A rare 10-carat blue diamond known as the “Mediterranean Blue Diamond” is poised to be one of the star attractions at Sotheby’s upcoming high jewelry auction in Geneva, where it could command a price of around $20 million. The cushion-shaped gemstone was unveiled to journalists during a preview event on Thursday, offering a glimpse of what is considered one of the finest examples of fancy vivid blue diamonds to emerge on the market in recent years. Mined in South Africa, the diamond stands out for its exceptional saturation and brilliance, traits that define its rare color classification.
Sotheby’s representative Jessica Wyndham emphasized the strength of the colored diamond market, noting that demand continues to grow among collectors and investors alike. She expressed confidence that the Mediterranean Blue Diamond could reach its estimated value, citing the consistent interest in high-quality colored gemstones. Blue diamonds, especially those graded as fancy vivid, are among the rarest in the world and have historically commanded record-breaking prices at auction.
This upcoming auction will be held live on May 13 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Geneva and is part of Sotheby’s broader high jewelry collection presentation, which includes an array of other exceptional colored gemstones and precious jewels. The Mediterranean Blue Diamond stands out not only for its carat weight but also for the purity and depth of its color—a combination that significantly enhances its value.
Historically, Geneva has been a prestigious location for the sale of high-end gemstones. In 2016, a vivid blue diamond fetched 56.8 million Swiss francs, equivalent to $68.7 million at the time, during a Christie’s auction also held in the city. That record-setting sale highlights the potential for significant results when rare colored diamonds come to market.
The Mediterranean Blue Diamond represents both a natural marvel and a luxurious investment, appealing to elite buyers who seek exclusivity and rarity. As anticipation builds for the auction, experts and enthusiasts will be watching closely to see whether this gem achieves or exceeds its estimate. With colored diamonds increasingly viewed as both collector’s items and tangible assets, the Geneva auction is expected to draw international interest.
READ MORE: