Christie 's reported jewelry sales of $ 226 million for the first half of 2008 , calling it `` the best jewelry season ever seen at auction . '' the Smithsonian Institution sells nearly 36-carat diamond for $ 7.1 million . Amount said to be highest price for a diamond sold at auction . the Archduchess Maria Amalia was mined in Spain 1673 .
the Smithsonian Institution sells nearly 36-carat diamond for $ 7.1 million . Amount said to be highest price for a diamond sold at auction . the Archduchess Maria Amalia was mined in Spain 1673 .