AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From AuctionAuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready Brooch
Designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Jewelry designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey created this brooch using “The Mediterranean Blue,” a 10-carat blue diamond, inspired by the theme of this year’s Met Gala, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” At left is Godfrey’s sketch, while the finished brooch is pictured at right.
New York—If you’re a jewelry designer who’s given the opportunity to design around an incredible 10-carat blue diamond for The Met Gala, New York’s annual homage to fashion, what do you do?
If you’re Lauren Harwell Godfrey, the answer is, you absolutely crush it.
On Monday, as celebrities were making their way up the steps of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in a soggy New York City, Godfrey announced via Instagram that Frank Everett, vice chairman of Sotheby’s Jewelry, Americas, had asked her to create a piece of jewelry as a tribute to theme of the 2025 Met Gala, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
He told her she’d be working with a very special stone—a 10.02-carat fancy vivid blue diamond mined in South Africa and dubbed “The Mediterranean Blue.”
The diamond is estimated to sell for up to $20 million when it goes up for auction at Sotheby’s next week.
If you’re Lauren Harwell Godfrey, the answer is, you absolutely crush it.
On Monday, as celebrities were making their way up the steps of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in a soggy New York City, Godfrey announced via Instagram that Frank Everett, vice chairman of Sotheby’s Jewelry, Americas, had asked her to create a piece of jewelry as a tribute to theme of the 2025 Met Gala, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
He told her she’d be working with a very special stone—a 10.02-carat fancy vivid blue diamond mined in South Africa and dubbed “The Mediterranean Blue.”
The diamond is estimated to sell for up to $20 million when it goes up for auction at Sotheby’s next week.
The result—a sleek and stylish 18-karat gold brooch with black onyx that is trademark Harwell Godfrey and would have worked with the outfit of almost any 2025 Met Gala attendee (though the brooch was not actually worn to the event).
“I designed the brooch inspired by royal medals, reimagined through an African diasporic lens—sharp geometry, symbolic black onyx, and this once-in-a-lifetime gem at its center,” Godfrey said, adding that it is “an heirloom for Black royalty made with an African diamond.”
Black onyx is the same material the designer chose for another jewel that carried special meaning, her heart pendant created in the summer of 2020, in the thick of the Black Lives Matter protests sweeping the nation, that benefitted the NAACP.
Related stories will be right here …
“I designed the brooch inspired by royal medals, reimagined through an African diasporic lens—sharp geometry, symbolic black onyx, and this once-in-a-lifetime gem at its center,” Godfrey said, adding that it is “an heirloom for Black royalty made with an African diamond.”
Black onyx is the same material the designer chose for another jewel that carried special meaning, her heart pendant created in the summer of 2020, in the thick of the Black Lives Matter protests sweeping the nation, that benefitted the NAACP.
The Mediterranean Blue diamond is being offered as a highlight of Sotheby’s High Jewelry sale, which is scheduled to take place in Geneva May 13.
When news about the diamond’s sale was first announced, the stone was pictured loose and set in a simple four-prong ring as a solitaire.
A Sotheby’s spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that the Mediterranean Blue will be presented as a ring in Geneva, not in the Harwell Godfrey-designed brooch.
Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, the spring 2025 exhibition at The Met’s Costume Institute, officially opens May 10 and will be on view through Oct. 26.
The exhibition is an examination of Black style over 300 years through the concept of dandyism, exploring the importance of style to the formation of Black identities in the United States and Europe.
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from NasdaqThe company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through ChangeCommunicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 YearsThe “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.
Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. StoreTanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth LocationThe retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern WorldSapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online StorefrontPlus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not DeadPeter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque NecklaceThe necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for SummerThe designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With DisabilitiesAround 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at ConvergeThe event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ RingBefore Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical MetalsmithsThe donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and BetterLocated in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course UpdatesThe nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education FundBIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.
