William Goldberg, Sotheby's and Christie's find that special stones still sell, despite the financial crisis.Rare colored diamond sales have been solid as a rock in recent months. In fact, the Wittelsbach blue diamond sold for $24.3 million at Christie's in London on Dec. 11, 2008, setting a record price for any diamond or jewel sold at auction. The buyer was billionaire Laurence Graff.
Blue Lili, 30-Carat Trapezoid Value: $50 million
In 1980, William Goldberg polished down a South African blue diamond. He named the 30-carat trapezoid the Blue Lili for his wife Lili Goldberg.
Guinea Star, 89-Carat ShieldValue: $15 million
In the rough, this diamond weighed 225 carats. The William Goldberg Diamond Corp. acquired it for the highest price ever paid at auction for a rough diamond, making it into the Guinness Book of World Records. Three D flawless diamonds emerged, including the famous 89-carat Guinea Star.
Beluga, 102-Carat OvalValue: $18 million
The Beluga arrived at the William Goldberg Diamond Corp. as a 265.2-carat rough in 2001. After months of cutting, the largest D flawless oval cut in history was revealed. It is the favorite diamond of Barry Berg, of the William Goldberg Diamond Corp.
Pink Muse, 8.9-Carat OvalValue: $12 million
This gem arrived at the William Goldberg Diamond Corp. as a 40-carat rough. The stone managed to maintain its rich color after the shaping and became a world-class pink diamond.
Pumpkin, 5.54-Carat Fancy Vivid OrangeValue: $5 million
In 1997, this rare South African diamond was graded as the largest fancy vivid orange diamond and was later sold at Sotheby's for $1.3 million. It is particularly unique because it maintained its light but intense hue through the cutting process.
Premier Rose, 137-Carat PearValue: $25 million
In 1978, the rough stone was sawed against the grain at the William Goldberg Diamond Corp. It weighed 354 carats and came from the South Africa Premier Mine. Out of this rough came the Premier Rose D flawless, the little rose 31-carat pear shape and the baby rose two-carat brilliant.
Red Shield, 5.11 CaratsValue: $20 million
In 1998 the William Goldberg Diamond Corp. purchased the rough stone. After polishing it to 5.11 carats, the Red Shield was registered as the biggest red diamond graded by the Gemological Institute of America at the time.
Ashoka Babette Necklace in Platinum Retail: $3.9 million
In 1998, the Goldberg family introduced its patented Ashoka cut. It's named after a 41-carat D flawless diamond discovered in the Golconda region of Southern India. This 16-1/2 inch Ashoka Babette necklace was created in October 2008.
Detachable Diamond Brooch in Platinum on Alligator CuffRetail: $390,000
This piece can be worn as a bracelet or the diamond brooch can be removed from the 18-karat gold cuff and worn separately. Created in March 2008.
Ashoka Evelyn Chandelier Earrings in Platinum Retail: $780,000
This set was created in February 2007. Eve Goldberg, who is the creative eye behind William Goldberg's newest designs, favors this style.
Fancy Natural Color Pastel Necklace in PlatinumRetail: $4.16 million
This 16¾-inch necklace was created in March 2006. Eve Goldberg says it's not just the cutting that takes time. It can take months to amass the right diamonds for each individual design.
