AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MAuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not Sell
A matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
PHOTO These Type IIa, D-color diamonds each weighing 18.38 carats sold for $3.3 million Wednesday at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in Geneva.
PHOTO This 6.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, expected to be the auction’s top lot, did not sell.
Editor's Note: This story was updated post-publication to include a statement from Sotheby’s on the future of the blue diamond.
Geneva—Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction took place in Geneva Wednesday, with the leading lot—a 6.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond—going unsold.
Recovered from South Africa’s Cullinan mine, the blue diamond is internally flawless and was expected to sell for $9.2 million to $12.3 million but did not find a buyer.
However, in a statement shared with National Jeweler on Thursday, Sotheby’s indicated that the diamond may be sold soon.
The auction house said, “It has been a privilege to present the exceptional and rare 6.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond ring to international collectors and connoisseurs in recent weeks.
“Although the diamond didn’t find a buyer during the auction, we are now in conversations with several interested parties and are confident that it will find a new home soon.”
Instead, the top lot of the sale was a matching pair of 18.38-carat, Type IIa, D-color diamonds—one flawless and one internally flawless—from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine.
A private international buyer paid $3.3 million for the pair, within the range of their pre-sale estimate of $2.8 million to $3.5 million.
In total, the jewelry auction garnered $30.1 million, with 93 percent of lots sold.
Sotheby’s said it had more than five paddles registered as bidding for each lot sold, marking the highest participation in one of its Geneva jewelry sales in five years, and more than 60 percent of the lots sold above their high estimate.
Geneva—Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction took place in Geneva Wednesday, with the leading lot—a 6.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond—going unsold.
Recovered from South Africa’s Cullinan mine, the blue diamond is internally flawless and was expected to sell for $9.2 million to $12.3 million but did not find a buyer.
However, in a statement shared with National Jeweler on Thursday, Sotheby’s indicated that the diamond may be sold soon.
The auction house said, “It has been a privilege to present the exceptional and rare 6.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond ring to international collectors and connoisseurs in recent weeks.
“Although the diamond didn’t find a buyer during the auction, we are now in conversations with several interested parties and are confident that it will find a new home soon.”
Instead, the top lot of the sale was a matching pair of 18.38-carat, Type IIa, D-color diamonds—one flawless and one internally flawless—from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine.
A private international buyer paid $3.3 million for the pair, within the range of their pre-sale estimate of $2.8 million to $3.5 million.
In total, the jewelry auction garnered $30.1 million, with 93 percent of lots sold.
Sotheby’s said it had more than five paddles registered as bidding for each lot sold, marking the highest participation in one of its Geneva jewelry sales in five years, and more than 60 percent of the lots sold above their high estimate.
The second highest-grossing lot of the sale was a circa 1950 emerald and diamond necklace with 13 graduating teardrop-shaped cabochon emeralds weighing between 57.82 and 11.38 carats, pictured above.
A private buyer from Asia paid $2.5 million for the piece, which was estimated to sell for $1 million to $2 million.
“The Peacock of Ceylon,” a massive, unmounted sapphire weighing 102.40 carats (pictured below), sold to a private buyer for about $2 million, against an estimate of $1.3 million to $1.9 million.
A private buyer from Asia paid $2.5 million for the piece, which was estimated to sell for $1 million to $2 million.
“The Peacock of Ceylon,” a massive, unmounted sapphire weighing 102.40 carats (pictured below), sold to a private buyer for about $2 million, against an estimate of $1.3 million to $1.9 million.
Rounding out the sale’s top five lots were a 4.12-carat fancy pink diamond ring, bought by a private buyer from Asia for $1.5 million, and an emerald and diamond necklace featuring step-cut emeralds weighing between 13.24 and 3.08 carats made by Bucherer in 1986.
An anonymous buyer paid $1 million for the piece.
Related stories will be right here …
An anonymous buyer paid $1 million for the piece.
“Collectors have again favored colored gemstones above all else, but it’s been exciting to see a white diamonds resurgence, with several white diamond jewels selling in excess of their high estimates,” said Jessica Wyndham, head of high jewelry for Sotheby’s Geneva.
“And, of course, there is still a lot of love for signed jewelry, including the bold 1970s and 1980s styles such as striking pieces from Bulgari, many of which soared above their high estimates.”
To see the full results, visit the Sotheby’s website.
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
