Auction house Sotheby’s Dubai has unveiled a diamond that’s literally from out of this world.
Sotheby’s calls the 555.55-carat black diamond — believed to have come from outer space — “The Enigma.” The rare gem was shown off on Monday to journalists as part of a tour in Dubai and Los Angeles before it is due to be auctioned off in February in London.
Sotheby’s expects the diamond to be sold for at least 5 million British pounds ($6.8 million). The auction house plans to accept cryptocurrency as a possible payment as well.
Sophie Stevens, a jewelry specialist at Sotheby’s Dubai, told The Associated Press that the number five bears an importance significance to the diamond, which has 55 facets as well.
“The shape of the diamond is based on the Middle-Eastern palm symbol of the Khamsa, which stands for strength and it stands for protection,” she said. Khamsa in Arabic means five.
“So there’s a nice theme of the number five running throughout the diamond," she added.
Stevens also said the black diamond is likely from outer space.
“With the carbonado diamonds, we believe that they were formed through extraterrestrial origins, with meteorites colliding with the Earth and either forming chemical vapor disposition or indeed coming from the meteorites themselves,” she said.
Black diamonds, also known as carbonado, are extremely rare, and are found naturally only in Brazil and Central Africa. The cosmic origin theory is based on their carbon isotopes and high hydrogen content.
Former professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek joins Cheddar to discuss his new MTV show 'Amazingness,' and the unique, strange talents that lead to a $10,000 prize at the end of the episode.
Jennifer Cunningham, Senior Editor at Bossip.com, and Todd Johnson, Managing Editor at The Grio, discuss Colin Kaepernick winning Sports Illustrated's Muhammad Ali Legacy Award. Kaepernick was honored for fighting social injustice against African Americans, and his pledge to continue to fight, despite not having an NFL contract.
Kristen Scholer and Brad Smith take a look at today's top stories.
Woebot is an A.I. chat robot on Facebook that is increasing access to therapy. The new chatbot is a digital alternative to going to see a therapist, and is currently free.
Zola now has a tool to build your own wedding website, a unique registry, and more. The wedding registry start-up has now helped 500,000 couples, and has raised over $40 million from VC firms.
Back in 2003, MobiTV and Sprint launched the first ever mobile TV Service in the US. Now, MobiTV has announced a signing deal with the National Cable Television Cooperative that could change the way cable is delivered forever.
VF Hive + Between Bells: Vanity Fair's Hive interviews departing editor-in-chief Graydon Carter. Between Bells covers the biggest political, entertainment, and business headlines.
Glassdoor announced the winners of its 10th annual Employees' Choice Awards, honoring the Best Places to Work in 2018. Winners are determined entirely on feedback provided by the employees. Robert Hohman, CEO of Glassdoor, breaks down the the companies that topped this year's list.
VF Hive editor Jon Kelly begins his conversation with Graydon asking how he got his start at Vanity Fair. They discuss Carter's early days at Spy magazine and The New York Observer, and the initial offer from S.I. Newhouse to come to Vanity Fair.
VF Hive editor Jon Kelly begins his conversation with Graydon asking how he got his start at Vanity Fair. They discuss Carter's early days at Spy magazine and The New York Observer, and the initial offer from S.I. Newhouse to come to Vanity Fair.
