SourcingJun 10, 2021
Lucara Digs Up 470-Carat Diamond SourcingJun 21, 2021
Petra Puts 39-Carat Blue Diamond Up for Sale
The stone, which is similar to the rough diamond that produced the “Blue Moon of Josephine,” is expected to sell for upward of $50 million.
Miner Petra Diamonds recovered this 39.34-carat Type IIb blue diamond from the Cullinan Mine in April. It’s showing the diamond to potential buyers this month, with tender bids closing around July 12.
London—Petra Diamonds Ltd. has released details on the sale process for the nearly-40-carat blue diamond it recovered from the Cullinan mine in April, a remarkable stone expected to sell for upward of $50 million.
Viewings of the 39.34-carat, Type IIb stone will take place throughout June and into early July, including a stop in New York from July 7-9.
Tender bids are scheduled to close on or around Monday, July 12 at 10 a.m. EDT.
In an interview with National Jeweler last week, George Togholian, a gemologist at L.J. West Diamonds, compared the 39.34-carat diamond to another big chunk of blue rough mined at Cullinan in January 2014—the 29-carat stone that became the $48.5 million “Blue Moon of Josephine.”
New York-based Cora International cut that stone, and Togholian, who worked as a gemologist and consultant for the company then, helped with the planning process.
Though he has not seen the 39.34-carat rough diamond in person yet, he said in pictures it looks “very similar” to the rough that produced the Blue Moon, possessing the color and texture specific to blues from Cullinan.
“This is a special tone of blue. It’s not comparable to any other diamond that comes to auction,” Togholian said.
“In my opinion, these are the best of the blues. This is on another level.”
While he declined to share his guess as to the diamond’s sale price, Togholian did note the 39-carat rough probably will deliver about a 40 percent yield—the yield for blues and pinks is generally less than yellow or white diamonds because the material is not as smooth, he noted—which means a polished diamond of about 15 to 16 carats.
Related stories will be right here …
Viewings of the 39.34-carat, Type IIb stone will take place throughout June and into early July, including a stop in New York from July 7-9.
Tender bids are scheduled to close on or around Monday, July 12 at 10 a.m. EDT.
In an interview with National Jeweler last week, George Togholian, a gemologist at L.J. West Diamonds, compared the 39.34-carat diamond to another big chunk of blue rough mined at Cullinan in January 2014—the 29-carat stone that became the $48.5 million “Blue Moon of Josephine.”
New York-based Cora International cut that stone, and Togholian, who worked as a gemologist and consultant for the company then, helped with the planning process.
Though he has not seen the 39.34-carat rough diamond in person yet, he said in pictures it looks “very similar” to the rough that produced the Blue Moon, possessing the color and texture specific to blues from Cullinan.
“This is a special tone of blue. It’s not comparable to any other diamond that comes to auction,” Togholian said.
“In my opinion, these are the best of the blues. This is on another level.”
While he declined to share his guess as to the diamond’s sale price, Togholian did note the 39-carat rough probably will deliver about a 40 percent yield—the yield for blues and pinks is generally less than yellow or white diamonds because the material is not as smooth, he noted—which means a polished diamond of about 15 to 16 carats.
That’s 3 to 4 carats larger than the 12.03-carat Blue Moon of Josephine, which still holds the world auction record for highest-grossing gemstone per carat at $4 million.
Joseph Namdar, of Namdar Inc., described the 39.34-carat blue rough as a “very special diamond” that is “thought to be one of the purest blues to ever be mined.”
While noting bidding is unpredictable, he put the rough diamond’s sale price at $55 million to $65 million.
Petra Diamonds operates three underground diamond mines in South Africa—the Cullinan, Finsch, and Koffiefontein—as well the open-pit Williamson mine in Tanzania. Williamson has been on care and maintenance since April 2020.
The Cullinan mine has produced a number of famous diamonds, including, of course, the 3,106-carat Cullinan, the rough that produced the 69-carat Taylor-Burton Diamond, and the aforementioned 29-carat blue rough that became the Blue Moon of Josephine.
Anyone interested in scheduling a viewing of the 39.34-carat blue diamond should contact Petra’s Group Head of Sales and Marketing Greg Stephenson at diamondsales@petradiamonds.com or +27 836 379 849.
The Cullinan mine has produced a number of famous diamonds, including, of course, the 3,106-carat Cullinan, the rough that produced the 69-carat Taylor-Burton Diamond, and the aforementioned 29-carat blue rough that became the Blue Moon of Josephine.
Anyone interested in scheduling a viewing of the 39.34-carat blue diamond should contact Petra’s Group Head of Sales and Marketing Greg Stephenson at diamondsales@petradiamonds.com or +27 836 379 849.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.
