Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
Sotheby’s to Sell America’s Little Darling’s Blue Diamond
The 9.54-carat fancy deep blue diamond Shirley Temple’s dad bought her in 1940 could sell for as much as $35 million when it hits the auction block next month.

New York--The blue diamond once belonging to “America’s Little Darling” will be up for auction next month.
A 9.54-carat fancy deep blue, potentially internally flawless, VVS2 clarity diamond ring long owned by Shirley Temple is leading Sotheby’s April 19 auction of Magnificent Jewels in New York.
The stone is expected to sell for $25 million to $35 million.
Temple’s father bought the ring for his daughter for $7,210 in early 1940, around the time of her 12th birthday as well as the premiere of her film The Blue Bird. According to Sotheby’s, the movie might have inspired his purchase of a blue diamond more than the stone’s perceived rarity or value, as colored diamonds were not as coveted at the time as they are in today’s market.
Born on April 23, 1928, Temple rose quickly to stardom and became an American icon. After being discovered by Fox Films songwriter Jay Gorney and offered a role in Stand Up and Cheer! (1934) she began her rise to fame during the Great Depression.
She appeared in a number of other films but eventually started taking on roles of a new type when she was named U.S. delegate to the 24th U.N. General Assembly by President Richard Nixon in 1969.
Temple served in a few other similar positions after that as well--President Gerald Ford appointed her U.S. Ambassador to Ghana in 1974 and later the first woman chief of protocol of the United States, while President George Bush Sr. named her U.S. Ambassador to Czechoslovakia from 1989 to 1992.
The cushion-cut blue diamond remained in Temple’s collection until her death in 2014 and will be offered in its original Art Deco-inspired setting.
In November, Sotheby’s set a new world auction price record for any diamond or gemstone when it sold the Blue Moon of Josephine, a 12.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, for $48.5 million.
“It’s remarkable to have one stone illustrate the dramatic shift in attitude towards colored diamonds over the course of the last century,” said Gary Schuler, co-chairman of Sotheby’s Jewelry, Americas. “Today we recognize these stones as the definition of rarity, and they are eagerly sought-after in our current market for that very reason. The Shirley Temple Blue in particular has a traditional cushion cut that gives it a certain softness, charm and personality, and its saturated, fancy deep blue color imbues it with a mesmerizing oceanic quality.”
The Latest

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.


Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

After the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.

The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.

The rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.

“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.