Three New Cartier Watches For 2019

By Tiziana Agnati
Accredited journalist and influencer specializing in luxury jewelry 

The first big luxury watch trade fair of the year, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), will be held January 14 – 17 in Geneva and Cartier as always will be the center of attention. The French luxury brand has provided a preview of limited edition watches that will be revealed at the SIHH. They will be available to the public later this year. 

These three timepieces fuse the aesthetic of a past era with the precision of modern technology appearing in gorgeous tones of burgundy, emerald and gold. These watches speak to a modern trend for wearing timepieces so beautiful they almost outclass jewelry, allowing women to streamline their accessories day and night with one dramatic piece. 

Cartier Libre

Cartier Libre is at the forefront of this trend, with watches that fuse femininity with glittering extravagance, playing with the Maison’s many signature forms and aesthetics. First up is the Tank Chinoise Red Watch, which is known for its rectangular face, rows of precious stones, and its historical importance. Designed in 1921, its unusual shape has become iconic for nearly a century, and now it has been imbued with particularly strong symbolism in China: red. The dial is bordered by two lintels of rubies, while a line of diamonds adorns the edges. The contrast between the two stones emphasizes the original Chinese temples architectural reference of the watch.

Cartier Diagonale

Next up is the Diagonale, which pays homage to Cartier’s heritage of disrupting the classics with unusual designs that delight the eye. With a minuscule dial distinctively stamped with Cartier’s watchmaking codes, this piece features an arresting crisscross design, highlighted by two diagonal rows of brilliant-cut diamonds. 

Cartier Baignoire Allongée

Finally, there is the Baignoire Allongée, which comes in celadon or black, the most ornate of the trio. This watch is gloriously creative and a spectacle in a timepiece. It is studded with emeralds and Paraiba tourmalines, black spinels, yellow sapphires or diamonds, threatening to outdo even the most dramatic of gowns. In moonlight or by candlelight each gemstone becomes a minuscule speck of color, while the dial is paved with diamonds that sparkle at night. It is an elegant timepiece that can be handed down for generations. 

Cartier is a brand that disrupts and endures. This means owning a Cartier watch is like having a piece of art on your wrist. 

Tiziana Agnati is a journalist and influencer specializing in luxury jewelry with digital expertise. Learn more about her on her Linkedin profile where she communicates regularly with 100,000 followers. 

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Christie’s To Sell The De Grisogono 163-Carat D-Flawless Diamond

The De Grisogono diamond suspended from an asymmetric necklace with a trailing on the left side of 18 emerald-cut diamonds and to the right two rows of pear-shaped emeralds

Christie’s is selling the largest D-color flawless diamond to ever appear at auction, a 163.41-carat emerald-cut stone owned by the Geneva-based luxury jeweler, De Grisogono.

It will be a highlight of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva to be held November 14 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. The diamond is currently on a world tour.

The diamond was cut from a 404-carat rough discovered in February 2016 in the Lulo mine in Angola. Given the name, “4 de Fevereiro,” it is the 27th biggest rough white diamond ever discovered and the largest in Angola. Fawaz Gruosi, founder of De Grisogono, purchased the rough diamond. He had it analyzed in Antwerp and cut in New York, where a team of 10 diamond-cutting specialists spent 11 months mapping, plotting, cleaving, laser-cutting and polishing the rough into the gem.

The De Grisogono 163.41-carat diamond, the largest D-color flawless diamond ever come at auction

The diamond is the centerpiece of an asymmetric necklace with a trailing on the left side of 18 emerald-cut diamonds and to the right two rows of pear-shaped emeralds, offering a contrasting appearance. No gold is visible between the emeralds as the gems are perfectly matched and the metal is darkened to create the chiaroscuro effect that is characteristic of De Grisogono jewels. The prongs holding in place the 163.41-carat diamond disappear under four baguette-cut diamonds creating an effect of dazzling brilliance. The reverse side of the gold basket is engraved with the diamond’s weight and set with more diamonds.

It took 14 craftsmen more than 1,700 hours to create the necklace.

Rahul Kadakia, international head of Christie’s Jewels said the “emerald and diamond necklace propels De Grisogono into a class of their own.”

The 404-carat rough diamond, "4 de Fevereiro," that created the 163.41-carat D-color flawless diamond that will be sold at Christie's

This diamond necklace marks the first jewel in a partnership between the auction house and the high jeweler in which they “will bring to auction the most exquisite diamonds ever offered to the market.”

