AuctionsOct 07, 2022
‘Williamson Pink Star’ Diamond Sets Auction Record at $57.7M AuctionsOct 13, 2022
These 8 Blue Diamonds Worth $70M+ Will Go Up for Auction
“The De Beers Exceptional Blue Collection” will be sold across Sotheby’s jewelry auctions this year and through spring 2023.
These eight blue diamonds, weighing 32.09 carats total and valued at more than $70 million, will be auctioned off at Sotheby’s beginning next month through the winter and spring 2023.
New York—The upcoming auction season is definitely one for blue diamond lovers.
Sotheby’s has announced it will sell a group of eight fancy blue diamonds valued at more than $70 million total across its Magnificent Jewels auctions this year and into the spring.
“The De Beers Exceptional Blue Collection,” sourced and assembled by the diamond company, is appearing at auction for the first time.
The group is comprised of eight blue diamonds of various shapes and weights, ranging in size from a 1.22-carat oval brilliant-cut to an 11.29-carat step-cut diamond, for a total weight of 32.09 carats among them.
Three of the diamonds will be offered this year: the 5.53-carat stone will be a highlight of Sotheby’s Magnificent and Noble Jewels auction in Geneva on Nov. 9, while the 3.24-carat diamond and the 2.08-carat diamond will be offered in New York on Dec. 7.
The full list of the eight diamonds and their estimates are as follows.
--11.29-carat step-cut fancy vivid blue (estimated at $28 million-$50 million)
--5.53-carat cushion brilliant-cut fancy vivid blue (estimated at $11 million-15 million)
--4.13-carat step-cut fancy intense blue (estimated at $2.5 million-$3.5 million)
--3.24-carat cushion brilliant-cut internally flawless fancy vivid blue (estimated at $5 million-$8 million)
--3.10-carat cushion brilliant-cut fancy vivid blue (estimated at $4.5 million-$5 million)
--2.08-carat cushion-cut fancy intense blue (estimated at $1.2 million-$1.5 million)
--1.50-carat round brilliant-cut fancy intense blue (estimated at $750,000-$1 million)
--1.22-carat oval brilliant-cut fancy intense blue (estimated at $600,000-$800,000)
De Beers and Diacore jointly paid $40.36 million for five rough blue diamonds from the Cullinan mine weighing 85.62 carats total in November 2020.
Over almost two years, Diacore cut and polished the five rough stones to create the eight blue diamonds in the collection Sotheby’s is now presenting.
Related stories will be right here …
Sotheby’s has announced it will sell a group of eight fancy blue diamonds valued at more than $70 million total across its Magnificent Jewels auctions this year and into the spring.
“The De Beers Exceptional Blue Collection,” sourced and assembled by the diamond company, is appearing at auction for the first time.
The group is comprised of eight blue diamonds of various shapes and weights, ranging in size from a 1.22-carat oval brilliant-cut to an 11.29-carat step-cut diamond, for a total weight of 32.09 carats among them.
Three of the diamonds will be offered this year: the 5.53-carat stone will be a highlight of Sotheby’s Magnificent and Noble Jewels auction in Geneva on Nov. 9, while the 3.24-carat diamond and the 2.08-carat diamond will be offered in New York on Dec. 7.
The full list of the eight diamonds and their estimates are as follows.
--11.29-carat step-cut fancy vivid blue (estimated at $28 million-$50 million)
--5.53-carat cushion brilliant-cut fancy vivid blue (estimated at $11 million-15 million)
--4.13-carat step-cut fancy intense blue (estimated at $2.5 million-$3.5 million)
--3.24-carat cushion brilliant-cut internally flawless fancy vivid blue (estimated at $5 million-$8 million)
--3.10-carat cushion brilliant-cut fancy vivid blue (estimated at $4.5 million-$5 million)
--2.08-carat cushion-cut fancy intense blue (estimated at $1.2 million-$1.5 million)
--1.50-carat round brilliant-cut fancy intense blue (estimated at $750,000-$1 million)
--1.22-carat oval brilliant-cut fancy intense blue (estimated at $600,000-$800,000)
De Beers and Diacore jointly paid $40.36 million for five rough blue diamonds from the Cullinan mine weighing 85.62 carats total in November 2020.
Over almost two years, Diacore cut and polished the five rough stones to create the eight blue diamonds in the collection Sotheby’s is now presenting.
They will be on display in Hong Kong from Oct. 17-19, followed by Singapore from Oct. 20-21, Taipei from Oct.26-27, and Geneva from Nov. 4-8.
“I have remained in awe of ‘The De Beers Exceptional Blue Collection’ since the first moment I set eyes on it,” said Olivier Wagner, head of Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels Auctions in Geneva.
“The market for colored diamonds and precious gemstones has never been stronger, so we are absolutely thrilled to be offering the first diamond of this superb collection as one of the star highlights of our Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction next month in Geneva. This important gem will, I am sure, captivate all collectors of exceptional gemstones.”
News of the diamond collection comes less than a week after the record-breaking sale of the “Williamson Pink Star” at Sotheby’s.
The 11.15-carat fancy vivid pink diamond sold for more than $57 million in Hong Kong last Friday. With a per-carat sale price of roughly $5.2 million, it now holds the price-per-carat record for any diamond or gemstone sold at auction.
Sotheby’s also sold the De Beers Blue in April, a 15.10 carat step-cut fancy vivid blue diamond that went for $57.5 million.
More on Auctions
The Latest
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
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.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
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.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
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.
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.
