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

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

Silvia Furmanovich Kasmir Collection Carnelian Bracelet and Sketch
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern India

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Bench jeweler holding a bracelet and a tool
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHo

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

LAFD Fire Station 44 and Fire Station 16
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
A Vanitas by Hannah Martin and Guy Berryman Sothebys
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s London

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

Cover of the book “Flawless: Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History”
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the Holidays

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

NY Now
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in August

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

Jeweler setting a diamond into a ring
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization Offerings

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

National Associate of Jewelry Appraisers Logo
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go Virtual

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Jacquie Aiche graduated turquoise beaded necklace
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Lewis Heyman
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement Plans

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

CCWW Designs Multiple Shell Charm Necklace
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm Necklace

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The Plumb Club board members
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board Members

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

Jewelry industry veterans Brad Campbell and John Liebler
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

Silver, Gold, and Bronze Medals for Italy Olympic Winter Games
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes Unity

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

vimeo screenshot.png
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up!

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Guinness
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGov

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

Gina Ferranti
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at Diavik

Production at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.

Jewelers of America Learning Workship Logo
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This Fall

A new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.

Gold bracelets and bangles
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers List

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

Buccellati Opera high jewelry bracelet
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

Rolex Datejust ref. 16233
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

×

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