A pear-shaped colourless diamond – the largest ever offered at auction – has sold for a record CHF25.9 million ($26.7 million) in Geneva, where records were also set for the prices of pearls and sapphires, auctioneer Christie’s said.
The 101.73 carat “Winston Legacy” diamond, the centrepiece of the Magnificent Jewels auction, was bought on Wednesday by jewellery and watch firm Harry Winston, which in January sold its luxury arm to Swiss company Swatch for $1 billion.

“Harry Winston acquired the most perfect diamond ever offered for sale at auction,” said Rahul Kadakia, head of jewellery at Christie’s Switzerland and Americas.

The auction took in a record total of $102 million for 257 lots, showing that the appetite for gems remains undiminished.

“World record prices were set for diamonds, pearls and sapphires, thereby firmly establishing the international appetite for the most beautiful gems and jewels,” Kadakia added in a statement.

On Tuesday, a set of diamond and natural pearl earrings belonging to Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida sold for $2.37 million at rival auctioneer Sotheby’s, an auction record.