(IDEX Online) - The historic Chrysler Diamond has sold for $5.07m at Christie's New York, above its high estimate of $4.5m.
The 54.03-carat Type IaB D-color, internally flawless pear-shaped diamond (pictured) takes its name from the socialite Thelma Chrysler Foy.
Her father Walter Chrysler started life as locomotive engineer. He went on to found the Chrysler car corporation and personally funded the construction of New York's iconic Chrysler building.
Thelma bought the gem, believed to have been sourced originally by a 17th century French merchant, and it was subsequently sold to Harry Winston in 1958.
Another highlight was The Dancing Sun, a fancy intense yellow diamond of 204.36 carats, VVS2 clarity, and the largest polished diamond mined at Diavik in North America, which sold for $4,950,000 - below its high estimate of $5.5m.
The Magnificent Jewels auction on 8 June achieved a total of $26,559,250, selling 94 per cent by value, and 87 per cent by lot....