The schedule for the worldwide tour is as follows:

Christie’s Hong Kong
September 28 – October 1
22nd Floor, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road Central

Christie’s London
October 4 -7.
8, King Street, SW1Y 6QT London

Christie’s and De Grisogono in Dubai
October 17 - 19

Christie’s New York
November 3 - 6
Rockefeller Centre, 20 Rockefeller Plaza

Christie’s Geneva
November 9 - 14
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Quai des Bergues 33 

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92-Carat Heart-Shaped Diamond Fetches World Auction Record $14.9

A 92-carat D Flawless heart-shaped diamond sold for $14.9 million at Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale Wednesday. It set a world record for the price of a heart-shaped diamond sold at auction. 

It sold just above its $14 million low estimate. The jewel was given the name, La Légende. It was created by Boehmer et Bassenge, a high jewelry house that was launched a year ago. The company began working with the auction house last year.

Another big sale for the evening was a 15.03-carat unheated Burmese ruby mounted on a diamond ring that sold for $12.9 million ($861,000 per carat), within its estimate of $10 - $15 million.

In addition, a 7.97-carat fancy intense blue cushion-shaped diamond fetched more than $12.7 million, smashing its $3 million high estimate and setting an auction record per carat at $1.6 million, according to Christie’s. 

These were the top three items of the sale held at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues that featured 267 lots, achieving $94.5 million, with 85% sold by lot and 90% sold by value.  

Other highlights include:

A 56.03-carat, pear-shaped D color, potentially IF diamond pendent on a diamond necklace by Chopard fetched $6.3 million ($113,000 per carat);

A 4.05-carat square-cut, fancy deep blue VS1 diamond sold for $4.3 million ($1.05 million per carat);

A 47.63-carat cushion-shaped Burmese sapphire sold for more than $2.4 million ($50,500 per carat), three times its high estimate. 

A ruby and diamond four leaf clover brooch by Boucheron fetched $2.2 million, three times its high estimate. 

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The ‘Bao Đại” Watch Sets World Record For Any Rolex Sold At Auction

Rolex Reference 6062 “Bao Đại” chronograph sold for $5.06 million, setting a world record for any watch sold at auction at the Philips and Bacs & Russo Geneva watch sale held Saturday. It shattered its presale estimate of $1.5 million.

The auction house said the sale followed an “eight minute bidding war,” among 10 bidders in the packed room at the Hôtel La Réserve where the auction was held and three telephone bidders. It was sold to a phone bidder who was not identified. 

Rolex Reference 6062 “Bao Đại”

The Bao Đại chronograph is among the “most valuable and desirable Rolexes” and the “most complicated and iconic Oyster-cased model” ever made by the Swiss watch manufacturer, the auction house said. In addition to its rarity, this particular model also has imperial provenance. 

This Rolex triple calendar with moonphase in yellow gold is one of three black dial models known to exist with diamond markers. Of the three, the Bao Dai, is the only one to feature diamond markers at the even hours. 

The watch belonged to Bảo Đại, the last emperor of Vietnam. According to family legend, Đại (the 13th and last emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty) purchased the watch in Geneva in 1954, while he attended a conference seeking peace in Indochina.

The “Bao Dai” first appeared on the market in 2002 and was sold by Phillips for what was at the time the most expensive Rolex ever, according to the auction house. A private collector was winning bidder and it had stayed in private hands since.

Aurel Bacs, senior consultant at Phillips, sold the watch at that time. 

It also happens to be the second time within 12 months that a Rolex watch sold at auction by Philips and Bacs & Russo in Geneva set a world record.

“The combination of the iconic name Rolex, its extraordinary rarity and originality, crowned by the imperial first owner, this world auction record result is a testimony that Phillips’ stringent approach of bringing only the finest quality collectors watches to the market is the winning formula,” Aurel Bacs said.

The two-day auction at the Hôtel La Réserve is continuing today (Sunday). 

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92-Carat Flawless Heart Shaped Diamond To Appear At Christie’s Geneva Sale

A 92-carat D Flawless heart shaped diamond is estimated to fetch $14 - $20 million at Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale, being held May 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues.

The diamond is beings sold as the centerpiece of a cultured pearl necklace with the name, La Légende. The piece was created by Boehmer et Bassenge, a high jewelry house that was launched a year ago.

La Légende, a cultured pearl necklace, by Boehmer et Bassenge, featuring a 92.15 carats, D, Flawless heart-shaped diamond

The heart-shaped diamond is the highlight of an international tour of jewels in the upcoming sale—making stops in Hong Kong (March 30 – April 2), London (April 10 – 12) and New York (April 21 – 25 and May 5 – 8).

La Légende is one of two jewels by Boehmer et Bassenge that will be part of the Geneva auction and the worldwide preview of jewels and gems. The other is La Vie Bohème, chandelier earrings, each with an asymmetrical pink diamond bow, a pear-shaped diamond connecting link, and each suspending a marquise-cut diamond weighing approximately 10.07 and 10.05 carats. Each drop is a D color, flawless clarity diamond. The estimate is $2 - $3 million.

