A Rarity Beyond Compare
Sotheby’s is set to unveil one of the most extraordinary gemstones ever to grace the auction stage—The Mediterranean Blue. Weighing an awe-inspiring 10.03 carat, this Fancy Vivid Blue diamond is a testament to nature’s unparalleled artistry and human craftsmanship.
Certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), The Mediterranean Blue has received the highest possible color grading for a blue diamond. Furthermore, it belongs to the exceedingly rare Type IIb category, a classification that accounts for less than 0.5% of all diamonds. Its breathtaking cushion-cut shape enhances its vibrant saturation, elevating it to an elite league among the world’s finest diamonds.
With an estimated value in the region of $20 million (CHF 18 million), The Mediterranean Blue will take center stage at Sotheby’s High Jewelry Sale in Geneva on May 13, 2025, marking its first-ever appearance on the market.
An Exclusive Global Showcase
The journey of The Mediterranean Blue begins in a setting as magnificent as the diamond itself. On April 8, 2025, it will be unveiled at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, a hub of cultural and artistic brilliance. Following this grand reveal, the diamond will embark on a world tour, making stops in Taipei, Hong Kong, and New York, before its highly anticipated exhibition and auction in Geneva.
A Legacy of Excellence
Quig Bruning, Sotheby’s Head of Jewelry, Americas & EMEA, emphasized the sheer significance of this gemstone, Mediterranean Blue represents one of nature’s rarest gems. Any vivid blue diamond is a discovery worth celebrating, but one as entrancing as this, particularly being over 10 carats, is a newsworthy event. Its remarkable size, charming cushion cut, and ocean-blue hue place it among the most important blue diamonds to appear on the market in recent years."
Blue diamonds have long fascinated collectors, connoisseurs, and historians alike. While the color blue symbolizes tranquility, depth, and timeless beauty, its presence in diamonds is exceptionally rare. Less than 0.3% of all diamonds analyzed by the GIA annually exhibit a predominantly blue hue, and of those, only a fraction reach the coveted Fancy Vivid classification making The Mediterranean Blue an absolute marvel.
A Masterpiece Forged by Time and Expertise
The Mediterranean Blue’s journey began as a 31.94-carat rough diamond, discovered in South Africa’s renowned Cullinan mine in 2023. Known for producing some of the world’s most legendary diamonds, Cullinan has yielded The Great Star of Africa (530 carats), The Blue Moon of Josephine (12.03 carats, sold for $48.5 million in 2015), and The De Beers Blue (15.10 carats, sold for $57.5 million in 2022).
After a meticulous year-long study, master artisans undertook the six-month-long cutting and polishing process to unlock the diamond’s full potential. The result: a cushion-modified brilliant cut, where kite-shaped and triangular facets maximize its mesmerizing brilliance. This precision cutting not only enhances its fire and sparkle but also preserves its extraordinary color intensity, ensuring that The Mediterranean Blue stands as both an eternal relic and a contemporary masterpiece.
A Diamond Destined for History
With its peerless color, exceptional size, and mesmerizing brilliance, Mediterranean Blue is poised to become one of the most significant diamonds to appear at auction in recent history. Collectors, investors, and jewelry aficionados worldwide will have their eyes fixed on Geneva this May 13, as this unparalleled treasure seeks a new home.
Will The Mediterranean Blue set a new auction record? Only time will tell—but one thing is certain: this masterpiece is already an icon.
Author: JINAL PRAJAPATI
Comments