Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
24-Carat ‘Moon of Baroda’ Diamond Sells for $1.3M
A signed photograph of Marilyn Monroe wearing the fancy yellow pear-shaped diamond also sold at Christie’s jewelry auction Tuesday.

Hong Kong—The 24-carat yellow diamond that captivated Indian and Hollywood royalty alike sold for $1.3 million at the Christie’s Hong Kong jewelry auction Tuesday.
The “Moon of Baroda,” a 24.04-carat fancy yellow pear modified brilliant-cut diamond suspended on a black leather cord, nearly doubled its highest pre-sale estimate of $750,000 (when including buyer’s premium).
Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe wore the stone in 1953 while promoting the release of “Gentleman Prefer Blondes,” the film where she famously sang “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
Christie’s said the Gemological Institute of America determined the diamond was unearthed at Golconda, the region of India known today as Hyderabad that produced some of the world’s biggest and most beautiful diamonds until its mines ran dry in the early part of the 20th century.
Christie’s said The Moon of Baroda was likely mined there between the 15th and 17th centuries.
At one time, the diamond might have been part of the collection of the Gaekwads of Baroda, one of India’s wealthiest ruling families.
In more recent years, the diamond has belonged to Cleveland, Ohio-based diamond cutter Samuel H. Deutsch, who bought it in 1944 and sold it to Meyer Rosenbaum, president of Detroit’s Meyer Jewelry Company, in 1953.
Nearly four decades later, The Moon of Baroda went up on the block at a jewelry auction, selling at Christie’s New York for $297,000 in 1990.
Selling alongside the Moon of Baroda at Christie’s Hong Kong Tuesday was a black-and-white photograph of Monroe wearing the necklace (pictured above), signed and inscribed with: “To Meyer Thanks for the chance to wear the Moon of Baroda.”
The picture went for about $35,000, more than doubling its pre-sale estimate.
Also sold Tuesday at the jewelry auction was “The Peacock Necklace” (pictured above), a diamond and sapphire necklace set with 21 Kashmir sapphires weighing a total of 109.08 carats.
The auction house estimated it would go for between $12 and $15 million. The necklace ended up selling at the high end of its estimated range, garnering about $14.9 million.
For a full list of results of the Magnificent Jewels auction, visit Christies.com.
The Latest

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.


The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.