A Private Collector Used Cryptocurrency To Buy This Diamond
It is a 101.38-carat D flawless stone that sold for more than $12 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.

The diamond, a pear-shaped 101.38-carat D flawless stone dubbed “10138 The Key,” sold for $12.3 million. Sotheby's is not disclosing whether the buyer paid in Ether or Bitcoin, the two types of cryptocurrency it was accepting for the sale.
The sale price fell in the middle of the diamond’s $10 million-$15 million estimated range.
The auction house said it is the highest price achieved for any gemstone or piece of jewelry purchased using digital or virtual currency, though it’s not the first pricey auction item to be offered or sold this way.
In March, the buyer who paid a record $69.3 million for the NFT “Everydays—The First 5,000 Days” by digital artist Beeple paid in Ether (a type of cryptocurrency) and Phillips said it would accept Ether or Bitcoin for a painting by Banksy it sold last month.
Sotheby’s said the 101.38-carat diamond is the second-largest pear-shaped diamond of this quality ever sold at auction, narrowly topped by the D flawless 101.73-carat “Winston Legacy” sold in 2013.
Sotheby’s offered the stone in a single-lot live jewelry auction held Friday in Hong Kong.
It was the highlight of the auction house’s inaugural “Luxury Edit” sale series in Asia, offering high-end goods across various categories.
Remarking on the diamond’s sale, Wenhao Yu, deputy chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery in Asia, said: “We are thrilled to witness a historical moment, when one of the Earth’s oldest and rarest treasures was purchased using humanity’s newest universal currency.
“By introducing this innovative payment option to our luxury sale, we open up new possibilities and expand our reach into a whole new clientele, many of whom are from the digitally savvy generation.”
The Latest

Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.

The company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.

“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.


Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.

Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.

From sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.

After experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.

One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.

The retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.

Hill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.

The workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.

The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.

Founder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.

The luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.

The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.

The book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.

Alexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.

The superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.

Retailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.

The nearly 7-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond could sell for around $9 million.

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

Chief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille has reimagined the iconic design in both figurative and abstract creations.

Five dollars buys one vote toward an industry professional you want to see dressed up as a hero, or a villain, this Halloween.

Recently acquired by KIL Promotions, the November edition of the public show in San Mateo, California, will be held Nov. 7-9.

The stone’s two zones, one pink and one colorless, may have formed at two different times, the lab said.






















