Rare yellow diamond to go under hammer in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, September 30 (RIA Novosti) - A radiant-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond weighing 102.56 carats will be auctioned by Sotheby's in Hong Kong on October 7, the Standard newspaper reported Tuesday.

The rare gemstone, more than twice the weight of the famous Hope diamond, is expected to fetch up to $10 million at the Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite 2008 Autumn Sale.

"The diamond is the largest fancy vivid yellow diamond ever to be offered at auction anywhere in the world; this extraordinary diamond, with its impressive size and auspicious golden yellow color, will be a major attraction," said Quek Chin Yeow, deputy chairman and head of jewelry at Sotheby's Asia.

The Hope diamond is a deep blue gemstone weighing 45.52 carats. According to the legend, there is a curse on whoever possesses the diamond, currently housed in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in the United States.

Around 320 lots will be featured at the event with an estimated total value of $64 million. Other highlights of the sale are a diamond butterfly brooch designed by Carvin French and ruby earrings by James de Givenchy.