Diamonds vs. Truffles

A few weeks ago a massive truffle was acquired by Le Cirque owner Sirio Maccioni for a mere $7,000; chump change compared to what a man paid yesterday for an 84.37-carat white diamond at an auction in Geneva.

Guess clothing founder Georges Marciano paid $16.2 million for the jewel—the largest top-quality, brilliant-cut white diamond ever to appear at an auction. It had been valued by Sotheby's at between $13.3 and $17.8 million. So Georges actually got a good deal. Not bad, bro.

The diamond has received the highest possible grading. It is D-color, or finest white, has flawless clarity, and its cut, polish and symmetry have all been graded excellent.