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A PLUM-SIZED diamond known as the “Pink Star” was auctioned in Geneva Wednesday for €61 million, a world record for a gemstone.
David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s jewellery division in Europe and the Middle East, brought down the hammer in a Geneva hotel after an intense, five-minute bidding race.
Set on a ring, the 59.60-carat pink internally flawless diamond is measures 2.69 by 2.06 centimetres and weighs 11.92 grammes.
Pic: Sean Dempsey/PA Wire
The winning bidder, a bearded man apparently in his sixties sporting a Jewish skullcap, was pitted in a one-on-race against a telephone competitor.
The bidding in Geneva was conducted in Swiss francs, starting at 48 million and working its way upwards million-by-million.
There was a long silence as the price reached 67 million Swiss francs, before the in-room bidder came back with the winning 68 million.
Commission included, the final price was 76 million francs — the equivalent of €61 million euros.
There were up to 150 people in the auction room who erupted into applause as the theme tune from the “Pink Panther” was played as a tongue-in-cheek gesture.
The winning bidder declined to identify himself to AFP but confirmed that he had been representing another individual, whose name and location he refused to reveal.
The diamond had been estimated at €40 million.
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No idea who most of these people are. But do recognise Katherine Thomas and what an awful dress
I like it. Bit more high fashion than the TV3 bling brigade and not as desperate for attention as the likes of Jennifer McGuirel.
Actually, Charlie Murphy had the most beautiful, simple black ballet length dress. The Journal should have put up a picture of her.
I liked Glendas dress.. Not there either.
Noticed Colin fartel and colm meany. Rest of them don’t have a clue
Some captions wouldn’t go amiss…don’t recognise a quarter of them.
The night of the z list celebrity. Someone tell Darren Kennedy his suits about 4 sizes too small
Yer wan wearing the tux.Making a bold statement or ridiculous attention seeker?
I’d like to say the former but…
She looks great craic.
Oh my God! Kathryn Thomas has murdered Olive the Ostrich! And seriously, how fantastic does Clelia Murphy look?
I have never heard of the majority of them.
Watched it briefly there, complete ignorance by the crowd talking over people on stage there, if those present don’t respect it how should we, such nonsense funded by our tv licence
I’ve just voiced my disgust on FB about this. There is zero respect from the crowd for those onstage. Plus the sound is terrible.
Maria I totally agree with you- at one stage the noise level was ridiculous.
Also some bitchy comments!!
I was saying same whole way through, the odd time u could hear people saying ‘shush’, very disrespectful I thought
Totally agree
The IFTA’s? Bah hahahahahaha Morto for the saps who are celeb watching outside the Burlo!
Look, there’s Niamh from Fair City!!!
Here comes the rain,so the celeb watchers will have to re group in burger king.
Somethin on your lip there Colin
Colin Farrell in that pic= a young Tom Selleck
Rte sound engineers should be shot balls of pooh!
Their OWN pooh!
Its amazing what a narrow-minded bunch of begrudgers we are……
I’m not narrow minded or a begrudger, I just know what I like.
Everyone has a laugh at celebrities, especially when they’re at risible events like the IFTAs. I don’t buy the begrudger argument
Let’s be honest… Out of the 300 odd people at the Burlo about 15 of them could be classed as proper celebs.
You’re being quite generous
I know … It’s probably closer to 10
It’s on tv live now, believe it or not. I’m watching muse on sky arts 1 though.
Ah lads, I’m flicking over to rte in curiosity to keep a track of this sh!t€ and it beggars belief, one minute I’m in the comfort of my home watching a film, then all of a sudden I flick to the iftas and feel like I’m watchin a show in the local pub
What a waste of a red carpet……
Laura Whitmore is a babe, Fact.
Specksavers
Where are the pics of the moone boy crew?
Z listers Mecca!! If you at the IFTAs you know your a nobody
And if you are sitting on your fat ass at home watching TV, what are ya?
Colm Meany has 4 chins
Where is the F’bender?
I didn’t mean you specifically Alan I just meant Irish society in general – we don’t really like to see anyone do well for themselves
By that token you could be offended at someone slating Angela Kerins for ‘doing well for herself’. As long as someone is genuinely talented and makes a genuine contribution no one has an objection to their success.
Mel I totally agree with you. It’s only when I left this country I realised that success is admired and it’s a totally Irish thing to begrudge someone else or their business when it/they become successful.
Doing well for themselves? Hardly. Perhaps us Irish just have proper standards. Whilst the typical Irish man or woman can talk lots of bull we have a good eye for a fellow bullsh***er
How is this funded?
Who is the guy In the cool grey checked suit. I love that suit.
Foooooooooools, most of them anyway.
Nidge looks very harmless in that.
Like O M G!!!!!!
I recognized four. Must get out mote – or stay in more?
Would it possible to label each picture with the names of who is in them?
I’m not selling it Stephen I’m staying fact
Are the Love/Hate guys still in character? Looks like they got their suits from Unique, Ilac Centre. Way to dress up guys!
Meh..
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