The geological rarity of natural fancy coloured diamonds is owed to a number of factors. Guests have an opportunity to handle, preview, and discuss a selection of highlights from the forthcoming Rare Jewels and Jadeite auction with Graeme Thompson, Director of Jewellery, and Paul Redmayne, Head of Sale, Jewellery.

​

Of all the coloured diamonds, red is the rarest of all. Like pink diamonds, they are created through a process known scientifically as "Plastic Deformation". Such is their rarity that GIA (Gemological Institute of America) records show that from 1957 to 1987, not one laboratory report was issued for a diamond with "red" as the only descriptive term. Today, only a handful of red diamonds are recovered every few years, with the majority weighing considerably less than 1 carat. One of this sale’s highlights is a rare fancy coloured diamond and diamond ring, the cushion-shaped fancy brownish red diamond, weighing 1.30 carats, between similarly cut diamond shoulders, ring size 5½.

Drinks reception starts at 6:00pm. Masterclass starts promptly at 6:30pm.