Editor’s Note
A historic blue diamond with a royal provenance spanning three centuries heads to auction in Geneva next week, offering a rare glimpse into both exquisite craftsmanship and European history.
Historic Blue Diamond to be Auctioned
The historic blue diamond that belonged to Isabel de Farnesio, the second wife of King Felipe V of Spain, and which remained in the same family for over three centuries, will be auctioned on May 15 by Sotheby’s in Geneva. The auction house stated in a release that the diamond is valued between 3.5 and 5 million Swiss francs (3.6 to 5.2 million US dollars) and will be one of the most attractive lots in the high jewelry auction taking place in Geneva next week.
A Royal Wedding Gift
The precious stone, pear-shaped and weighing 6.16 carats, was presented to Isabel de Farnesio in 1715 as a wedding gift upon her marriage to Felipe V.
“The Truly Interesting Thing is its History”
“The truly interesting thing about this jewel is its history,” said Daniela Mascetti, Vice President of Jewelry in Europe for Sotheby’s, to Efe.
“At that time, Spain had been impoverished by the War of the Spanish Succession and all the colonies were ordered to send gifts, especially jewels, to make a present for the new queen,” she explained.
“A fleet of twelve ships loaded with gold and emeralds set sail from Cuba, but ten days later a hurricane sank most of the ships in the Gulf of Florida. Only one ship managed to reach Spain, precisely the one carrying this very special diamond,” Mascetti continued.
The blue diamond was a gift from the Governor of the Philippines. Since then, it was successively inherited by the descendants of Queen Isabel who were part of the greatest royal families of Europe (Spain, France, Italy, and Austria).
A Witness to History
Hidden for three hundred years, this blue diamond witnessed major events in European history, from the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1713) to the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in late 1918.
What makes it even more special is that until today, only its successive owners knew of its existence, Mascetti emphasized.
“That’s why it is truly exciting to be able to offer it to the market now,” she added.
“It’s Hard to Put into Words”
According to David Bennett, Global Chairman of the High Jewelry Department and Chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland, “It’s hard to put into words the emotion one feels when holding such a treasure in one’s hands, discovered hundreds of years ago in the mythical mines of Golconda in India.”
“This stone is a witness to more than 300 years of history and its color is reminiscent of the most beautiful blue diamonds from Golconda, like the famous Hope Diamond,” he noted.
“Exceptional Provenance and Quality”
For Philipp Herzog von Württemberg, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe, “The exceptional provenance and quality of this diamond make it one of the most important historical diamonds in the world.”
The jewel will be auctioned alongside other pieces of jewelry and watches, among which two perfect white diamonds of over 50 carats stand out.