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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsOct 13, 2026
David Webb Owner Purchases Lugano JewelryThe high-end jewelry retailer was sold to private investment firm Middle West Partners and a group of longtime clients.
Lab-GrownOct 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Takes Lab-Grown Diamond Collection WholesaleThe jewelry designer has partnered with Sofer Jewelry to distribute her 85-piece lab-grown diamond collection.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Sean DunnDunn, this year’s Single-Store Independent inductee, is passionate about innovation and telling the story of natural diamonds.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers’ New Candle Smells Like HomeThe “Island Jewel” candle honors New York City and Puerto Rico and raises money for the island’s water relief efforts.
Weekly QuizOct 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyOct 13, 2026
GemFind Is a New JA Member Benefit Partner The partnership will give JA members access to preferred pricing, exclusive benefits, technology solutions, education, and resources.
SurveysOct 09, 2026
These Will Be the 10 Busiest Days for In-Store Shopping This Holiday SeasonStores should expect to see the most customers on Nov. 27, and Christmas week is expected to be hectic too, as Dec. 25 falls on a Friday.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsOct 09, 2026
Elisa Solomon Collabs With Serendipity 3 on ‘Frozen Hot Chocolate’ CharmThe charm, our Piece of the Week, features brown diamond frozen hot chocolate topped with white diamond whipped cream and a ruby straw.
WatchesOct 09, 2026
Movado to Sell Majority Stake in Ebel for $66.5MThe watch company agreed to sell a 95 percent interest to a group comprised of F.P. Journe, Chanel, and Swiss watch exec Pierre Jacques.
Policies & IssuesOct 08, 2026
Third Wave of IEEPA Tariff Refunds Begins This round of tariff refunds is for importers that have sued over IEEPA tariffs in the Court of International Trade and won.
CollectionsOct 08, 2026
Brent Neale’s New Collection Goes ‘Back to Basics’It revisits the brand’s most requested silhouettes, from "Pillow"-set necklaces and bracelets to "Signature"-set rings and earrings.
SourcingOct 08, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair Heads Back to BrooklynThe trade-only event includes buying opportunities as well as educational sessions on artisanal mining, the new Paraíba source, and more.
Events & AwardsOct 08, 2026
Pattons Fine Jewelry Sweeps Local Design ContestAra Chanakian, a jeweler at Pattons, took home top honors in every category at Jewelers of Louisiana’s annual jewelry design competition.
AuctionsOct 08, 2026
Reba McEntire’s Jewelry, Watches Head to Julien’s AuctionsThe live charity benefit sale in Nashville will also feature gowns, boots, and other memorabilia from the country music legend.
Supplier BulletinOct 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Helps Jewelers Turn Custom Design into a Hands-On Selling ExperienceSponsored by Overnight Mountings
Policies & IssuesOct 07, 2026
The Plumb Club Amplifies Its Voice as Geopolitical Pressures MountThe supplier organization recently joined JA and JVC to have more input on political issues affecting the jewelry industry.
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
Blue Nile, Royal Asscher Collection Highlights Natural Diamond BeautyBlue Nile, a Signet Jewelers-owned brand, is now Royal Asscher’s exclusive licensed retailer in North America.
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
4 Standout Pieces in Audemars Piguet’s First High Jewelry Collection “Royal Oak” pays homage to the brand’s most popular watch model using 18-karat gold as well as diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.
MajorsOct 07, 2026
Empire Safe & Vault Promotes Juan Morales to CEOAs part of the transition, Joseph Nicosia has stepped into the role of COO.
SourcingOct 07, 2026
AGTA Extends Deadline for 2026 Spectrum Awards EntriesParticipants now have until Oct. 14 to complete their submissions.
CrimeOct 06, 2026
6 Charged in Connection to String of New Jersey Smash-and-GrabsThe alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.
ColumnistsOct 06, 2026
Sherry Smith: Is the Consumer Really Trading Up?Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.
SourcingOct 06, 2026
DDG Taps Influencers for ‘My Diamond Does Good’ CampaignIn the new consumer-facing campaign, four fashion and lifestyle creators share the stories behind their natural diamond pieces.
MajorsOct 06, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names COO, CMOFGI President John Orrico is also leaving the company after more than 13 years.
Events & AwardsOct 06, 2026
JIS Fall Returns to MiamiThe 2026 edition will feature presentations on alternative materials and design trends, as well as pop-up activations on the show floor.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho KuéIt is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.
