The largest colorless diamond seen at auction in nearly 20 years will go under the hammer on May 28 in Christie's Hong Kong sale, officials said as it was previewed Tuesday.

The F color, internally flawless VVS1 101.27-carat stone, which will be sold at "Jewels: The Hong Kong Sale", is expected to realize in excess of US$6 million. It is the largest colorless diamond to appear on the auction market in 18 years and the largest colorless diamond to ever be sold at auction in Hong Kong.

"Only three colorless diamonds of over 100 carats have ever appeared at auction, all sold in Geneva," said Francois Curiel, chairman of jewelry at Christie's.

"With Asia becoming such a vibrant market, it is fitting that this rarest gem should be offered on May 28 to the growing number of collectors in this region," he added.

The spring sale of magnificent jewels on May 28 will sell 345 lots estimated to achieve in excess of US$56 million.

Also featured at Tuesday's preview is a 10.63-carat green diamond, which is expected to sell for US$2 million to US$3 million. Green diamonds rank as one of the rarest colors in diamonds, second only to red.

Leading the jadeite offerings is a magnificent pair of jadeite cabochon ear studs, estimated at US$2.3 million to US$3.2 million. Another highlight is a superb jadeite bead necklace which is estimated at US$2.15 million to US$3 million.

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2008)