In a glittering event set to captivate collectors and gem enthusiasts alike, Christie’s announced that they will be auctioning the largest internally flawless fancy vivid blue diamond ever seen, with a potential price tag of up to $50 million. This exceptional gem, known as “Bleu Royal,” is set to go under the hammer on November 7, 2023, at a rare jewels auction in Geneva.
At an impressive 17.6 carats, “Bleu Royal” stands as the largest of its kind, making it a truly remarkable find. Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s international head of jewelry, highlighted the rarity and uniqueness of this vivid blue diamond. “What makes Bleu Royal so rare and special is its size. At 17.6 carats, it’s the largest of its kind,” Kadakia explained. “The color is very rich naturally, and it is internally flawless as best as can be.”
For perspective, in 2016, Christie’s sold another exceptional blue diamond, the “Oppenheimer Blue,” weighing 14.6 carats, for an astonishing sum of over $57 million. Christie’s aims even higher with “Bleu Royal,” with Kadakia expressing hope that it will surpass the previous record.
The remarkable gemstone has toured across the globe, generating substantial interest from collectors worldwide. It has made appearances in Asia, the U.S., and Europe, with Christie’s anticipating a fervent bidding competition for this extraordinary find.
In a separate online auction running from November 3 to 16, Christie’s will also present a pearl necklace worn by the iconic film and fashion legend, Audrey Hepburn, during the final scene of the 1953 classic film “Roman Holiday.” With an estimated price of $20,000 to $30,000, it offers enthusiasts a unique opportunity to possess a piece of Audrey Hepburn’s timeless elegance. As Rahul Kadakia noted, “Everybody can be Audrey Hepburn.”
Additionally, Christie’s will showcase a Rolex wristwatch worn by Marlon Brando in the 1979 film “Apocalypse Now.” Notably, the actor engraved his signature on the watch’s back to prevent it from being accidentally swapped during filming. The watch’s estimated value currently stands between 1 million and 2 million Swiss francs, representing an outstanding piece of memorabilia. Remi Guillemin, head of watches in Europe at Christie’s, emphasized the uniqueness of this Rolex, marking it as one of the most recognizable Rolex watches ever to emerge at auction. In a previous auction, the timepiece achieved a remarkable price of $2.2 million Swiss francs.
The upcoming Christie’s auctions promise to be a treasure trove of rare and iconic items, with the magnificent “Bleu Royal” diamond taking center stage. With the combined allure of Audrey Hepburn’s pearl necklace and Marlon Brando’s Rolex, this event offers a unique blend of cinematic history and exquisite gemology, leaving bidders and enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the upcoming auctions.
($1 = 0.9078 Swiss franc)
