This perfect 69.42-carat, white, pear-shaped diamond was purchased by Fifth Ave. jewelers, Cartier, Inc., 10/23, for $1,050,000, setting a world auction record for a piece of jewelry. The diamond is set as a ring so the stone can be detached and used as a necklace pendant. The companion necklace, made up of 93 graduated diamonds weighing a total of 44.80 carats, was sold separately for $25,000. Cartier spokesmen would not say if the jewel was bought for display-to be known as the Cartier Diamond--or whether the purchase was made for a client. It's rumored actor Richard Burton and Greek shipping magnate Aristotle S. Onassis are interested in the jewel. Parke-Bernet Galleries officiated the sales.

United Press International · [ca. October 1969]

[Information from item housing] Diamonds-- Diamonds