Set to be the centerpiece of the Magnificent Jewels auction on 07 November at Christie’s Geneva, the ‘Bleu Royal’ diamond is making waves in the jewelry world. With a weight of 17.61 carats, it stands as the largest Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Blue gem ever to be presented at an auction.
The diamond’s allure isn’t just in its size. It has been meticulously cut and polished into a symmetrical pear shape, boasting a rich vivid blue hue and impeccable purity.
Such characteristics place the ‘Bleu Royal’ among the rarest diamonds ever discovered. Its estimated value ranges between US$35–50 Million.
For the past half-century, this gem has been a part of a significant private collection. Its upcoming auction marks the first time it will be available for purchase, presented elegantly set in a ring.
Words from Christie’s
Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewelry, expressed his admiration for the gem, stating, “This is a true miracle of nature.” He added, “Over our 257-year long history, Christie’s has had the privilege of offering the world’s rarest gems at auction, and Bleu Royal continues this tradition. We are proud to offer collectors the opportunity to own a diamond fit for Royalty.”
The Rarity of Fancy Vivid Blue Diamonds
The demand for top-quality coloured diamonds has surged in recent times, with prices seeing a significant uptick. This is especially true for Fancy Vivid Blue diamonds exceeding 10 carats. Such gems are a rarity at auctions. To put this into perspective, in Christie’s extensive auction history spanning over 250 years, only three diamonds of this caliber have been auctioned:
- The Bulgari Blue: 10.95 carats, sold for $15,762,500 in New York on 20/10/2010.
- The Winston Blue: 13.22 carats, auctioned for $23,795,372 in Geneva on 14/05/2014.
- The Oppenheimer Blue: 14.62 carats, fetched $57,541,779 in Geneva on 18/05/2016.
Auction and Preview Details
Auction: Magnificent Jewels, scheduled for 07 November 2023 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues.
Previews will be held at:
- Hong Kong: 04-07 October
- Beijing: 10-11 October
- Shanghai: 13-14 October
- Taipei: 21-22 October
- New York: 26-27 October
- Geneva: 02-07 November
The auction of the ‘Bleu Royal’ diamond serves as a testament to the enduring value and demand for high-quality coloured diamonds – a reminder of the potential of coloured diamonds as both luxury items and investment pieces.
