Ritchies to auction off largest ever colored diamond in Canada

Appraised value in the multi-millions

Also on the auction block: $750,000 diamond and emerald necklace suite, rare Patek Phillipe Astronomical wristwatch, jewelry previously owned by Celebrity Jennifer Lopez, men's $566,000 Audermars Piguet wristwatch, designer handbags, rare art

TORONTO, June 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Ritchies Auctioneers will auction off a 30ct fancy yellow diamond solitaire, the largest colored diamond to ever be auctioned in Canada, at the Prestige Auction on Sun, June 22^nd in Toronto. The value of the diamond is estimated in the multi-millions of dollars.

Ritchies's Previous Prestige Auctions saw important emeralds sell for over $650,000 and attracted international bidders from as far as China, Russia and India. Sunday`s auction is likely to set records based on the international interest.

"As an Auctioneer, I am proud to be entrusted with a collection of such caliber. These types of pieces are usually reserved for markets like New York, London and Hong Kong," said Hon. Col. Kashif Khan, Managing Director, Ritchies Auctioneers. "Rare heirlooms like these are usually found in the estates of the world wealthiest families.  It is not often that they come to be sold to the highest bidder"

The Prestige Auction will offer over 300 lots of elite inventory including a 158ct emerald and diamond necklace suite including ring, bracelet and earrings valued at $750,000. The starting bid on the suite is $200,000. Rare timepieces and jewelry previously owned by Celebrity Jennifer Lopez are also garnering collector interest.

Important dates:
Media:	Monday, June 16^th. By Appointment Only
	Ritchies Auctioneers Head Office, 21 Dundas Square, Suite 1102
Private Viewing:	Mon, June 16^th - 21st, 10:00am - 5:30pm. By Appointment Only
	Ritchies Auctioneers, 21 Dundas Square, Suite 1102
Public Viewing:	Sunday, June 22nd, 2014, 10:00am - 2:00pm
	Vinci Room, 6^th Floor, Four Seasons Hotel, 60 Yorkville Avenue
Prestige Auction 1425:	Sunday, June 22nd, 2:00pm
	Vinci Room, 6^th Floor, Four Seasons Hotel, 60 Yorkville Avenue

Prestige items on the auction block including

• 30ct loose yellow diamond, value in multi millions
• 158ct emerald & diamond suite: necklace, ring, bracelet, earrings, valued at $750,000
• Men's automatic Audemars Piguet wristwatch, valued at $566,000
• Rare Patek Phillipe Astronomical wristwatch with platinum case with 18k rose gold lugs
• Saks Fifth Avenue ornate silver charm necklace previously owned by Jennifer Lopez
• Important charcoal drawings by Willem De Kooning

Other notable Yellow diamond sales:
Christie's Geneva, 2008	21ct sold for $3.1M
Chrisitie's Hong Kong, 2012	20ct sold for $2.4M
Sotheby's New York, 2012	53ct sold for $3.9M

All items will be sold to the highest bidder. Live bidding over the internet, phone bidding and absentee bidding will also be available.

www.ritchies.com

About Ritchies Auctioneers: Founded in 1868 as a small trading company, Ritchies Auctioneers went on to become Canada's leading auctioneer of fine Canadian art, fine international art, decorative art, jewellery, rare wine and other personal property since its launch as an auction house in 1967.  In 2011, the Ritchies name was purchased and has been re-invented by a new team as a world-class auctioneer of fine gems and jewellery, putting Toronto on the international stage. With offices in Toronto, New York and Hong Kong, Ritchies offers over 20 auctions each year to a broad national and international market. Its buyers include leading collectors, dealers, designers, curators and discerning private individuals who have come to trust Ritchies' expertise, experience and in-depth market knowledge.

SOURCE: RITCHIES

Media Contact: Anita Verma, BuzzPR, [phone], [email protected]