EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
AuctionsSep 19, 2018
5-Carat ‘Ai’ Blue Diamond to Sell for $12-15M
The rare stone is the highlight of Sotheby’s Oct. 3 jewelry auction in Hong Kong.
The 5-carat “Ai” fancy vivid blue diamond is the highlight of Sotheby’s Oct. 3 jewelry auction in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong—A 5-carat fancy vivid blue diamond ring will be the highlight of Sotheby’s upcoming jewelry auction in Hong Kong.
Named the “Ai” diamond after the Chinese word for love, the stone is expected to sell for between $12.5 and $15.3 million when it hits the block next month.
It is the leading lot in Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite jewelry sale, slated for Oct. 3 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
In addition to the Ai diamond, the jewelry auction will feature a pair of earrings with old European brilliant-cut fancy vivid yellow diamonds weighing 51.17 carats total—“well-matched” in color, ton and saturation, Sotheby’s said—accented with white diamonds. They are designed to depict a fruitful harvest of melons flowering from their vines.
The earrings, pictured below, could sell for between $4.8 and $6.1 million. 
There also will be a number of important jade pieces, including a necklace composed of 51 jadeite beads of a brilliant emerald green color and with “very good” translucency, with a diamond clasp signed Chaumet. Pictured below, its pre-sale estimate is available upon request by Sotheby’s. 
The jewelry auction also will include two fine jadeite bangles displaying hues of both lavender and green that blend seamlessly. Possessing strong saturation and fine translucency, the pair will be sold separately, with estimates of $665,000-$895,000 (left bangle) and $640,000-$895,000 (right bangle).
The jewelry auction also will have a section featuring works created by celebrated Asian contemporary designer Wallace Chan. This includes the tanzanite, chalcedony and diamond ring seen below, which could sell for as much as $230,000, as well as the earrings pictured below featuring conch pearl, gems and diamonds, which could sell for between $281,000 and $408,000.
The gallery also shows a pair of gem-set earrings from Chan, also featuring jade and diamonds, which are expected to garner between $70,500 and $109,000.
Chan was the first Asian jeweler to exhibit at the Biennale in Paris in 2012, and today can be seen at such major fairs as The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) and Masterpiece in London. His pieces are sought by collectors from around the world.
Rounding out the jewelry auction will be a selection of red carpet necklaces by jewelers such as Van Cleef & Arpels and David Morris, as well as a vintage Bulgari suite, and a curated selection of jewels primarily from the 1950s
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
and 1960s from a “distinguished” private collection.
More on Auctions
The Latest
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
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.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
