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
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
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.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
