In a historic moment for the gemstone market, a stunning 17.61 carat blue diamond, named Bleu Royal, has sold for an astounding $43.8 million at a Christie’s auction in Geneva. This pear-shaped blue diamond is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also holds the prestigious title of the “largest internally flawless fancy vivid blue gem” ever to be offered in an auction. The rarity and exceptional quality of this diamond have captivated the attention of gem enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
Part of a private collection for the past 50 years, this auction marked the first time that the Bleu Royal was made available for public sale. Its unique combination of size, flawless clarity, and vivid blue color made it an absolute showstopper. Christie’s, the renowned auction house, proudly exclaimed that this diamond is truly one of the rarest and most extraordinary gemstones ever discovered.
Notably, only exceptionally few fancy vivid blue diamonds exceeding 10 carats have ever been offered at Christie’s auctions throughout their impressive 250-year history. The first few appearances occurred in 2010, 2014, and 2016, with the 14.62 carat Oppenheimer Blue diamond setting a record-breaking sale price of over $57 million in 2016.
Max Fawcett, Christie’s head of jewelry in Geneva, expressed their immense pleasure with the outcome of this remarkable sale, affirming that the Bleu Royal achieved the status of “the most expensive jewelry lot sold in all of 2023” by any auction house worldwide. This accomplishment solidifies the Bleu Royal as an iconic gemstone of our time and further cements Christie’s position as a leading force in the luxury auction market.
Interestingly, the auction house continued its winning streak on the previous day with the sale of a significant piece of Hollywood memorabilia. A Rolex watch famously worn by esteemed actor Marlon Brando in the iconic film Apocalypse Now fetched a respectable price of around $5 million. The watch features a unique hand-engraving on the back with the initials “M. Brando,” adding an extra layer of prestige to this already valuable timepiece.
In addition to these remarkable auctions, Christie’s is currently hosting an online sale of a pearl necklace famously worn by the legendary Audrey Hepburn in the final scene of the film Roman Holiday. This exquisite piece of jewelry, carrying a rich history and a touch of film nostalgia, will certainly capture the hearts of jewelry enthusiasts and avid Hepburn fans alike.
The sale of the Bleu Royal blue diamond demonstrates the enduring allure and value of rare gemstones that transcend generations. It serves as a reminder of the timeless beauty and investment potential that such exceptional pieces possess. As this remarkable auction comes to a close, all eyes are eagerly awaiting the next awe-inspiring gemstone to grace the auction stage and make its mark in history.
