified as D-colour, it's one of the clearest diamonds in the world. The emerald-cut jewel sold for above its upper estimate of US$2 million on the last day of Christie's Jewel Online sale.

"The spectacular 28.86 carat D color diamond received immediate attention upon its announcement," said Rahul Kadakia, international head of jewellery at Christie’s. "The stone possesses a transparency and purity which can only be found in the world’s finest diamonds. The sale of this exceptional stone established the record for a jewel sold in an online-only auction, demonstrating greater client confidence in Christie’s digital ability and online sale platform."

Set on an elegant platinum band, the diamond's initial estimate was US$1-2 million but, after 31 bids, it eventually fetched a bank-busting US$2.1 million.

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