AuctionsOct 06, 2023
‘Infinite Blue’ Diamond Falls Short at Auction AuctionsOct 18, 2023
Sotheby’s To Auction 94-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline
The stone is expected to fetch up to $2.7 million.
In its upcoming Magnificent Jewels sale, Sotheby’s will offer what it calls the largest top-quality Paraíba tourmaline to ever come to auction.
New York—Sotheby’s will offer what it says is the largest top-quality Paraíba tourmaline to ever come to auction at its Magnificent Jewels Sale in Geneva on Nov. 8.
The 93.94-carat gem named “The Blue Lagoon” is estimated to sell for 1.3 million-2.5 million CHF, or $1.4 million-$2.7 million.
The stone is a Cuprian tourmaline from Mozambique, which has emerged as not only the world's most productive country for the gemstone, but also as one of the leading sources for top-quality colored stones, according to Sotheby’s. This summer at Sotheby’s New York, a 55.22-carat ruby from the country sold for over $30 million.
Paraíba tourmalines, a variety of Cuprian tourmalines, get their name from the Paraíba region of Brazil where they were first discovered in the 1980s, but the term is now granted to greenish-blue specimens of vivid to deep saturation, regardless of the source.
The variety has become one of the most highly sought-after gemstones in the world, Sotheby’s said, often commanding prices surpassing those paid for fine sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.
Top quality Paraíba tourmalines display an extraordinary electric blue hue but are typically small and have a “significant degree” of internal imperfections.
“[The Blue Lagoon’s] impressive size, superlative clarity, and enchanting turquoise color—all achieved without the aid of heat treatment—recall the crystalline waters of a tropical paradise,” Sotheby’s said.
Related stories will be right here …
The 93.94-carat gem named “The Blue Lagoon” is estimated to sell for 1.3 million-2.5 million CHF, or $1.4 million-$2.7 million.
The stone is a Cuprian tourmaline from Mozambique, which has emerged as not only the world's most productive country for the gemstone, but also as one of the leading sources for top-quality colored stones, according to Sotheby’s. This summer at Sotheby’s New York, a 55.22-carat ruby from the country sold for over $30 million.
Paraíba tourmalines, a variety of Cuprian tourmalines, get their name from the Paraíba region of Brazil where they were first discovered in the 1980s, but the term is now granted to greenish-blue specimens of vivid to deep saturation, regardless of the source.
The variety has become one of the most highly sought-after gemstones in the world, Sotheby’s said, often commanding prices surpassing those paid for fine sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.
Top quality Paraíba tourmalines display an extraordinary electric blue hue but are typically small and have a “significant degree” of internal imperfections.
“[The Blue Lagoon’s] impressive size, superlative clarity, and enchanting turquoise color—all achieved without the aid of heat treatment—recall the crystalline waters of a tropical paradise,” Sotheby’s said.
“The Blue Lagoon” is set in a bespoke high jewelry necklace by the 130-year-old European Maison Adler Joailliers, conceived and created exclusively for this stone. The piece features a waterfall of more than 76 carats of round, marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
The Paraíba tourmaline is accompanied by a Bellerophon report brochure and an SSEF report with an appendix attesting to its “exceptional” size and quality. The original sketch of the necklace design is also included.
The auction is part of Sotheby’s Luxury Week, a biannual seasonal series held in Hong Kong, New York and Geneva, offering lots across jewelry, watches, handbags, and accessories.
More on Auctions
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.
