On June 20th, Christie’s will close the auction season for the first half of 2017, showing three extraordinary green gems, two of which are diamonds and a single rare emerald. Green diamonds are prized primarily by diamond collectors rather than investors, although collectors spend impressively large amounts of money on the diamonds that interest them. Just one year ago, world diamond titans Chow Tai Fook bought the largest ever vivid green diamond in the world, the Aurora Green, and paid the highest price ever paid for a green diamond. Christie’s the auction house that sold the Aurora last year, is hoping to capitalize on the momentum that was created and spark even more interest in green diamonds.

Fancy Intense Green

Although the 5.28 carat Fancy Intense Green diamond failed to sell in Hong Kong this week, Christie’s is not deterred. They are relying on its own brand to sell a 4.42 carat Fancy Intense Green diamond at their auction in New York on June 20th. It is valued between $1.3 million to $1.8 million, or $294k to $407k per carat. This valuation is completely different from that of the 5 carat diamond this week. That diamond was valued at $435k to $682k per carat, and failed to sell because it did not reach its reserve price, which most likely was the $435k per carat. Considering that this 4 carat diamond has a significantly lower spread, it will not either sell for anywhere close to $400k per carat unless the 4.42 carat has a stronger color saturation than the other (both have the same clarity so that would not be factored into the price comparison). On the other hand, since green is more of a collector’s color, and not investor’s, maybe a collector will find a hidden treasure in it, and will outbid any price just to have it.

4.42 carat Fancy Intense Green diamond ring          Image credit: Christie’s

A Rare Deep Green Diamond

The last time we saw anything close to Fancy Deep Green at an auction was back in 2014 when the 5.50 Fancy Vivid Blue Green “Ocean Dream” diamond was sold at Christie’s. The Ocean Dream was sold for $8,781,637 or $1,596,661 per carat.

5.50 Fancy Vivid Blue Green “Ocean Dream” diamond          Image credit: Christie’s

This year, we have a diamond that looks like the same color as the Ocean Dream but is classified slightly differently. It is a 5.01 carat Fancy Deep Grayish Bluish Green diamond with a VS2 clarity. In this case, the presence of two overtones will probably not detract from the ultimate value of the diamond, which often occurs in fancy color diamond valuation. This diamond is also cut into an odd shape, but it may appeal to major designers, who find inspiration from things that are unusual and exceptional. The diamond is valued between $2 million and $4 million, or $400k to $800k per carat. In my opinion, if it is examined properly, it will most likely get a high price, especially by a collector looking for unique item.

5.01 carat Fancy Deep Grayish Bluish Green VS2 diamond          Image credit: Christie’s

The Rockefeller Green Emerald

Although our specialty is rare and unique fancy color diamonds, we sometimes present unique gems as well if they under the “one of a kind” category. This Colombian emerald falls under this category. The 18.04 carat natural Colombian Green Emerald is unique due to its size, clarity, absence of treatment, and most notably, its provenance. It is valued between $4 million to $6 million or 221k to $332k per carat.

18.04 carat natural Colombian Green “Rockefeller” Emerald          Image credit: Christie’s

As these are the last important gems that the market will see for a while, it is possible that buyers will be peaked with interest and therefore motivated to buy. Green diamonds are slowly picking up their momentum and it remains to be seen whether bidders will continue to respond in kind. Got any questions? Wondering about green diamonds, emeralds, or anything about diamonds? Ask us in the comments!