Editor’s Note
This article describes the historic auction of the 17th-century Wittelsbach Diamond, a 35.56-carat blue gem appearing on the market for the first time in eight decades. Its rare combination of size, color, and history generated significant pre-sale interest.
A jewelry auction was held at Christie’s in London.
The star of the show was the Wittelsbach Diamond, appearing on the international market for the first time in 80 years.
It is a fantastic deep grayish-blue diamond from the 17th century.
Just by looking, you can see its enormous size.
It weighs a staggering 35.56 carats.
This diamond attracted significant interest due to the fantastic harmony created by its rare size, color, and provenance.
Christie’s pre-sale estimate was 9 million pounds.
Amid an economic downturn, there were doubts whether such a high-priced gem would sell.
This is the highest price ever paid for a gemstone at auction.
It is 13 billion won higher than the auction house’s estimated hammer price.
This blue diamond was given by King Philip IV of Spain to his daughter, Princess Margarita Teresa, as part of her dowry when she was betrothed to Leopold I of Austria in the 17th century.
It came into the possession of the Wittelsbach family in 1722.
In the end, it was won at the world-record price by Laurence Graff from Bond Street, London.