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
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
