What You Need to Know About the "Red Cross Diamond," a 205-Carat Stunner Being Auctioned by Christie's
Christie’s will be offering the famous yellow “Red Cross diamond” as part of their Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction on May 11, 2022. The 205.07-carat stunner is a cushion-modified, brilliant-cut diamond with nearly flawless VS2 clarity. Beyond its remarkable beauty, it also has quite the storied past.
In 1901, a rough canary diamond weighing between 370 to 280 carats was found in the Griqualand diamond mines of South Africa, which were controlled by De Beers. The diamond was purchased by The Diamond Syndicate and didn’t appear on the market again for nearly 17 years.
Christie’s London held an auction each year between 1915-1918 to benefit the Red Cross’ humanitarian efforts during the First World War. They were some of the most important charity events at the time, raising £320,000—equivalent to about £19 million today. During this time, people across the United Kingdom donated their necklaces, brooches, rings, and other jewelry to Christie’s to help raise money for the Red Cross. The Red Cross diamond was one of the items offered by the Diamond Syndicate in 1918, and it was auctioned for £10,000.
The Red Cross diamond earned its name not only from the charity it benefitted, but also from its pavilion that is faceted into the shape of a Maltese cross. According to Christie’s, “The International Movement of Red Cross and Red Crescent is the oldest humanitarian network still existent after the Maltese Order. Ironically, both these ‘crosses’ are seen in the heart of this historic diamond, coincidentally baptized: The Red Cross.”
With its unique Maltese cross pavilion, striking color, and luminous phosphorescence, the diamond was initially offered at the competitive price of £3,000. However, after a fierce bidding war, the famous London firm S.J. Phillips bought it for the staggering amount of £10,000.
The Red Cross Diamond appeared for sale again 55 years later in 1973, when it was sold for 1.8 million Swiss Francs. Now, next month, Christie’s is auctioning it for only the third time in 104 years. The consignor said in an Instagram caption, “For nearly half a century, our family has had the privilege of safeguarding the Red Cross diamond. Since it was first brought to market in 1918, the legacy of this symbol of humanity has always been the support of communities ravaged by war, famine and other hardships endured by people across the world. At this auspicious moment in history, we honor the call others have made before us.” To honor the legacy of this diamond, the consignor will offer a share of the proceeds to the Red Cross.
Want to learn more about the Red Cross diamond or bid on this rare gem? Head to Christie’s live auction page.
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