Editor’s Note
A rare blue diamond, hidden from public view for centuries, is set to make its auction debut this May. Sotheby’s Hong Kong has unveiled the 6.16-carat gem, offering a glimpse into a piece of history soon to find a new owner.
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A blue diamond that has been shrouded in mystery for over 300 years will be offered at auction for the first time this May.
Hong Kong auction house Sotheby’s has displayed a 6.16-carat blue diamond in its showroom ahead of the May auction. This is the first time the gem has been revealed to the public.
The pear-shaped, blue-tinted diamond belonged to Elizabeth Farnese (1692–1766), the second queen consort of Spain’s King Philip V, in 1715, and is known as ‘The Farnese Blue’.
It was subsequently passed down through seven generations of royalty across Spain, France, Italy, and Austria as descendants of Queen Farnese married into other European royal families. It was once used in the adornment of the crown of Marie Antoinette (1755–1793), the queen consort of Louis XVI.
Blue was perceived as the ‘color of kings’ in 17th-18th century Europe, making blue diamonds the ultimate royal heirlooms. This gem was mined from the Golconda diamond mines in India, the world’s only source at the time.
While the diamond’s whereabouts were unknown as it was kept in the private jewel boxes of its royal owners, the current owner has reportedly decided to sell it for the first time.
After being exhibited in Hong Kong, London, New York, Singapore, and Taipei, it will be auctioned in Geneva on May 15. The current highest estimated price is $5.27 million (approximately 5.6 billion Korean won).