It turns out the gem was the real deal, a 26.27 carat white diamond, according to Sotheby’s.
The auction house is selling the ring next month as part of jewelry sale and expects the ring to sell for as much as $450,000. Not bad for a $15 investment.
The buyer apparently had no idea the ring was real because 19th century diamonds were cut very differently from today. The cut did not show off the stone's clarity or brilliance.
The owners asked not to be identified.
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