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
Starboard Luxury is bringing the Italian brand aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest yacht.
The pendant, circa the late 1700s, likely was commissioned to remember a loved one who died young.
It features the brand’s products in the precious color, semi-precious color, pearl, diamond, gold, and sterling silver categories.
From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
For her annual Halloween story, Associate Editor Lenore Fedow pairs fine jewelry with classic and contemporary Halloween costumes.
Sales fell 15 percent for the luxury conglomerate in the third quarter, led by a 26 percent drop in sales for flagship brand Gucci.
The education offerings include a diamond cutting demonstration, a session with JVC President Sara Yood, and a seminar on AI.
This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
The book features new styles and revived favorites.
Aimed at a generation that emphasizes self-care and mental health, “Worth the Wait” breaks new ground in the world of diamond advertising.
Editor Lauren McLemore immersed herself in New York Bridal Fashion Week to better understand the role fine jewelry plays on the big day.
The jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.
The New York-based brand is expanding outside of the U.S., with a pop-up shop in London and plans to distribute internationally.
They’re available through a retailer that sells luxury products inspired by the lifestyle of Batman’s billionaire civilian persona.
The watchmaker is selling 1,000 “Waterbury” watches for $1 each in celebration of its 170th anniversary.
Launched by De Beers in 2018, the program aims to develop a responsible sourcing model for the artisanal/small-scale diamond mining sector.
The new “Ouche” collection brings sculptural designs to the brand, while the expanded “Daystar” collection brings a rainbow of colors.
From prioritizing the customer experience to optimizing inventory, columnist Emmanuel Raheb shares the keys to a successful holiday season.
Journalist Priya Raj plans to use the scholarship funds to further her media qualifications and amplify marginalized communities.
It marks the first championship win in the team’s 28-year history.
The Arkansas-based jeweler’s first store in the state’s northwest region is set to open next year.
It will start with rough diamonds that are larger than 1.25 carats and later expand to rough diamonds that are above 1 carat.
The capsule collection is inspired by friendship and connection, with a nod to ‘80s fashion.
Texas jeweler Susan Eisen and NAJA’s Gail Brett Levine discuss how lab-grown diamonds have altered the landscape for jewelry appraisers.
On the verge of retirement, Kennedy recounts the most stressful stretch of his time at JSA and reveals what he’ll miss about the industry.
Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos’ secrets to success are listening to her team and leaning on data to make decisions.
Part of the Welsh singer’s extensive jewelry collection, the bathtub-shaped Cartier watch went for nearly $72,000 at Sotheby’s Paris.