Spectacular 88.22-Carat Oval Diamond ar sold for

US$13.8 Million / £10.6 Million to a Japanese Private Collector who names the stone, the ‘Manami Star’ after his eldest daughter

*Perfect according to Every Critical Criterion: Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat*

One of only three Oval Diamonds over 50 Carats to appear at Auction in Living Memory

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

Three clients from the region competed for the stone – testament to the strong demand for diamonds of this quality in this part of the world.

At 88.22 carats, this lucky stone now carries the name of the fortunate child whose father has chosen to give it her name. A happy moment in the journey of one of the earth’s greatest, oldest treasures

Finding a rough diamond that allows the cutter to fashion a stone of over 80 carats is a true and very rare discovery. The 242-carat rough stone which yielded the diamond was discovered in Botswana in the mine of Jwaneng, a mine owned in partnership by De Beers and the government of Botswana and known for producing roughs of the highest quality. Following its discovery, the rough was cut and polished over a period of intense months to produce a symmetrical and striking oval brilliant diamond. Given the elongated shape of the rough the oval shape was chosen to preserve the greatest amount of weight. Great skill and precision was needed to cut a stone of this importance – a level of expertise and craftsmanship possessed by only a small handful of cutters in the world.

A symbol of perfection and eternity, often associated with prosperity, the number eight is considered a lucky number in China and other Asian cultures. The Chinese pronunciation of 8 (bā), similar to that of 發 (fā) meaning wealth or fortune, is welcomed as a blessing of affluence. In its duality – 88 – it is believed to bring good wishes in abundance. There is also a visual resemblance between 88 and 囍 (literally: „double joy“), a popular decorative design composed of two stylized characters 喜 („joy“).