An exquisite 163.41-carat flawless, white diamond discovered in Angola will go on auction in Geneva on November 14, auction house Christie's said.

The diamond was cut from a 404-carat rough found in the Lunda Sul Province in Angola last February,  Named “4 de Fevereiro”, it is the 27th biggest rough white diamond ever discovered and the largest in Angola.

The stone was purchased by Fawaz Gruos, founder of de Grisogono, who had it analysed in Antwerp and cut in New York. A team of 10 diamond-cutting specialists were involved in mapping, plotting, cleaving, laser-cutting and polishing the rough 404.20 carat into a unique 163.41 carat emerald-cut stone, which took 11 months to complete.

The white diamond is centrepiece of an asymmetric necklace with a trailing on the left side of 18 emerald-cut diamonds and to the right two rows of pear-shaped emeralds, offering a contrast to the cool white diamonds as well as a nod to Gruosi’s superstition - green means good luck.

No gold is visible between the emeralds as each gem is perfectly matched with its neighbour and the metal is darkened to create the chiaroscuro effect that is so characteristic of de Grisogono. The prongs holding in place the 163.41 carat diamond disappear under four baguette- cut diamonds creating an effect of dazzling brilliance. The reverse side of the gold basket is engraved with the diamond’s weight and set with yet more diamonds.

It took over 1,700 hours to create this unique jewel and involved a team of 14 craftsmen.

Rahul Kadakia, International head of Christie’s Jewels, said: “Over our 251 year history, Christie’s has had the privilege of handling the world’s rarest and most historic diamonds. The sensational 163.41 carat perfect diamond suspended from an elegant emerald and diamond necklace propels de Grisogono into a class of their own.”

"Christie’s is honoured to present to the world this masterpiece of unparalleled beauty and exquisite workmanship during their preview exhibitions in Hong Kong, London, Dubai, New York and Geneva," the company said.

The schedule for the worldwide tour for this jewel is as follows:

Christie’s Hong Kong
September 28 – October 1
22nd Floor, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road Central

Christie’s London
October 4 -7.
8, King Street, SW1Y 6QT London

Christie’s and De Grisogono in Dubai
October 17 - 19

Christie’s New York
November 3 - 6
Rockefeller Centre, 20 Rockefeller Plaza

Christie’s Geneva
November 9 - 14
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Quai des Bergues 33. - TradeArabia News Service