Editor’s Note
The ‘Blue Royal’ diamond has set a new benchmark as the most expensive gemstone sold this year, fetching over $40 million at auction. This sale highlights the enduring allure and significant value of rare colored diamonds in the luxury market.
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A rare diamond known as the ‘Blue Royal’ has been sold at auction for over $40 million (approximately 52.4 billion won), making it the most expensive gemstone sold this year.
On the 7th (local time), BBC and others reported that the Blue Royal was sold for $43.8 million (approximately 57.4 billion won) at a Christie’s auction held in Geneva, Switzerland. This price significantly exceeded the initial estimate of $35 million (approximately 45.8 billion won).
Christie’s described the Blue Royal as “one of the rarest diamonds ever unearthed” and an “internally flawless blue gemstone.”
Christie’s stated that in its 250-year auction history, a vivid blue diamond over 10 carats has been offered for sale only three times. The most recent was the 14.62-carat ‘Oppenheimer Blue’ sold in 2016, which fetched $57 million (approximately 74.7 billion won).
The Blue Royal that appeared at this auction is known to have been privately owned for 50 years before being offered at auction for the first time. It is a substantial 17.61 carats and was previously set in a ring.
Christie’s explained that the Blue Royal is “the most expensive jewel sold at auction worldwide during 2023.” However, the identity of the buyer has not been disclosed.
