The growth rate of the Chinese economy is slowing, and the prospects for the Asian market are no longer considered in such a rosy color, but these circumstances have not changed the intentions of the auction house Sotheby's, which plans in October to put up for sale in Hong Kong an expensive diamond worth millions of dollars, writes the NY Times.
It is assumed that the diamond called "The Premier Blue" will be sold at Sotheby's auction on October 7.
The stone weighs 7.59 carats, its uniqueness and rarity is determined by a bright blue color, as well as a round type of diamond, uncharacteristic for colored diamonds. It is expected that the value of this lot at the auction will be about $ 19 million, according to Quek Chin Yeo (Quek Chin Yeow), deputy chairman and head of jewelry at Sotheby's in Asia. Thus, this stone can set a new record for the price per carat.
The choice among the trading platforms fell on Hong Kong, as Asia has recently become a prominent consumer of luxury goods, and sharp economic growth has led to an increase in the number of very wealthy citizens.
"Approximately from 2006 or 2007, Hong Kong has risen on the same level with such major jewelry sales centers as Geneva and New York," Kueck said. "Now it is the third largest jewelry market."
The preview of the blue diamond along with other lots will be held in a number of major Asian cities - in Beijing, Shanghai, Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta and Taiwan.