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November 4, 2008 10:24 PM
by Mike Collett-White
LONDON - A 35.56 carat 17th century blue diamond, part of the dowry of the Infanta Margarita Teresa on her engagement to Leopold I of Austria, is expected to fetch in the region of $15 million when it goes on sale in December.
Christie's said on Monday it is putting the Wittelsbach Diamond on to the international market for the first time in almost 80 years.
"The appearance of a large blue diamond, among the rarest of colours, with a history that can be traced back to the 17th Century and 300 years of royal connections will surely be a thrilling occasion for all collectors of ... rare jewels," said Francois Curiel, international head of jewellery.
According to Christie's, King Philip IV of Spain selected
the finest gemstones for the dowry of his 15-year-old
daughter, the Infanta, upon her betrothal.
This included the diamond going under the hammer
at a London auction on Dec. 10.
On the princess's death in 1673, her husband, Emperor
Leopold, retained the dowry and the diamond was
passed on to his heirs.
In 1722 the diamond entered the Wittelsbach family.
It is being sold from a private collection.
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