(29 May 1995) T/I 10:12:25
MASSIVE JEWEL FETCHES MASSIVE PRICE
Switzerland Natsot Duration: 1.49"
A diamond has sold at auction for $US16.5 million, the highest price ever paid for any piece of jewellery. The flawless, pear-shaped stone weighing 100.10 carats was sold in a Sotheby's auction in Geneva to Saudi Sheikh Ahmed Fitaihi. Fitaihi had fierce competition from an anonymous telephone bidder also believed to be from the Middle East. The seller of the white colour grade-D diamond remains anonymous. The gem was found in the last few years in central or southern Africa. Sotheby's estimated it would go for $US12 million. The hammer price was $US15 million. The final price includes a 15 per cent commission. The previous world record belonged to a slightly larger, white, pear-shaped diamond, bought by Lebanese jeweller Robert Mouawad. Weighing 101.84 carats, it sold for $US12.76 million.
SHOWS:
(GENEVA, SWITZERLAND RECENT)
WTN common RTV
EXT of the Beau Rivage Hotel with Sotheby's flag. CU of the diamond. David Bennett, Director of Sotheby's jewellery department SOT, saying it weighs over 100-carats and is absolutely white. Security guard in front of diamond. WS of the auction room. VS of bidding in progress. Woman holding diamond as Bennett describes it. CU diamond. Final sale,
PAN across applauding audience and buyer Sheikh Ahmed Fitaihi walking to his seat. CU board. Ahmed Fitaihi being asked whether he intends to sell the stone again, Fitaihi SOT: "I am not yet thinking about that but maybe, if I can find the right person." CA photographer. Sheikh Fitaihi posing with diamond. CU diamond. Sheikh anouncing the name of the diamond, calling it "Star of the Season."
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