Prepare to be mesmerized by “The Mediterranean Blue,” a breathtaking 10.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond poised to capture the world’s attention. This exceptional gem, boasting VS2 clarity, is estimated to fetch around $20 million at auction.
Mined from the renowned Cullinan mine in South Africa in 2023 as a 31.94-carat rough, the “Mediterranean Blue” has been meticulously crafted into a modified cushion cut, accentuating its mesmerizing ocean-blue hue. Its classification as a Type IIb diamond, representing less than 0.5% of all diamonds, further underscores its rarity and desirability. The presence of boron within its lattice structure gives the diamond its distinguished blue color.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the attributes of the “Mediterranean Blue” are exemplary, placing it among the most coveted fancy-color diamonds. Blue diamonds with such intense color and significant carat weight are exceptionally rare. This diamond will be unveiled on April 8 at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation in Abu Dhabi before heading to Sotheby’s High Jewellery sale in Geneva on May 13.
The Cullinan mine has a celebrated history of producing some of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the Great Star of Africa and other notable blues like “The Blue Moon of Josephine” and “The De Beers Blue”. The “Mediterranean Blue” continues this legacy, joining the ranks of extraordinary gems that have captivated collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Any vivid blue diamond is a discovery worth celebrating, but one as entrancing as this, particularly being over 10 carats, is a newsworthy event,” said Quig Bruning, Sotheby’s head of Jewelry, Americas & EMEA.
“The Mediterranean Blue’s remarkable size, charming cushion-cut and ocean-blue color places it in the rarefied company of some of the most important blue diamonds to come to market in recent years”.
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