Auctions

Following Met Gala Debut, ‘Bulgari Laguna Blu’ Sells for $25M

AuctionsMay 18, 2023

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.

Bulgari Laguna Blu diamond
At Sotheby’s Geneva’s “Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels” auction held this week, the “Bulgari Laguna Blu” diamond fetched just over $25 million.
Geneva—The “Bulgari Laguna Blu” diamond found a buyer at Sotheby’s Geneva this week.

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.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas wearing the Bulgari Laguna Blu diamond at the Met Gala
At this year’s Met Gala, Priyanka Chopra Jonas donned the “Bulgari Laguna Blu” diamond in a necklace Bulgari crafted for the occasion.


“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.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

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.

A 21.94-carat fancy intense pink diamond ring sold for $11.8 million at Sotheby’s Geneva


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

11.57-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond sold at Sotheby’s Geneva


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

A purplish pink diamond sold at Sotheby’s Geneva


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

Graphic for What Do We Mean When We Say “Recycled” Gold webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?

Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Mindi Mond Clarity Earrings
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in Diamonds

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

Lashbrook ring
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With Acquisition

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Bulgari and LVMH Watches CEO Jean-Christophe Babin
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH Watches

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Surveillance footage of robbery
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry Store

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Nephrite and Jadeite by Heinrich Fischer, Richard W. Hughes
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in English

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

LÖF The Valentine Ring
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ Ring

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

Eggs on a shelf
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ Outlook

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

Austin Butler
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand Ambassador

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

ICA Congress Brazil 2025
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry storefront
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent Jeweler

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bulova 150 Art Deco Miss America Watch, 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco Watches

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New President

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

Jewelers of America’s new logo
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

Diamond earrings held in gloved hand
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft Recovered

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

Emmanuel Raheb CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More Jewelry

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

Pomellato Nudo High Jewelry Campaign
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic Design

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

Jamie Singleton, Bill Brace, Rebecca Wooters, Bill Luth
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid Turnaround

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

Sothebys Watchcheck
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair Services

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

Swarovski lab-grown diamond Galaxy earrings
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

Branko Gems
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in Montana

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

Til Death Ring by Marrow Fine
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ Ring

After the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.

Korman Fine Jewelry Austin store
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size

The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.

JCK Rocks 2025
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason Derulo

The rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.

Conversations with Chris Ploof YouTube Video Series
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series

“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy