MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
AuctionsMay 25, 2016
‘Cullinan Dream’ Could Sell For $23-$29 Million
The 24.18-carat fancy intense blue diamond is the largest of four blue diamonds cut from a 122.52-carat rough discovered at the Cullinan mine in 2014.
The 24.18-carat “Cullinan Dream,” found to be Type IIb and of VS2 clarity by the Gemological Institute of America, will be the largest fancy intense blue diamond offered at auction, Christie’s said. (Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016)
New York--Another big blue diamond is stepping into the auction spotlight.
A 24.18-carat fancy intense blue diamond dubbed the “Cullinan Dream” is expected to sell in the range of $23 to $29 million when it leads Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale on June 9 in New York.
Flanked by baguette-cut diamonds weighing 2.36 carats total, the stone will be the largest fancy intense blue diamond offered at auction, according to Christie’s.
The Gemological Institute of America determined the diamond to be Type IIb and of VS2 clarity.
The Cullinan Dream is the largest of four blue diamonds cut from a 122.52-carat piece of rough discovered at the Cullinan mine in South Africa in 2014.
That mine is famous for the discovery of the biggest piece of rough in history, which yielded the 530.20-carat Cullinan I, the largest polished white diamond in existence. The Cullinan I is part of the British Crown Jewels, housed in the Tower of London.
Christie’s New York’s Magnificent Jewels sale is comprised of 260 lots, ranging in price estimates from $4,000 to $23 million, including exceptional fancy colored and colorless diamonds, colored gemstones and natural pearls, among others.
Another notable piece in the sale will be an oval diamond ring weighing 52.76 carats, a pair of diamond ear pendants weighing 21.21 carats and 20.80 carats and a 51.06-carat fancy intense yellow diamond ring.
With these platinum ear pendants, each features a cushion brilliant-cut diamond, weighing approximately 21.21 and 20.80 carats, suspended from a graduated trapezoid-cut diamond line. They could garner as much as $1.5 million at Christie’s. (Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016)
This ring is set with a 52.76-carat oval brilliant-cut diamond of K color and VS2 clarity mounted in platinum. Christie’s expects it to sell for between $1.8 and $2.2 million. (Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016)
A cut-cornered square modified brilliant-cut, VS1 fancy intense yellow diamond weighing approximately 51.06 carats and mounted in 18-karat gold is predicted to sell for $1.3 to $1.8 million. (Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016)
It also will include signed pieces from private collections and estates with brands such as Buccellati, Bulgari, Cartier, David Webb, Graff, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels.
The complete list of items can be found on Christies.com.
The auction house also recently sold a record-breaking diamond when the rectangular-cut, 14.62-carat Oppenheimer Blue went for $57.5 million, making it the most expensive jewel at auction.
More on Auctions
The Latest
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
