AuctionsMar 11, 2022
All the Jewelry Lots in This Auction of Lady de Rothschild’s Collection SoldAuctionsMar 28, 2022
Take a Look at the 228-Carat Diamond Set to Fetch $20-$30M at Auction
Christie’s Geneva will offer “The Rock” at the Magnificent Jewels sale in May.
“The Rock” is headlining the Magnificent Jewels sale at Christie’s Geneva this spring. It is the largest colorless diamond to be offered at auction.
Geneva—Christie’s is offering the largest white diamond to ever appear at auction at its Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale this spring.
The auction house will present the aptly titled “The Rock,” a 228.31-carat pear-shaped diamond, seen in the video below.
The auction house will present the aptly titled “The Rock,” a 228.31-carat pear-shaped diamond, seen in the video below.
The Rock was discovered and polished in South Africa more than two decades ago, Christie’s said.
The GIA has issued a letter that accompanies the stone, stating it is the largest existing D-Z color pear-shaped diamond the institute has ever graded.
The stone is G-color, VS1 clarity. It is expected to sell for between $20 million and $30 million at the Magnificent Jewels sale on May 11.
It’s currently on a world tour prior to the sale, starting in Dubai through March 20, then heading to Taipei, and finally New York City April 29-May 1. It will be on view in Geneva at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues May 6-11.
Christies’s International Head of Jewelry Rahul Kadakia said in a statement: “The Rock will join the very best of legendary gemstones which have passed through Christie’s global salerooms since 1766. The market for diamonds is particularly vibrant, and we are confident that this sensational gemstone will capture the attention of collectors across the globe this spring season.”
The Rock beats Christie’s top five largest white diamonds ever sold by quite a bit.
The stone that holds Christie’s auction record for the most expensive colorless diamond is the De Grisogono 163.41-carat diamond offered in 2017. It sold for nearly $34 million, despite some industry controversy over De Grisogono’s leadership. (The company was later accused of being a money laundering front and later filed for bankruptcy.)
The second most expensive white diamond Christie’s has sold was the “Winston Legacy” in 2013. The 101.73-carat diamond earned close to $27 million.
The No. 3 diamond was the 76.02-carat “Archduke of Joseph Diamond” in 2012, which earned $21.5 million, followed by the “La Legende” necklace by Boehmer et Bassenge at No. 4. The 92.15-carat diamond fetched $15 million in 2017.
Related stories will be right here …
The GIA has issued a letter that accompanies the stone, stating it is the largest existing D-Z color pear-shaped diamond the institute has ever graded.
The stone is G-color, VS1 clarity. It is expected to sell for between $20 million and $30 million at the Magnificent Jewels sale on May 11.
It’s currently on a world tour prior to the sale, starting in Dubai through March 20, then heading to Taipei, and finally New York City April 29-May 1. It will be on view in Geneva at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues May 6-11.
Christies’s International Head of Jewelry Rahul Kadakia said in a statement: “The Rock will join the very best of legendary gemstones which have passed through Christie’s global salerooms since 1766. The market for diamonds is particularly vibrant, and we are confident that this sensational gemstone will capture the attention of collectors across the globe this spring season.”
Here, Christie’s International Head of Jewelry Rahul Kadakia showcases the 228-carat “The Rock” diamond.
The Rock beats Christie’s top five largest white diamonds ever sold by quite a bit.
The stone that holds Christie’s auction record for the most expensive colorless diamond is the De Grisogono 163.41-carat diamond offered in 2017. It sold for nearly $34 million, despite some industry controversy over De Grisogono’s leadership. (The company was later accused of being a money laundering front and later filed for bankruptcy.)
The second most expensive white diamond Christie’s has sold was the “Winston Legacy” in 2013. The 101.73-carat diamond earned close to $27 million.
The No. 3 diamond was the 76.02-carat “Archduke of Joseph Diamond” in 2012, which earned $21.5 million, followed by the “La Legende” necklace by Boehmer et Bassenge at No. 4. The 92.15-carat diamond fetched $15 million in 2017.
The No. 5 record holder for Christie’s is a 75.97-carat stone that sold for $14.5 million in 2014.
But the most expensive white diamond to ever sell at any auction house wasn’t the largest; instead, it boasted an incredible provenance.
In 2018, Sotheby’s sold the diamond and pearl pendant that originally belonged to Marie Antoinette in its “Royal Jewels from the Bourbon-Parma Family” auction. It fetched a cool $36 million.
While Christie’s “The Rock” is the largest colorless diamond to appear at auction, the largest fancy color diamond was the 555.55-carat black diamond called “The Enigma.”
It sold this year at Sotheby’s for $4.3 million.
But the most expensive white diamond to ever sell at any auction house wasn’t the largest; instead, it boasted an incredible provenance.
In 2018, Sotheby’s sold the diamond and pearl pendant that originally belonged to Marie Antoinette in its “Royal Jewels from the Bourbon-Parma Family” auction. It fetched a cool $36 million.
While Christie’s “The Rock” is the largest colorless diamond to appear at auction, the largest fancy color diamond was the 555.55-carat black diamond called “The Enigma.”
It sold this year at Sotheby’s for $4.3 million.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1MThe Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
