The 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
Charlotte Preston announces business closure
Preston, who has organized educational programs in the jewelry industry for 30 years through Charlotte Preston Catalysts, said she is closing due to a cancer diagnosis.

St. Paul, Minn.--Educational program organizer Charlotte Preston is closing her business at the end of the month due to a “serious cancer diagnosis.”
Preston’s company, Charlotte Preston Catalysts, has been facilitating educational programs for 30 years. Her clients have included the American Gem Trade Association’s GemFair, the American Gem Society’s Conclave, the JCK Show in Las Vegas and Orlando and the Professional Jeweler Show.
She also worked with small and family businesses, helping them strategize and act.
Preston was honored by the industry in 2004, when she received the Women’s Jewelry Association’s Award for Excellence in the category of Special Services to the Industry.
“To the many speakers who readily gave time and information, to the many clients who found value in offering education, and to the many jewelers who look to make their contributions to their communities meaningful in their roles as business leaders, thank you,” Preston said.
She invites friends to stay in touch by contacting her at getsitdone@aol.com.
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