CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
SourcingSep 14, 2018
Chinese Co. Buys 61,500-Carat Sapphire for $50M
Yulong Eco-Materials Ltd. said it will take the carved gem on a tour of museums around the world.
Discovered in 1995 in Madagascar, the Millennium Sapphire weighs 61,500 carats and was carved by well-known designer Alessio Boschi.
Pingdingshan, China—The 61,500-carat Millennium Sapphire has a new owner and could soon be back in the public eye.
Yulong Eco-Materials Ltd., manufacturer of eco-friendly building products and a construction waste management company, said it has agreed to acquire the gem in a $50 million deal.
The deal is contingent on YECO shareholder and NASDAQ approval.
The Millennium Sapphire was discovered in Madagascar in 1995. A consortium of investors, led by Asian entrepreneur Daniel McKinney, has owned the stone since then.
Rather than break it into smaller pieces, McKinney hired designer Alessio Boschi to carve the stone.
Boschi’s sculpted a tribute to the “creative genius of humanity” in the gemstone, according to the Millennium Sapphire owners’ website.
Beginning with a base of human figures supporting the four elements—air, water, earth and fire—the carvings then wind upward in a spiral depicting more than 134 figures that each represent a great mind, inventor or creator throughout recorded history.
This includes the Pyramids of Giza, Confucius, the Great Wall of China, Julius Caesar, Mayan hieroglyphic writing, Leonardo da Vinci, Christopher Columbus, Monet, Edison, Einstein and many more. 
A number of gem labs have had the chance to inspect and issue reports on the Millennium Sapphire, including the Gemological Institute of America, Gübelin Gem Lab and the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences.
Also viewing the stone was Garry Du Toit, who is now with the GIA in Bangkok. According to its owners, he said: “It is definitely gem-grade sapphire, a fine gem blue color. Other famous blue sapphires cannot compare in terms of size, weight and quite possibly color.”
Christian Dunaigre, formerly with Gübelin, said the sapphire is “everyone’s dream.”
In 2001 the Guinness Book of World Records recognized it as the largest carved sapphire in the world at 61,500 carats. (A multi-colored carved sapphire weighing 80,500 carats topped it four years later.)
The Millennium Sapphire has been largely out of the public eye for more than a decade now, resurfacing briefly in 2013 when the consortium of investors who owned the stone went looking for a buyer.
Yulong said it plans to take the Millennium Sapphire on a tour of museums around the world as well as develop documentaries around it and encourage filmmakers to use the massive gemstone in their movies.
“We will develop the business and cash flows of
the Millennium Sapphire through branding and licensing along with royalties and ticket sales through major museums worldwide,” CEO Hoi Ming Chan said. “We will retain some of the top art and promotions experts globally to develop and manage this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
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 & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
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.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
