Diamond earrings fetch record $57.4-million at auction in GenevaMay 17, 2017 - 10:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Two spectacular diamonds mounted as earrings fetched a record $57.4-million (51.8 million euros) Tuesday, May 16 at auction in Geneva, with an unnamed Asia-based buyer netting both, Sotheby's said, according to AFP. The earrings were sold as separate lots. After protracted bidding, the flawless and vivid "The Apollo Blue" fetched $42.087-million and the equally intensely luminescent "The Artemis Pink" went for $15.33-million, buyers premium included. The earrings, named after Greek gods, had respectively been valued at between $38-million and $50-million and $12.5-million and $18-million. The 14.54-carat "Apollo Blue" is the largest gemstone in its category ever to be auctioned and has been cut and polished to a pear shape. The 16-carat "Artemis Pink" is near identical in shape. It is also one of the world's most "chemically pure" diamonds, according to the Gemological Institute of America, which experts say gives the stone such a high degree of transparency. Photo. AFP/Fabrice COFFRINI Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | U.S. believes peace is “possible” in South Caucasus The United States continues to believe that peace is possible in the South Caucasus, Vedant Patel said. Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. |