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.
More on Auctions
The Latest
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer said its stores will remain open during the proceedings.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami JewelerOmar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane KatrinaThe New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of CoverageLilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship WinnersThe organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging DesignersThe winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright BaublesAs summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in QueensMoshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities ManagerXavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersThe addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
