Onassis Jewels Sells for NZ$17 Million

A Spectacular Diamond Collection

A spectacular diamond gem collection sold at auction in London yesterday, fetching NZ$17.6 million (or 6.8 million pounds sterling).

The collections featured The Christina Onassis Diamond (a pear-shaped, flawless, 38 carat, D colour diamond), a 14.79 carat diamond ring by the fabulous Harry Winston, over 40 other fine gems, and a jade and ruby Buddha by Faberge.

Jewels are to be Enjoyed

The collection originally belonged to Christina Onassis and had been inherited by her daughter, Athina, who considered the items outdated and felt they'd be better sold to someone who would enjoy their beauty.

John Souglides, International Director of Jewellery at Christie's, told a BBC reporter that "It's being sold because you can't keep jewels in safety deposit boxes forever, so it was time for other people to enjoy these items."

Certainly Athina didn't sell them for the money - she is already reputed to be worth around US$1 billion!