CrimeJan 02, 2025
Rolex Sale That Went South Led to Murder of Florida Jeweler, Report SaysJeweler Anthony D’Amore was found dead inside his office Dec. 23, marking the fourth jeweler killed on the job in 2024, according to JSA.
AuctionsApr 01, 2016
‘Oppenheimer Blue’ Diamond Could Sell For $45 Million
The rectangular-cut, 14.62-carat stone will be the largest and finest fancy vivid blue diamond ever offered at auction when it goes up for sale at Christie’s Geneva next month.
The rectangular-cut, 14.62-carat “Oppenheimer Blue” is expected to sell for between $38-$45 million when it hits the auction block in May. It is the largest and finest fancy vivid blue diamond ever offered at auction, Christie’s said.
Geneva--When Christie’s holds its Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva next month, it will offer the largest and finest fancy vivid blue diamond ever seen at auction.
The “Oppenheimer Blue,” a rectangular-cut, 14.62-carat stone, is expected to sell for between $38 million and $45 million when it hits the auction block in May.
This big blue diamond was owned by a man who certainly knew a thing or two about the stones.
Sir Philip Oppenheimer controlled the Diamond Syndicate in London and began working in the family business at De Beers London in 1934, where he sorted and valued diamonds.
Later, as head of the London-based Central Selling Organisation for more than 45 years and chairman of the Diamond Trading Company branch, he oversaw a diamond sales business set up by De Beers to control the global diamond supply.
Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale is scheduled to take place at the Four Season Hotel des Bergues on May 18.
The sale also will include a collection of 46 pieces that once belonged to H.S.H Gabriela Princess zu Leiningen, estimated to realize more than $15 million total and featuring pieces from brands such as Cartier, Boucheron, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels.
The Princess comes from a successful German entrepreneurial and philanthropic family. She was married to Prince Karl-Emich zu Leiningen for seven years and also was a qualified lawyer who became a consultant for UNESCO, advising on equality and women’s rights.
In May 1998, Princess Gabriela married His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, 49th Imam of the Ismaili community and international entrepreneur. During their 16-year marriage, the Princess held the title Begum Inaara Aga Khan and received a number of jewels from her-then husband to build upon her already large collection.
Click through she slideshow below to see six of the pieces belonging to the princess that will be up for auction.
This Cartier necklace features Colombian emeralds and diamonds, with the detachable emerald pendant weighing almost 40 carats. It’s expected to sell in the range of $2.5 million and $3.5 million.
This five-strand natural pearl and diamond necklace is estimated to go for between $350,000 and $500,000 in May.
The highlight of Princess Gabriela’s lot, according to Christie’s, is the 36-carat, D color Pohl diamond. It was the first major diamond to be polished in the United States and was sold to a member of the Chrysler family in 1943. It was purchased for the Princess at Cartier in 1998 and could garner as much as $5.5 million.
These Cartier ear pendants boast Burmese sapphires, weighing 24.69 and 25.63 carats, and diamond-set star tops. They are predicted to sell in the range of $600,000 and $800,000.
A pair of mystery-set ruby and diamond “Poppy” earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels could sell for between $100,000 and $150,000.
This ruby and diamond novelty brooch by Cartier is modeled after a violin, with one side opening to reveal a watch with a circular dial, Roman numerals and quartz movement, all mounted in gold. It could sell for up to $15,000.
More on Auctions
The Latest
WatchesJan 02, 2025
Ben Bridge Opens Tudor Boutique in HonoluluThe opening marks Tudor’s first location in Hawaii.
SourcingJan 02, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Ruby Mining in MozambiqueThe miner temporarily halted operations on Dec. 24 following an invasion at the mine.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
TrendsJan 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: New Year, New Jewels Set the tone for 2025 and commemorate the year gone by with glamorous jewelry fit for celebration.
Weekly QuizDec 27, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 30, 2024
In Memoriam: Jewelry Industry Leaders and Innovators We Lost in 2024From groundbreaking designers to dedicated retailers, National Jeweler pays tribute to the colleagues we bid farewell to this year.
MajorsDec 30, 2024
Saks Global Finalizes Acquisition of Neiman MarcusThe retailer’s portfolio now includes Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Saks Off 5th.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
Events & AwardsDec 30, 2024
Registration Now Open for JIS Spring 2025The jewelry trade show is set for March 9-11 in Miami.
IndependentsDec 30, 2024
MJSA Elects New Board ChairEdward N. DeCristofaro, who served as MJSA’s board chair from 2012 to 2014, is returning to the role.
MajorsDec 27, 2024
Buccellati to Expand Workforce by 500 Employees Over Next Three YearsThe Richemont-owned company is investing in its jewelry production and watchmaking workshops.
SourcingDec 27, 2024
IDCA Announces 2025 Board MembersManoj Bhandari, a principal of RMC Gems Inc., is the new president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association.
Events & AwardsDec 27, 2024
18 Designers Graduate from WJA’s Jewelry Loupe ProjectThe designers participated in a six-month business development and mentorship program to develop and launch their jewelry collections.
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Nordstrom Family, Partner to Take Retailer Private in $6B DealMembers of the founding family have partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire Nordstrom.
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Boucheron Bets on Las VegasThe brand has opened its second U.S. location in the Fontainebleau resort and casino.
EditorsDec 24, 2024
The Spectrum Jewels I Want to Find Under the Tree Associate Editor Lauren McLemore highlights pieces from the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards she’d be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas.
SourcingDec 24, 2024
Gemfields to Temporarily Suspend Emerald MiningThe move is one of several cost-cutting measures outlined by the company as it faces a weaker luxury market and other challenges.
IndependentsDec 23, 2024
Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Stars in The 1916 Company’s New CampaignThe retailer’s “On the Clock” campaign celebrates how time, precision, and purpose come together.
EditorsDec 23, 2024
My Favorite Piece of the Week Jewels of 2024Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.
GradingDec 23, 2024
GIA Adds Filler Identification to Emerald ReportsLab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein InternshipJamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
