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

MJSA Education Foundation and Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJS

The discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.

Three gold rings set with yellow- and brown-hued diamonds
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural Diamonds

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

DeBeeers_Bridal_Display_Dune_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal Reinvigorated

Sponsored by A Diamond Is Forever

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Faceting Apprentice gem cutting school
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone Cutters

The next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.

Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Ocean Dream diamond
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17M

It was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting

Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Stock image of crime scene with police cars and crime scene tape
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in Violence

While the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.

Jack Sutton Jewelers
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place Store

Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.

Winston Red Diamond painting by Reena Ahluwalia
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond Painting

Reena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.

Anna Maccieri Rossi Ora Wood Sunrise Cuff, Marie Lichtenberg High Jewelry Bandana, Anna Maccieri Rossi Carpe Diem Pendant
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will Survive

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

Jessica McCormack Medallion Capsule Collection Campaign
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for Summer

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

People shopping in a jewelry store
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers Today

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is Back

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.

Merle, Juanita, and Brent Staats of Staats Jewelers
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 Years

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Former Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers Board

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

Buddha Mama gold earrings hexagon emerald
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

Clientbook Logo
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store Events

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

Pandora lab grown diamond necklace
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond Claims

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

Ronnie VanderLinden and Feriel Zerouki
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Glenn Spiro Old Moghul Golconda Earrings
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Kennedy’s Jewelers tourmaline necklace
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award Winners

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall olive branch necklace and earrings
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry Sale

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

Billy Welshoff
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account Executive

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

×

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