Auctions

‘The Indian Blue’ Diamond Predicted to Sell for $6-$8M

AuctionsDec 06, 2019

‘The Indian Blue’ Diamond Predicted to Sell for $6-$8M

It hits the auction block at Sotheby’s this week, alongside a bracelet featuring more than 200 Argyle pink and red diamonds.

20191206_SothebysMagnificent-indianblue.jpg
“The Indian Blue” emits phosphorescence, like other famous blue diamonds, including the Hope diamond. It’s estimated to sell for between $6 and $8 million at Sotheby’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale next week.

New York—The Sotheby’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale will bring a number of important colored diamonds to the auction block next week.

Headlining the Dec. 10 sale is “The Indian Blue,” a Type IIb, 7.55-carat SI2 cushion-cut fancy deep grayish blue diamond ring with shield diamond side stones.

The GIA calls the blue diamond “a rarity of nature and product of human ingenuity … that captivates the eyes and interest of gem enthusiasts worldwide.”

The Indian Blue displays red phosphorescence, similar to the Hope Diamond, which is also from India, and the Blue Moon, mined in South Africa, which set a world auction record price-per-carat for a diamond or gemstone when it sold for $48.5 million in 2015.

The Indian Blue is expected to sell for between $6 and $8 million.

The Magnificent Jewels auction also features over 200 impressive pink and red diamonds but they’re all set in one piece of jewelry.


The above “Majestic Pink” fancy colored diamond and diamond bracelet features 204 radiant- and marquise-shaped pink and red diamonds totaling 43.34 carats, mounted in a setting by Carvin French.

Hailing from the famed Argyle mine, each diamond weighs between 0.10 and 0.47 carats and ranges in color from pink to purplish pink, purple pink, red and purplish red. The colors span fancy, fancy intense, fancy deep and fancy vivid color grades.

Located in Western Australia, the Argyle diamond mine is responsible for producing more than 90 percent of the world’s pink diamond supply and is expected to close in late 2020.

Sotheby’s said it expects the bracelet to fetch about $3 million.


A Verdura brooch commissioned in 1999 (pictured above) featuring a 14.37-carat square brilliant-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond surrounded by cabochon sapphires and colorless diamonds is also up for grabs.

A truly unique stone, Sotheby’s remarked to National Jeweler the rarity of coming across a diamond of such quality with this particular saturated yellow shade, which is likely to attract both private collectors and diamond and gemstone dealers.

It’s expected to garner between $1.6 and $2.4 million.


A diamond ring featuring a 1.38-carat cushion-cut fancy red diamond center stone, meanwhile (seen above), is valued at $1.8 to $2.8 million.


The above pair of fancy light brown-pink diamond and colorless diamond earclips, weighing 12.41 and 11.15 carats respectively, are estimated to sell for between $600,000 and $800,000 Tuesday.

Designed by Harry Winston, they’re

from the collection of Forth Worth philanthropist Nenetta Burton Carter, who lived from 1895 to 1983 and was the wife of Amon G. Carter, creator and publisher of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.


Also from Carter’s collection is the above 53.37-carat morganite and diamond brooch, also from Harry Winston and designed specifically for Carter, which is expected to sell for $50,000 to $70,000.

In addition to the important stones on offer are three one-of-a-kind pieces from a contemporary label making its auction debut.

David Michael Jewels is an Australian company headed by twin brothers who ensure every piece they produce is crafted by hand and without aid of a machine, beginning with watercolor renderings and ending with stones set by hand.


Their amethyst, turquoise, spinel and multi-colored sapphire earclips (seen above) are estimated to sell for between $20,000 to $30,000, and a brooch featuring portrait-cut aquamarine over an oil-painted depiction of a Koi pond, painted by the brothers, surrounded by tsavorite garnets and diamonds, is expected to sell for between $30,000 and $50,000.

Lastly, their colored diamond and diamond flower ring, with a 0.65-carat fancy pink Argyle diamond at center, is expected to go for between $125,000 and $175,000.

See all the jewels available at the Magnificent Jewels sale, as well as the Fine Jewels sale, scheduled for Dec. 9, online.

 

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman

Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.

Jamie Turner Victoria Labradorite Necklace
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Stock image of the U.S. Supreme Court
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Patrick Mahomes Hublot campaign
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand Ambassador

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.

Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
gia-edu main image.png
Supplier BulletinSep 04, 2025
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Sponsored by GIA

Lucara pink diamond
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink Diamond

The Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

A street in Carlsbad California
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events

From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.

Shot from Breitling new NFL campaign
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level

Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.

NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Autumn 2025
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in November

NYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.

Fabergé x Gemfields Malaika Egg
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé Sale

U.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to Close

A new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.

Stuller’s Tools, Equipment, & Metals and Findings & Metals Catalogs
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs

The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”

Effy Jewelry Multicolor Sapphire Bangle
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect Birthstone

Sapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.

Woman with hands crossed wearing jewelry
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 Sales

The retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.

Jean-Christophe Bédos Birks
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps Down

Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.

Harry Winston Ginza Flagship Exterior, Interior
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in Japan

The three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.

All Hours: Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry x Oak and Luna Campaign Imagery
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ Collab

The collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.

Calvin Klein watch and jewelry campaign
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff Impact

CEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.

Mark Davis Bullseye Necklace
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace

The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.

Image #1_Resized.png
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and Coaching

Sponsored by Clientbook

GIA’s new report for lab-grown diamonds
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming

It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.

Botswana President Duma Boko
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales Slump

President Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.

Afton Robertson-Kanne Borsheims
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry Buyer

Former Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Back to School and Bling
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis Students

The jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.

Taylor Swift Engaged
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond Cuts

The singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy