AuctionsJun 10, 2021
Another Colorless Diamond Necklace Comes Out on Top at AuctionAuctionsJul 12, 2021
A Private Collector Used Cryptocurrency To Buy This Diamond
It is a 101.38-carat D flawless stone that sold for more than $12 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
Sotheby’s called the 101.38-carat diamond it sold last week “10138 The Key,” a nod to its weight and the fact that digital keys are vital to the use of cryptocurrency. A buyer paid $12.3 million in cryptocurrency for the stone.
Hong Kong—An anonymous private collector used cryptocurrency to buy a big, perfect diamond at Sotheby’s late last week, the auction house announced.
The diamond, a pear-shaped 101.38-carat D flawless stone dubbed “10138 The Key,” sold for $12.3 million. Sotheby's is not disclosing whether the buyer paid in Ether or Bitcoin, the two types of cryptocurrency it was accepting for the sale.
The sale price fell in the middle of the diamond’s $10 million-$15 million estimated range.
The auction house said it is the highest price achieved for any gemstone or piece of jewelry purchased using digital or virtual currency, though it’s not the first pricey auction item to be offered or sold this way.
In March, the buyer who paid a record $69.3 million for the NFT “Everydays—The First 5,000 Days” by digital artist Beeple paid in Ether (a type of cryptocurrency) and Phillips said it would accept Ether or Bitcoin for a painting by Banksy it sold last month.
Sotheby’s said the 101.38-carat diamond is the second-largest pear-shaped diamond of this quality ever sold at auction, narrowly topped by the D flawless 101.73-carat “Winston Legacy” sold in 2013.
Related stories will be right here …
The diamond, a pear-shaped 101.38-carat D flawless stone dubbed “10138 The Key,” sold for $12.3 million. Sotheby's is not disclosing whether the buyer paid in Ether or Bitcoin, the two types of cryptocurrency it was accepting for the sale.
The sale price fell in the middle of the diamond’s $10 million-$15 million estimated range.
The auction house said it is the highest price achieved for any gemstone or piece of jewelry purchased using digital or virtual currency, though it’s not the first pricey auction item to be offered or sold this way.
In March, the buyer who paid a record $69.3 million for the NFT “Everydays—The First 5,000 Days” by digital artist Beeple paid in Ether (a type of cryptocurrency) and Phillips said it would accept Ether or Bitcoin for a painting by Banksy it sold last month.
Sotheby’s said the 101.38-carat diamond is the second-largest pear-shaped diamond of this quality ever sold at auction, narrowly topped by the D flawless 101.73-carat “Winston Legacy” sold in 2013.
Sotheby’s offered the stone in a single-lot live jewelry auction held Friday in Hong Kong.
It was the highlight of the auction house’s inaugural “Luxury Edit” sale series in Asia, offering high-end goods across various categories.
Remarking on the diamond’s sale, Wenhao Yu, deputy chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery in Asia, said: “We are thrilled to witness a historical moment, when one of the Earth’s oldest and rarest treasures was purchased using humanity’s newest universal currency.
“By introducing this innovative payment option to our luxury sale, we open up new possibilities and expand our reach into a whole new clientele, many of whom are from the digitally savvy generation.”
More on Auctions
The Latest
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
MajorsDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
