On the Block: Russia’s Dynasty Diamonds

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This November, a unique collection of diamonds will be auctioned online that were mined and polished in Russia. Here’s a look at the “Dynasty” diamonds.

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According to a report from Reuters, the star of the group is a “51.38-carat diamond” with “a 57-facet traditional round brilliant cut with triple excellent cut, D color and VVS1 clarity.” This largest diamond, which is called the “Dynasty” diamond on its own, is accompanied by four others: a 16.67-carat round-cut diamond, a 5.05-carat oval diamond, a 1.73-carat pear-cut diamond, and a 1.39-carat diamond.

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The Reuters report adds, “According to Alrosa, which is state-controlled, [the largest diamond] is potentially the most expensive diamond manufactured in the history of Russian jewelry because of its quality.”

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The five diamonds were sourced from a single rough stone: the 179-carat Romanovs Diamond, mined by the Russian firm Alrosa in 2015. The use of names like “Romanov” and “Dynasty” aren’t accidental. According to Alrosa, “There was a good reason to choose the name for the collection, which is connected with Alrosa’s intention to revive the traditions and memory of renowned Russian jewelers famous for their craftsmanship and filigree since Russia’s first cutting and polishing factory founded by Peter I (the Great) early in the 18th century.”

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The stones will be sold together as a single lot in an online auction this November. But first, the diamonds are going on the road. Reuters notes that Alrosa plans to exhibit the diamonds in Israel, Hong Kong, and the United States in the months leading up to the sale.

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Any tempted buyers should be prepared to pay up. Sergey Ivanov, Alrosa’s CEO, told Reuters that the starting price for the collection at auction will be no less than $10 million.