555.55-Carat Black Diamond Lands in Dubai

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 Jan. 17 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 (¥773 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 5 bears an important 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 5. Stevens also said that the black diamond is likely from outer space. She said it may even be from a meteorite that hit Earth. Black diamonds, also known as carbonado, are extremely rare, and are found naturally only in Brazil and Central Africa. (AP) This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.