Sotheby’s hosted the sale of the Mediterranean Blue, a 10.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, on 13 May at the Geneva High Jewellery sale. The diamond returned $USD21.5 million ($AUD33.42 million).
The diamond was discovered by Petra as a 31-carat rough at the Cullinan Mine in South Africa. It was purchased by a private collector from the US after a three-minute bidding war with a rival. Sotheby’s head of jewellery, Quig Bruning, said it was a landmark occasion.
“It is undoubtedly the defining stone of the season and ranks among the top blue diamonds we have sold,” he explained.
“To witness the excitement it has generated throughout its global exhibition tour, culminating in today’s result, clearly reflects the growing global appetite for rare and impeccable diamonds, and a marked flight to quality among collectors who continue to seek the very best in the world.”
Anticipation for this sale increased following the cancellation of another fancy colour blue diamond auction earlier this month. That 23-carat diamond, the Golconda Blue, was expected to return as much as $AUD80 million.
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The Mediterranean Blue was unearthed in South Africa as an impressive rough weighing 31.93 carats. It was subsequently fashioned into the present 10.03 carat cushion-shaped diamond. |
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The Mediterranean Blue is a remarkable example of one of the rarest color sensations observed in a diamond. It is no wonder that blue diamonds continue to impress and enchant all of those who view them. |
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