The two largest Forevermark diamonds in the world, were sold at auction by Steinmetz at Christie’s, New York on 15th October 2008.
The stunning emerald-cut diamonds, originally formed the centrepiece of the Ponahalo - a beautiful African-inspired pendant created by internationally acclaimed South African jewellery designer, Kevin Friedman.
The buyer, Amer Radwan of Radwan Diamond and Jewelry Trading in Dubai said, “I am delighted to have acquired these beautiful gems.”
Francois Delage, CEO, Forevermark commented on this announcement saying, “We are delighted at this news. These are two truly precious diamonds that have been cared for at every step of their journey and offer a Forevermark promise of assurance, quality and integrity.”
Lior Levin, Global Marketing Director, Steinmetz said, “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase some of the finest diamonds found in this century which have been responsibly sourced and come inscribed with the Forevermark promise”.
The two Ponahalo diamonds each took eighteen months to cut and polish and weigh in at approximately 102.11 and 70.87 carats respectively.
Both diamonds are inscribed with the Forevermark icon and a unique Forevermark identification number – symbolising the Forevermark promise of quality and integrity.
Chosen by Steinmetz the inscriptions are prefixed with 316 (the carat weight of the original rough diamond from which both diamonds were cut) and follow with their carat weight – so the larger diamond is 316102 and the smaller is 316070.
Forevermark is a diamond brand from the De Beers family of companies that is set to change the face of the diamond industry.
Francois Delage, CEO Forevermark states, “For the first time we are creating a global consumer diamond brand with a promise over and above the traditional 4C’s – a promise that not only gives assurances of quality, but also assurances of integrity – every Forevermark diamond has been responsibly sourced, has directly benefited the communities from which it comes and has been nurtured at every step of its journey along the pipeline”.
Forevermark represents the art of precious diamonds, so selectivity is the Forevermark watchword. As a result, less than 1% of the world’s diamonds are eligible to be Forevermark diamonds and be inscribed with the Forevermark icon and unique identification number.
Currently, only a number of handpicked master craftsmen globally, including Steinmetz, are eligible to cut and polish Forevermark diamonds to reveal their exceptional brilliance. Only retailers that meet the very highest standards are able to sell Forevermark diamonds.
A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the Ponahalo Diamonds will be donated to the Diamond Empowerment Fund, co-created by Russell Simmons.
For more information on Forevermark and for b-roll footage from the auction please contact:
Natasha Boreham on +44 (0) 207 430 3494 or email: natasha.boreham@forevermark.com
For more information on Steinmetz Diamonds please contact:
Inge Theron inge@starworkslondon.com
STARWORKS NEW YORK 5 Crosby Street, 4th floor, 10013 P 646 336 5920 F 646 336 5958 LONDON 443 Oxford Street, 2nd floor, W1C 2PW P 44 20 7318 0400 F 44 20 7318 0401
See the Christie's sale results