New York – Sotheby’s will offer what is believed to be the largest top-quality Paraíba tourmaline ever sold at auction at its Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva on 8 November.
The 93.94 carat gem, called “The Blue Lagoon”, is estimated to sell for CHF 1.3 million to CHF 2.5 million, or $1.4 million to $2.7 million.
The stone is a cuprian tourmaline from Mozambique, which Sotheby’s says is not only the world’s most productive country for the gemstone, but also one of the leading sources of high-quality coloured stones. This summer, a 55.22 carat ruby from the country sold for more than $30 million at Sotheby’s New York.
Paraíba tourmalines, a variety of Cuprian tourmaline, take their name from the Paraíba region of Brazil, where they were first discovered in the 1980s, but the term is now applied to greenish-blue specimens of vivid to deep saturation, regardless of source.
The variety has become one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, according to Sotheby’s, often commanding prices that exceed those of fine sapphires, rubies and emeralds.
Top-quality Paraíba tourmalines display an extraordinary electric blue hue, but are typically small and have a “significant degree” of internal imperfections.
The Blue Lagoon’s impressive size, superlative clarity and enchanting turquoise colour – all achieved without the aid of heat treatment – evoke the crystalline waters of a tropical paradise,” said Sotheby’s.
The Blue Lagoon” is set in a bespoke high jewellery necklace by the 130-year-old European Maison Adler Joailliers, designed and created exclusively for this stone. The piece features a waterfall of more than 76 carats of round, marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
The Paraíba Tourmaline is accompanied by a Bellerophon report brochure and an SSEF report with an appendix attesting to its “exceptional” size and quality. The original sketch of the necklace design is also included.
“The Blue Lagoon” is set in a bespoke high jewellery necklace designed and created exclusively for this stone by the 130-year-old European Maison Adler Joailliers. The piece features a waterfall of more than 76 carats of round, marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
The Paraíba Tourmaline is accompanied by a Bellerophon report brochure and an SSEF report with an appendix attesting to its “exceptional” size and quality. The original sketch of the necklace design is also included.
The sale is part of Sotheby’s Luxury Week, a biennial seasonal series held in Hong Kong, New York and Geneva, featuring lots in the fields of jewellery, watches, handbags and accessories.
