Millions of dollars worth of loose and set diamonds are among the 240 lots, including a massive, rare 10 carat diamond. The diamonds are GIA certified, and the auction will be both in room, as well as streamed live over the internet, enabling anyone in Australia to take part through live online bidding on the First Sate Auctions website.
With many of the diamonds being sold as "Direct Mine-To-Market", buyers can expect huge savings.
"This is Australia’s largest diamond auction with diamonds being auctioned directly from De Beers-approved diamond sightholders to the public, cutting out several layers of wholesale and retail middlemen. It’s an amazing opportunity to buy diamonds at prices much lower than you would normally see in the shops," explains Ari Taibel, Director of First State Auctions.
Telethon pendant to raise medical funds
The lots also contain a stunning 2 carat emerald-cut diamond, taken from a pendant given to a young girl with a rare bone condition. Sophie Read, from Perth, was given the pendant by the Governor when she was six. She is now selling the diamond to help with her rehabilitation costs, with First State Auctions waiving all fees associated with the sale of Sophie’s diamond.
"The pendant’s central stone is a 2 carat diamond of exceptionally high quality, which we hope will be of great appeal to buyers and help this brave young woman and her family raise funds for her treatment," says Ari.
Sophie, now 13, will keep the pendant, with the diamond replaced by zirconia.
You can find more details of the auction, including a full catalogue and a link to live online bidding here.
Media and photographers are invited to a pre-sale viewing at the company’s head office in Castlereagh Street, Sydney, at which the 10 carat diamond and Sophie’s diamond will be available to photograph. First State Auctions can also supply imagery and comment on request.
Gerald Chait
04 111 000 11
Founded in 1995, First State Auctions is Australia’s leading jewellery auction house specialising in fine jewellery, Swiss watches and gemstones. Owned and operated by gemmologists and diamond graders, First State Auctions has been selected as auctioneer for government departments including Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and Australian Federal Police, to sell seized and recovered jewellery. Submissions are also accepted from the general public, and commercial organisations.
All jewellery submitted for auction is checked by at least 2 in-house gemmology experts, and the accuracy of all auction catalogue descriptions is unconditionally guaranteed. First State Auctions only use the most internationally renowned laboratories for diamond certification including GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and Gem Studies Laboratory (Australia).
http://www.firststateauctions.com.au ---
