Sotheby's to Auction 3ct. Blue

RAPAPORT... A fancy-intense-blue diamond ring with an estimate of $2.5million to $3 million is on track to be the top seller at Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels auction in NewYork next month. The cut-cornered square modified brilliant-cut, 3.24-caratstone, flanked by two pear-shaped diamonds, will go under the hammer at the April17 sale, Sotheby's said Wednesday. Other notable pieces include a pair of round diamondearclips by Betteridge, each weighing 20.27 carats, which are valued at $1.3million to $1.8 million. Additionally, a round, 30.40-carat white diamond ringby the jeweler, with an estimate of $900,000 to $1.1 million, will feature inthe sale. Sotheby's will also sell pieces from renowned jewelryhouses, including Bulgari, Harry Winston, Graff, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels,and Tiffany & Co. The sale will precede Sotheby's New York Fine Jewels sale, alsoon April 17, which will be led by a square emerald-cut, 3.38-carat, fancy-vivid-yellowdiamond ring, accented by round diamonds. That piece carries a presale estimateof $60,000 to $80,000. Image: The 3.24-carat fancy-intense-blue diamond ring. (Sotheby's)