Barbie, by Stefano Canturi, featuring a colored diamond.

Barbie, by Stefano Canturi, featuring a colored diamond. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

Her blonde hair styled in an updo, wearing an openwork variously-cut diamond collar necklace, centering upon a cut-cornered modified square-cut  fancy vivid purplish pink diamond, weighing approximately 1.00 carat, and a diamond ring, to her black strapless party dress and pink peep-toe stilettos. Designed by Stefano Canturi - Estimate $300,000 - $500,000

With report 15724773 dated 21 March 2007 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond, weighing approximately 1.00 carat, is fancy vivid purplish pink, natural color, I1 clarity

Notes: Australian jewelry designer of Italian heritage, Stefano Canturi, has designed and brought to life exceptionally unique artisan jewelry that is both modern and iconic. Inspired by the innovative mood of the Cubist art movement that saw artists break with convention to explore abstract and non-traditional styles, Canturi interprets the avant garde spirit of the Cubist period through the creation of his distinct jewelry style, never before seen in fine jewelry, called 'Cubism.' The geometric lines of baguette cut and carre cut diamonds delicately arranged in curved patterns work in concert to deliver perfectly proportioned jewels that are incredibly romantic and artistic.

Stefano Canturi is devoted to designing rare and special commission pieces within family heirlooms, for Hollywood history, and for his five exclusive jewelry salons in Australia and USA. Stefano Canturi was invited by Mattel to create a historical concept to highlight how iconic Barbie has been throughout her 50 years. The result is Barbie by Stefano Canturi, the rarest and most valuable Barbie ever created.

"I wanted the jewelry design to pay homage to Barbie's modern yet timeless style over the ages" says Stefano Canturi, who applied his Cubism concept to the design of her necklace. Hand-selected by Stefano Canturi himself, the modified square-cut fancy vivid purplish pink diamond transcends this exceptional Barbie into a historical investment piece. Should the colored diamond be unmounted by the purchaser, Stefano Canturi may be contacted directly regarding a replacement pink sapphire for Barbie's necklace.

Stefano Canturi created Barbie by Stefano Canturi with the intention of her destiny making a meaningful contribution to the women who inspire him and for whom he designs. Stefano Canturi will donate 100 of the profits from the sale of Barbie by Stefano Canturi to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Christie's. Jewels: The New York Sale Including the JAR Imperial Topaz, Ruby and Diamond Ear Pendants, The Bulgari Blue, Jeweled Elegance & the Vanderbilt Diamond Necklace, 20 October 2010, New York, Rockefeller Plaza www.christies.com