110.03 carat “Sun Drop” Diamond Sells for a Record $12.3 Million

By Erika W.

The 110.03 carat “Sun Drop” diamond achieved a world record price at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels Sale in Geneva on November 15. The largest pear-shaped yellow diamond in the world sold to an anonymous buyer for a record price of $12.3 million, the highest price paid for a yellow diamond at auction.

”We are thrilled with the price achieved by this spectacular daffodil yellow diamond; it is one of the most impressive I have had the pleasure of selling,” said David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s jewelry department in Europe and the Middle East.

Fancy color diamonds have been setting consistent records at auction. Just a month ago, “The Vivid Yellow” set a world record price of $6.6 million.

110 carat The Cora Sun Drop Diamond
Photo: Michael Buholzer – Reuters

The GIA graded VVS1 fancy vivid yellow “Sun Drop” diamond was recently on exhibition at London’s Natural History Museum.

Visit Sotheby’s for highlights from the Geneva auction including a 12.01ct Muzo emerald ring, (sold for record $1.4 million) a 38.88ct D IF cushion cut diamond, (sold for $6.9 million) a 4.16ct fancy vivid blue diamond ring, (sold for $4.2 million) and a Cartier natural pearl and diamond necklace circa 1930. (sold for $3.3 million)