AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’sAuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K
Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.
“The Kat Florence Lumina,” a nearly 182-carat Paraíba-type tourmaline, sold within its estimated range at Bonhams Hong Kong on Thursday.
Hong Kong—A rare 181.61-carat Paraíba-type tourmaline from Mozambique sold for HK$3.8 million, or approximately $487,000, at Bonhams’ recent Hong Kong Jewels and Jadeite auction.
The internally flawless, unheated and untreated gemstone has a greenish-blue hue and was expected to fetch between HK$3 million and HK$5 million, meaning it sold at the low end of its estimated range.
It was named “The Kat Florence Lumina” after jewelry designer Kat Florence, whose husband, gem hunter Don Kogen, recovered the original 830-carat rough crystal in 2003.
Kogen originally estimated the rough could yield a clean stone of about 300 carats but left it untouched until Florence encouraged him to revisit the crystal this year.
The initial result was a 315-carat gemstone that was later recut to improve its brilliance, resulting in a cushion-shaped gemstone with a weight of 181.61 carats.
It is one of the largest Paraíba-type tourmalines of its kind, according to Bonhams.
The loose stone was accompanied by reports from four gem labs.
An appendix letter from American Gemological Laboratories states, “This impressive Paraíba-type tourmaline possesses a lovely bluish-green color, superior cutting, and a very high clarity that enhances its transparency … The exceptionally large size of this stone is representative of the finest material that has ever been recovered from the African deposits.”
It also received a 95.4-point rating from Gübelin, categorizing it as “exceptional.” Only 1 to 3 percent of stones submitted for testing annually receive this rating, the auction house noted.
Related stories will be right here …
The internally flawless, unheated and untreated gemstone has a greenish-blue hue and was expected to fetch between HK$3 million and HK$5 million, meaning it sold at the low end of its estimated range.
It was named “The Kat Florence Lumina” after jewelry designer Kat Florence, whose husband, gem hunter Don Kogen, recovered the original 830-carat rough crystal in 2003.
Kogen originally estimated the rough could yield a clean stone of about 300 carats but left it untouched until Florence encouraged him to revisit the crystal this year.
The initial result was a 315-carat gemstone that was later recut to improve its brilliance, resulting in a cushion-shaped gemstone with a weight of 181.61 carats.
It is one of the largest Paraíba-type tourmalines of its kind, according to Bonhams.
The loose stone was accompanied by reports from four gem labs.
An appendix letter from American Gemological Laboratories states, “This impressive Paraíba-type tourmaline possesses a lovely bluish-green color, superior cutting, and a very high clarity that enhances its transparency … The exceptionally large size of this stone is representative of the finest material that has ever been recovered from the African deposits.”
It also received a 95.4-point rating from Gübelin, categorizing it as “exceptional.” Only 1 to 3 percent of stones submitted for testing annually receive this rating, the auction house noted.
Bonhams’ 132-lot jewelry auction also included fancy colored diamonds and gemstones, as well as rubies, sapphires and emeralds from notable brands.
The top lot was a ring featuring a 1.08-carat internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond that sold for HK$4.4 million, or approximately $568,000.
Also notable was the sale of a Cartier diamond and sapphire “Panthère” bracelet, which achieved HK$2 million, or approximately $260,000.
This fancy vivid pink diamond and diamond ring sold for more than $550,000.
A pair of Harry Winston diamond earrings with no-heat Burmese rubies weighing about 7 carats each. The earrings sold for HK$3.6 million ($463,000).
A Cartier diamond and sapphire “Panthère” bracelet, circa 2006, featuring panthers with sapphire spots, emerald eyes, and onyx noses
Crafted in platinum, the bracelet features two opposing panther heads, pavé-set throughout with brilliant-cut diamonds and what Bonhams noted as a “rare use” of buff-top sapphires instead of onyx for the cats’ spots.
The piece has a total diamond weight of 17.50 carats.
Stewart Young, Bonhams director of jewelry and head of jewelry for Asia, said the results reflected “continued strong demand for rare, colored diamonds and exceptional gemstones, notably bigger stones.”
He added, “The sale also demonstrated the enduring appeal for jewels from notable maisons. We saw a 100 percent success rate for all Cartier jewels presented in the sale, led by the rare Cartier diamond and sapphire ‘Panthère’ bracelet.”
More information about the sale can be found on Bonhams website.
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
