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News Sotheby's Is Auctioning Off A Black 555.55-Carat Diamond Believed To Be From Space
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Sotheby's Is Auctioning Off A Black 555.55-Carat Diamond Believed To Be From Space

An extremely rare 555.55-carat black diamond, believed to have been created in space, is headed to auction next month.

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By: CAILEY RIZZO Published: Jan 27, 2022 03:00 PM IST

Sotheby's Is Auctioning Off A Black 555.55-Carat Diamond Believed To Be From Space
Credit: Michael Bowles/Courtesy of Sotheby's

An extremely rare 555.55-carat black diamond, believed to have been created in space, is headed to auction next month. By Cailey Rizzo

“The Enigma,” a massive black diamond is going to auction through Sotheby’s and is believed to be created either from a meteoric impact or from a diamond-bearing asteroid that collided with Earth.

What more do we know about the 555.55 carat black diamond?

“This diamond has been treasured for over two decades by the owner, and the diamond itself has never been exhibited publicly or offered on the open market, so we are thrilled to have the opportunity to tell its story to the world,” Nikita Binani, Sotheby’s Jewellery Specialist & Head of Sale in London, said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. “Its sale represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the rarest, billion-year-old cosmic wonders known to humankind.”

“The Enigma” is both the largest Fancy Black Natural Colour diamond in the world and the largest cut diamond in the world.

Carbonado, or black diamonds, are believed to date back from 2.6 to 3.8 billion years ago, according to Sotheby’s. They are one of the hardest materials known to man and extremely difficult to cut and polish, thus making this diamond even more unique.

 

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And the diamond has a particularly auspicious numerological meaning. Not only is the diamond 555.55 carats, it has exactly 55 facets. And its shape was inspired by the Hamsa, the Middle Eastern symbol of the palm, signifying protection, power, and strength. The Hamsa is traditionally associated with the number five.

The diamond was first on display in Dubai and is currently in Los Angeles where it will be on display from January 24-26. The diamond will then travel to London, where it will be visible from February 2-9. Bidding for the diamond will open online from February 3 through 9.

Related: A Michelin-Starred Chef Just Bought This 900 Gm Truffle For Nearly INR 88,29,940

This story first appeared on www.travelandleisure.com

Written By

CAILEY RIZZO

CAILEY RIZZO

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