AuctionsFeb 07, 2022
Jewelry Belonging to Victoria, Lady de Rothschild, Heads to AuctionAuctionsFeb 10, 2022
555-Carat ‘Enigma’ Black Diamond Sells for $4.3M Via Cryptocurrency
The founder of a cryptocurrency company purchased the stone and will rename it the “Hex.com” diamond.
The founder of a cryptocurrency company called Hex bought this 555-carat black diamond for $4.3 million at auction using cryptocurrency, of course.
Dubai—The 555-carat black diamond initially dubbed “The Enigma” just sold for $4.3 million at auction.
Richard Heart, founder of cryptocurrency company Hex, tweeted Wednesday that he’s the one who purchased the diamond. He said he will rename the stone the “Hex.com” diamond.
Unsurprisingly, he used cryptocurrency to buy it, the auction house confirmed in a tweet of its own.
Sotheby’s offered the diamond in a one-lot sale that ran from Feb. 3-9, selling it without reserve, meaning there was no minimum bid required.
The final hammer price fell at the low end of the auction house’s pre-sale estimated range of £3 million-£5 million ($4.1 million-$6.8 million).
Richard Heart, founder of cryptocurrency company Hex, tweeted Wednesday that he’s the one who purchased the diamond. He said he will rename the stone the “Hex.com” diamond.
Unsurprisingly, he used cryptocurrency to buy it, the auction house confirmed in a tweet of its own.
Sotheby’s offered the diamond in a one-lot sale that ran from Feb. 3-9, selling it without reserve, meaning there was no minimum bid required.
The final hammer price fell at the low end of the auction house’s pre-sale estimated range of £3 million-£5 million ($4.1 million-$6.8 million).
I won the world's largest cut diamond for our #HEXican cultural heritage! It'll be called the https://t.co/mLZsmWqXG0 diamond, it weighs 555.55 carats and has 55 facets. Congratulations to all you #HEXicans with #5555 club https://t.co/mLZsmWqXG0 tattoos. Let's all win together! pic.twitter.com/37mfTGbzMe
— Richard Heart ETH FORK PulseChain.com,PulseX.com!❁ (@RichardHeartWin) February 9, 2022
The largest faceted diamond of any kind to appear at auction, reports from both the Gemological Institute of America and Gübelin identify the stone as a free-form faceted natural fancy black diamond.
The hamsa, the palm-shaped symbol that is a sign of protection, inspired its shape. The hamsa is associated with the number five, aligning with the diamond’s 555.55 carats as well as its 55 facets.
In 2004, GIA issued a grading report for The Enigma, stating it was “the largest fancy black, natural color and largest diamond” it had graded to date.
The 2006 Guinness Book of World Records also listed it as the largest cut diamond in the world.
Prior to the Sotheby’s sale, the diamond had neither been seen on the market nor exhibited to the public.
The sale of the black diamond via cryptocurrency follows that of the “10138 The Key” flawless diamond in Hong Kong last year.
The buyer paid $12.3 million for the stone using the digital payment system.
Related stories will be right here …
The hamsa, the palm-shaped symbol that is a sign of protection, inspired its shape. The hamsa is associated with the number five, aligning with the diamond’s 555.55 carats as well as its 55 facets.
In 2004, GIA issued a grading report for The Enigma, stating it was “the largest fancy black, natural color and largest diamond” it had graded to date.
The 2006 Guinness Book of World Records also listed it as the largest cut diamond in the world.
Prior to the Sotheby’s sale, the diamond had neither been seen on the market nor exhibited to the public.
The sale of the black diamond via cryptocurrency follows that of the “10138 The Key” flawless diamond in Hong Kong last year.
The buyer paid $12.3 million for the stone using the digital payment system.
More on Auctions
The Latest
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
