Sotheby’s and The Steinmetz Diamond Group have announced the creation of Sotheby’s Diamonds, which will launch its collection of diamond jewelry in December 2005 in New York and Hong Kong, followed by events and private appointments in key market centers around the world. The initial offering will include rare and important diamonds and diamond jewelry with prices starting at $100,000.

Patti Wong, chairman of Sotheby’s China and Southeast Asia, will be chairman of Sotheby’s Diamonds, which will be overseen by Marc Auclert, head of Sotheby’s jewelry business in Europe and Asia, and Nir Livnat, chief executive officer of Steinmetz.

Sotheby’s Diamonds represents the evolution of Sotheby’s existing jewelry retail activity, Salon Privé, which offers jewels throughout Asia, Europe, and North America.