‘Bleu Royal’ Takes Crown as Top Auction Jewel of 2023
A buyer paid $44 million for the 17.61-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

The 17.61-carat fancy vivid, internally flawless “Bleu Royal” diamond sold for $44 million (or $2.5 million per carat), in the middle of its pre-sale estimated range of $35 million to $50 million.
The pear-shaped Bleu Royal was the largest IF fancy vivid blue diamond ever to come to auction, and it is one of only three fancy vivid blues weighing more than 10 carats ever to appear at a Christie’s sale.
The auction house said bidding took seven minutes.
A buyer whose identity has not been disclosed ultimately snapped up the stone, which is set in a platinum ring and flanked by D, IF pear brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 3.12 carats and 3.07 carats.
The Bleu Royal was the top lot of Christie’s Geneva “Magnificent Jewels” auction, which was 93 percent sold by lot.
Another natural color diamond, an 8.77-carat fancy intense pink diamond, was the sale’s second highest-grossing lot, though it came in well behind the Bleu Royal at $5.2 million.
Other highlights of the jewelry auction include an unheated 21.88-carat Burmese ruby set in an 18-karat gold ring with baguette-cut diamonds ($2.6 million) that is attributed to Harry Winston; a diamond and platinum ring by Graff featuring a 36.45-carat rectangular-shaped unheated Burmese sapphire ($1.6 million); and a pair of Art Deco earrings featuring carved emeralds, onyx and diamonds signed by Cartier circa 1925 ($769,143).
Those sales totaled $62 million, pushing Christie’s Luxury Week total to nearly $140 million.
The top lots of the watch auctions included the Grande & Petite Sonnerie No.1 by Philippe Dufour ($5.7 million), which took two-and-a-half years to make, and the Rolex Ref. 1675 GMT Master Marlon Brando wore in “Apocalypse Now” ($5.1 million).
Christie’s “Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit” sale continues now through Nov. 16 and includes the pearl choker Audrey Hepburn donned in “Roman Holiday.”
The Latest

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.


Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

Around 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.

The event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.

The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.