The exceptionally rare Bleu Royal gem is set to become one of the most expensive diamonds ever sold by Christie’s auction house when it goes under the hammer on Tuesday.
The Bleu Royal is the star lot in a series of sales in Geneva this month featuring items from film history, including pearls worn by Audrey Hepburn and Marlon Brando’s self-engraved watch.
Weighing 17.61 carats, the Bleu Royal is the largest internally flawless fancy vivid blue gemstone ever sold at auction.
The stone is expected to fetch between $35 million and $50 million at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction.
“It will be one of the top 10 jewels ever sold at Christie’s in terms of value,” Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s international head of jewellery, told AFP.
The diamond, set in a ring, has been in a private collection for 50 years.
Kadakia said many modern coloured diamonds have a modified cut to enhance the colour.
