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Lot Essay
THE PREMIER MINE, SOUTH AFRICA
It was at the turn of the 20th century that one of the most precious diamond sources was discovered: the Premier Mine of South Africa. It was immediately deemed exceptional due to the high quality and sheer size of the gems quarried there. The mine rose to prominence in 1905, when the largest rough diamond of gem quality ever found was discovered there: the Cullinan diamond. Other notable diamonds originating from the Premier Mine include the Taylor-Burton diamond, weighing over 69 carats, famously purchased by actors Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. This diamond set a record for an auctioned jewel at the time. It was most famously worn by Elizabeth Taylor at Princess Grace of Monaco’s 40th birthday as well as during the 42nd Academy Award ceremony.
Lot 79, a rare 60.09 carat diamond, has resurfaced for auction after being owned by a prominent Dutch family for over 3 generations. It is thought to be one of the 16 diamonds yielded during the early production years of the Premier Mine.
It was at the turn of the 20th century that one of the most precious diamond sources was discovered: the Premier Mine of South Africa. It was immediately deemed exceptional due to the high quality and sheer size of the gems quarried there. The mine rose to prominence in 1905, when the largest rough diamond of gem quality ever found was discovered there: the Cullinan diamond. Other notable diamonds originating from the Premier Mine include the Taylor-Burton diamond, weighing over 69 carats, famously purchased by actors Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. This diamond set a record for an auctioned jewel at the time. It was most famously worn by Elizabeth Taylor at Princess Grace of Monaco’s 40th birthday as well as during the 42nd Academy Award ceremony.
Lot 79, a rare 60.09 carat diamond, has resurfaced for auction after being owned by a prominent Dutch family for over 3 generations. It is thought to be one of the 16 diamonds yielded during the early production years of the Premier Mine.