Auctions

8-Carat Blue Diamond Could Sell for $25M

AuctionsOct 12, 2016

8-Carat Blue Diamond Could Sell for $25M

The “Sky Blue Diamond,” a fancy vivid blue, will headline Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale Nov. 16 in Geneva.

20161013_Sothebys-Blue.jpg
The “Sky Blue Diamond,” an 8.01-carat fancy vivid blue, could sell for between $15 million and $25 million in Geneva next month.

Geneva--The trend of notable blue diamonds taking center stage at auction will continue next month in Geneva.

An 8.01-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, dubbed “The Sky Blue Diamond” to emphasize its rare hue, will headline the Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels at Sotheby’s Geneva on Nov. 16.

Set in a ring by Cartier, it is expected to sell for between $15 and $25 million.

Sotheby’s said the stone has been graded as a fancy vivid blue by the Gemological Institute of America, and also was found to have excellent polish and to be Type IIb.

“The Sky Blue Diamond is a wonderfully clear celestial blue, presented in an extremely elegant square emerald cut--in my view, the most flattering of all the cuts for a colored diamond,” said David Bennett, worldwide chairman of Sotheby’s jewelry division.

Sotheby’s has set a new world record auction price for blue diamonds twice over the past couple of years.

In April, the De Beers Millennium Jewel 4, one of the dozen rare diamonds De Beers assembled to mark the year 2000, sold for $31.8 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, making the 10.10-carat oval-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond the most expensive jewel ever sold at auction in Asia.

In November 2015, the auction house sold a 12.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond called the Blue Moon of Josephine for $48.5 million, making it the most expensive jewel ever sold at auction anywhere. It also set the per-carat record for any diamond, at $4 million per carat.

However, the Blue Moon’s record price ultimately was trumped by The Oppenheimer Blue, a 14.62-carat VVS1 clarity fancy vivid blue diamond that became the most expensive jewel ever sold at auction when it garnered $57.5 million at Christie’s Geneva in May.

Sotheby’s Nov. 16 sale in Geneva also will include more colored diamonds, as well as colored gemstones and period jewels with noble provenance, such as a historic diamond choker from the second half of the 18th century that was in the collection of the imperial Russian family.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Vikki Tobak
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ Exhibition

Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.

Cynthia Erivo, Zendaya, Lewis Hamilton at the Met Gala
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met Gala

Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.

Rendering of M.S. Rau pop-up shop in Aspen, Colorado
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen

M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.

Header image w logo.jpg
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a Tradeshow

Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.

Vhernier Calla necklace rose gold and ebony
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler Vhernier

The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.

Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
The six Couture Luminaries designers 2024
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up Couture

The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.

Models Wearing Venetian Link Bracelets and Necklaces
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New Collection

The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.

national-jeweler-top-image-v1.jpg
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of Jewelers

Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.

Jewelers of America logo
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler Scholarship

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.

Rolex and Hallmark logos
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark Application

The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.

Anglo American executive Benny Oeyen
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen

The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.

Opening of Malabar Gold & Diamonds store in Naperville Illinois
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. Showroom

The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.

Ben Bridge Jeweler Logo
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate Scholarship

It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.

Mug shots of murder suspects Michael McCormack and Charles Robinson Shay
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado Jeweler

Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.

Five Platinum Pieces
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight Program

PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.

Kristie Nicolosi
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board Again

Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.

Karina Brez Bit of LUV Bracelet
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the Derby

Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.

Stock image of handcuffs and gavel
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian Families

The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.

Horizon Campaign Collage
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection

“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.

Pandora jewelry
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1

The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.

Glenn Lewis
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68

The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.

Harwell Godfrey
IndependentsMay 01, 2024
Harwell Godfrey Opens First Store

It is located in Marin County, California.

Woman holding a dress
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in April

Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.

Syna emerald earrings
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on Emeralds

May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.

Jacqui Larsson Looking at a Diamond
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director

Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

Tiffany Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste Wings Pendant
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue Book

The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.

×

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