The highly anticipated Magnificent Jewels auction at Christie’s in Geneva is set to showcase the stunning Bleu Royal diamond this month. Weighing an impressive 17.61 carats, this internally flawless fancy vivid blue gem is the largest of its kind to ever be sold at auction. With an estimated price range of $35 million to $50 million, the Bleu Royal is anticipated to join the ranks of the most expensive diamonds ever sold by Christie’s.
Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s international head of jewelry, expressed his excitement for the upcoming auction. He believes this diamond will be among the top 10 jewels ever sold at Christie’s in terms of value. What makes the Bleu Royal truly exceptional is not only its size and flawless quality but also its extraordinary color. Fancy vivid blue diamonds weighing over 10 carats are incredibly rare, and throughout Christie’s long history, only three such stones have been sold. The scarcity and desirability of these special gems have led to skyrocketing prices, akin to the appreciation seen in the art market.
Aside from the Bleu Royal, Christie’s will feature other notable items in their upcoming auctions. The ongoing online jewels sale, lasting until November 16, showcases a pearl necklace worn by the iconic Audrey Hepburn in the 1953 film “Roman Holiday.” Hepburn personally selected the necklace from Furst, an Austro-Hungarian jeweler, and returned it after filming along with a signed photograph. With a starting price of 18,000 Swiss francs ($20,000), the necklace’s historical significance and connection to Hepburn’s fashion legacy are expected to attract much higher bids.
Additionally, the Passion for Time watches sale presents a remarkable timepiece worn by Marlon Brando in the 1979 Vietnam War movie “Apocalypse Now.” This circa 1972 Rolex GMT-Master bears Brando’s own hand-engraved initials, “M. Brando,” on the back. Brando famously removed the watch’s bezel, giving it a unique and distinctive appearance. It was later gifted to his daughter Petra and eventually sold at auction in 2019 for $1.95 million. Now estimated to fetch one to two million Swiss francs, this watch appeals not only to watch collectors but also to those seeking a piece of cinematic history.
The upcoming Geneva jewels sale at Christie’s promises to be a captivating event, attracting collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. With extraordinary offerings such as the Bleu Royal diamond, Audrey Hepburn’s pearl necklace, and Marlon Brando’s engraved watch, this auction provides a unique opportunity to own a piece of exquisite jewelry and cinematic history.
Useful links:
– Christie’s official website
– Christie’s Jewels Auction
