New York: An exquisite 5.69-carat fancy vivid blue diamond ring will go under the hammer at Sotheby's upcoming Magnificent Jewels sale on December 5 here. The blue diamond ring that will lead the sale, is estimated at USD 12 - 15 million (Rs 77.72 crore - Rs 97.15 crore approx). Weighing 5.69 carats, the diamond belongs to the VVS1, or the almost perfect grade of clarity, making it potentially internally flawless.

Another extremely rare 110.92-carat round diamond will also feature in the sale. Estimated at USD 4.2 - 6.2 million (Rs 27.20 crore - Rs Rs 40.15 crore approx), it is the largest diamond to be ever offered at an auction. "We're thrilled to present supreme examples of the world's most sought-after jewels and gemstones this season.

"Greatly admired for their rarity, these are gems that are enthusiastically pursued by collectors and connoisseurs," Gary Schuler, Chairman of Sotheby's Jewelery Division, Americas, said. The sale, which is part of Sotheby's 'A Life of Luxury' auction series, is good news for those looking to add impressive colored stones to their collections.

A variety of vibrant rubies, emeralds and sapphires, including an important group of sapphire jewels by Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels from a distinguished family collection, will be on offer. The bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, set with five spectacular sugarloaf cabochon sapphires, is a particular standout, due to the rarity of such art deco pieces.

With sapphires weighing a total of approximately 193.73 carats, the bracelet is estimated at USD 1 - 1.5 million (Rs 6.46 crore - Rs 9.69 crore approx). Further highlights from this collection include a rare pair of Burmese sapphire and diamond earclips by Harry Winston weighing over 20 carats each, a dazzling sapphire and diamond necklace-bracelet combination by Harry Winston and a 23.38- carat sugarloaf cabochon sapphire ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. Another Fine Jewels sale, to be held on December 7 here, will feature fashionable baubles for every price point, style and occasion -- from classic diamond rings and whimsical brooches to elegant dress sets.

Notable lots include a 12.92 carat diamond ring mounted by Cartier, estimated at USD 100,000 - 150,000 (Rs 65.01 lakhs - Rs 97.52 lakhs approx), a pair of emerald and diamond earclips from the collection of Sir Sean and Lady Michelle Connery estimated at USD 50,000- 70,000 (Rs 11.70 lakhs - 14.30 lakhs approx) and a sapphire and diamond bracelet from Oscar Heyman & Brothers estimated at USD 35,000 - 55,000 (Rs 22.75 lakhs - Rs 35.76 lakhs approx). All works from both sales will be on public exhibition in Sotheby's York Avenue galleries from November 30 – December 7.(PTI)