A rare pear-shaped diamond that is expected to fetch up to $15m (about R212m) can be bought at auction next month using cryptocurrencies.
Sotheby's said it would be the first time that a diamond of such size has been offered for public purchase with cryptocurrency. No other physical object of such high value has previously been available for sale with cryptocurrency, the auction house said.
The 101.38ct flawless diamond, dubbed Key 10138, is one of 10 diamonds of more than 100 carats and will be sold on July 9 in Hong Kong. Bitcoin or ether (another cryptocurrency), or traditional money, will be accepted.
"This is a truly symbolic moment. The most ancient and emblematic denominator of value can now, for the first time, be purchased using humanity's newest universal currency," said Patti Wong, chair of Sotheby's Asia.
In May, Sotheby's sold a Banksy for $12.9m in the first instance of a work of physical art sold by a major auction house that was bought with cryptocurrency.
The name of Key 10138 aims to reflect the role that keys occupy in the world of cryptocurrencies.
Pear-shaped diamonds are among the most sought after. The 530ct Cullinan diamond, part of Britain's crown jewels, is the most famous example.
Reuters
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