The Bleu Royal diamond, a rare and stunning blue gem, recently broke records by selling for over $40 million at an auction in Geneva. Weighing an impressive 17.61 carats, this diamond is not only the largest internally flawless fancy vivid blue gem ever to be offered at an auction but also the highlight of a series of luxury sales in Geneva this month. Alongside the Bleu Royal, other noteworthy items up for sale include Audrey Hepburn’s pearls and Marlon Brando’s personally engraved watch.
Christie’s, the auction house hosting the Magnificent Jewels auction, had estimated that the Bleu Royal would sell for between $35 million and $50 million. However, the diamond exceeded expectations after a seven-minute bidding war between three potential buyers. In the end, it was sold to an anonymous private collector for 39.505 million Swiss francs ($43.8 million), including taxes and fees. Max Fawcett, Christie’s head of jewelry in Geneva, expressed his satisfaction with the sale and highlighted that the Bleu Royal sold for nearly $2.5 million per carat – making it the most expensive jewelry lot sold worldwide in the year 2023.
The pear-shaped Bleu Royal diamond had been part of a private collection for many decades, and this auction marked the first time it became available for public bidding. Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s international head of jewelry, emphasized the gem’s exceptional color, explaining that many modern colored diamonds are enhanced artificially to boost their hue. However, the Bleu Royal’s natural rough material possessed vibrant color, allowing for a classic brilliant faceting style. Kadakia described the diamond as “top of its class” and highlighted that only three fancy vivid blue diamonds weighing over 10 carats have appeared for sale at Christie’s since its founding in 1766.
While Christie’s continued to captivate buyers with the Bleu Royal, rival auction house Sotheby’s made headlines last year by selling the De Beers Cullinan Blue for just over $57 million. In addition to the ongoing Magnificent Jewels auction, Sotheby’s is preparing to host its own sale in Geneva, featuring a variety of exquisite gems, imperial jewels, and royal jewels.
Alongside the prestigious jewelry auction, Christie’s offered a separate online sale where collectors had the opportunity to acquire Audrey Hepburn’s pearl necklace from her famous role in the 1953 film “Roman Holiday.” The necklace, handpicked by Hepburn herself and accompanied by a signed photograph, is being sold by a European collector with a starting price of 18,000 Swiss francs ($20,000). Furthermore, Christie’s Passion for Time watches sale featured the iconic Rolex GMT-Master timepiece worn by Marlon Brando in the renowned 1979 movie “Apocalypse Now.” Brando personally engraved the watch with “M. Brando,” and it sold for just over $5 million.
The world of luxury auctions continues to amaze as these extraordinary pieces of jewelry and personal mementos find new owners willing to pay record-breaking prices. Whether it’s the Bleu Royal diamond, Audrey Hepburn’s pearl necklace, or Marlon Brando’s personally engraved watch, these items represent the pinnacle of exclusivity and timeless beauty. With more auctions on the horizon, collectors and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the opportunity to acquire their own piece of history and luxury.
Useful links:
1. Christie’s Auction House
2. Sotheby’s Auction House
