Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
Weekly QuizFeb 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.
CollectionsFeb 05, 2026
Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple ParadiseThe “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make DealPresident Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces RondellesThe designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City HomeThe watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone MarketplaceThe company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.
GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
