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 & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersOwners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and DesignA 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into HardstonesThe “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report SaysThe Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its MatriarchThe campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award WinnerRachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedAfter the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail SmithsThe industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.
