Following Met Gala Debut, ‘Bulgari Laguna Blu’ Sells for $25M
The fancy vivid blue diamond topped the Sotheby’s Geneva “Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels” sale.

The 11.16-carat fancy vivid blue diamond garnered $25.2 million at the “Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels” sale.
It is the most valuable gem set into a piece of Bulgari jewelry ever sold at auction, Sotheby’s said.
Presented as the final jewel of the jewelry auction’s second session, after a four-minute bidding war between one buyer who was present and three on the phone, the blue diamond found its first new owner in 50 years.
Bulgari set the diamond into a ring in 1970 for a private collector in Europe.
Earlier this month, Bulgari unveiled an alternative setting when Priyanka Chopra Jonas wore it to the Met Gala in a diamond necklace inspired by Greco-Roman emperors’ bay laurel wreaths.

“It’s been a privilege to witness the Bulgari Laguna Blu’s glamorous and exciting journey over the past few months, knowing that it was first created in 1970, to its most recent Met Gala appearance where it dazzled on the red carpet,” said Sotheby’s Geneva Head of Jewelry Olivier Wagner.
“So, it’s a special moment to see this extraordinary jewel’s journey take yet a new turn, this evening in our auction room, in the hands of its first new owner in over 50 years.”
Overall, Sotheby’s said the auction was its most profitable Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels Geneva sale in five years, since May 2018.
Expected to sell for at least $25 million, the Bulgari Laguna Blu just hit expectations at $25.2 million, though more than half of the sale’s lots sold for well over their high estimates, and each lot sold fell within or above its estimated range, the auction house said.
Diacore, responsible for cutting many large and notable diamonds, acquired two diamonds at the auction.
It purchased one, the below 21.94-carat cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut fancy intense pink diamond set between 0.51-carat and 0.46-carat half-moon fancy deep grayish blue diamonds in a ring, for $11.8 million.

The other, an 11.57-carat step-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond set in a ring seen below, sold for $1.3 million.

Diacore’s pink diamond ring was the sale’s No. 2 lot. The No. 3 lot was another pink diamond, below.

The 5.01-carat round-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut fancy vivid purplish pink diamond sold for $6.3 million.
Pink diamonds continue to be on the menu for Sotheby’s this spring.
The auction house predicts the 10.57-carat internally flawless, fancy vivid purplish pink diamond, called “The Eternal Pink,” to sell for at least $35 million at the Magnificent Jewels sale in New York on June 8.
That equates to $3.3 million per carat, which Sotheby’s said is the highest price-per-carat estimate placed on any diamond or gemstone offered at auction.
The 11.15-carat “Williamson Pink Star” currently holds the price-per-carat record at $5.2 million per carat, or a total $57.7 million.
The Latest

The Brazilian jeweler’s latest book marks her namesake brand’s 25th anniversary and tells the tale of her worldwide collaborations.

The Submariner Ref. 1680 with a Tiffany & Co. dial came from the original owner, who won it as a prize on the game show in the 1970s.

The new integration allows users to manage shipments directly from the Shopify dashboard.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

At Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.


Six people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.

The jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Ben Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.

It’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.

It included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.

The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.

Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.

The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

The Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.