Wittelsbach

Christie's of London presented the illustrious Der Blaue Wittelsbacher -- the Wittelsbach Diamond -- an extremely rare 35.56-carat fancy deep grayish-blue diamond dating back to the 17th century -- at auction last December.



Certified that same year by the Gemological Institute of America for its color and VS-2 clarity, it tells the story of Leopold I of Austria's engagement to the Infanta Margarita Teresa. Her father, King Philip IV of Spain, included the jewel in her dowry and it entered the infamous Bavarian Collection. Privately appropriated nearly 40 years ago, Laurence Graff bought the jewel for just over $24 million. Personally declaring the purchase "the summit of his career," Graff resolved to undertake a painstaking repair, recutting the gem and closing the culet by 30%, thus significantly increasing its color and luster.