The May 17 auction at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, will feature approximately 250 jewels. It will include diamond and ruby earrings and bracelet once owned by Elizabeth Taylor, a Cartier and Art Déco collection assembled by Cartier expert Éric Nussbaum and Italian jewelry designs from the 1900s to the present day in a dedicated "Dolce Vita" section. Among other highlights:

A 15.03-carat unheated Burmese ruby set on a diamond ring with an estimate of $10 - $15 million.

A 14.88-carat unheated Kashmir sapphire set on a diamond ring with an estimate of $1 - $1.5 million.

A Cartier diamond and platinum fringe necklace once owned by the late Doris Duke is part of the sale. The 20th Century heiress purchased the necklace at Cartier New York in 1937 for $65,000. The mounting alone was auctioned by Christie’s in 2004 as Duke removed all of the larger diamonds for use in her other jewels. The buyer spent years replacing all of the missing stones with age appropriate diamonds, Christie’s said. It will now be offered at the Geneva sale with an estimate of 3-5 million.

The sale also includes a number of colored diamonds and signed jewels from Boucheron, Cartier, Harry Winston and JAR. 

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Phillips Auction To Feature Four Patek Watches Signed By Tiffany

Patek Philippe Reference 2499, Second Series. Photo courtesy of Phillips

Four Patek Philippe watches sold and signed by Tiffany & Co. will be among the top items at the Phillips and Bacs & Russo Geneva watch auction, being held May 13 and 14 at Hôtel La Réserve. Other highlights of the sale include seven rare Rolex watches, a collection of cloisonné enamel timepieces and more collectible Patek watches.

The selection of Patek Philippe watches retailed and signed by Tiffany & Co. are as follows:

Patek Philippe Reference 2499, Second Series (above and top photo)
An extremely rare yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phase retailed by Tiffany & Co., circa 1960, with an estimate of nearly $1 million - $2 million. Reference 2499 was introduced in 1951 and was made for a period of 34 years, in four different series, a total of 349 pieces were made, “making this a highly exclusive reference in the company’s history,” the auction house says. There are only two reference 2499 second series with a Tiffany & Co. signature on the dial that are known, one with Arabic numerals and the other, the piece for sale, with baton indexes.

Patek Philippe World Time Wristwatch, Reference 2523/1
An extremely rare 18k gold dual crown world time wristwatch with 24-hour indication retailed by Tiffany & Co., circa 1963, has an estimate of nearly $900,000 - $1.8 million. Launched in 1953, reference 2523 featured a two-crown system, one for winding the watch and the other at 9 o’clock controlling the city disc. Two versions were available, reference 2523 with larger lugs sitting above the bezel and reference 2523/1 with a slightly larger diameter and thinner lugs. There are believed to be only nine reference 2523/1 known in all case metal and dial combinations, with only one having the Tiffany & Co. signature, according to the auction house.

Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar, Reference 3450
This piece is described as a “highly exclusive” yellow gold perpetual calendar watch with moon phases and "red dot" leap year indicator retailed by Tiffany & Co., circa 1985. Its estimate is nearly $220,000 - $320,000. Introduced in 1981 as the successor of reference 3448, Patek Philippe’s first self-winding perpetual calendar watch, the reference 3450 houses the 27-460 QB caliber. There are five accounted for Tiffany & Co. signed reference 3450s to have been offered at public auctions, according to the auction house.

Patek Philippe Reference 2597
A rare gold wristwatch with a separate adjustable hour hand retailed by Tiffany & Co., circa 1961, with an estimate of nearly $70,000 - $120,000. Based on Louis Cottier’s “Time Zone Watch” system developed in 1959, the reference 2597 was made in two versions. The first generation models, such as the one being sold, feature an independently adjustable hour hand using pushers found on the left side of the case for setting the hour hand forward or backwards in one-hour increments, according to the auction house. The second version, launched in 1962, featured an additional hour hand. It is one of only a few known 2597 models with the Tiffany & Co signature.

Other standouts include a selection of vintage and modern timepieces featuring cloisonné enamel, including a Patek Philippe yellow gold pocket watch with cloisonné enamel dial depicting North America, reference 605 HU (estimate at nearly $300,000 - $600,000), and a Patek Philippe mechanical cloisonné enamel dome table clock, ref. 743E, made in 1959 (estimate at nearly $120,000 - $250,000).

Other exceptional Patek Philippe watches include a “fresh-to-the-market” perpetual calendar in rose gold – “The Tasmanian Rose” (estimate at nearly $400,000 - $800,000). This reference 2497 comes directly from the son of the original Australian owner, where it spent nearly 50 years unworn in a vault. Another highlight is a pink gold split seconds chronograph with pink dial, one of only nine known, reference 1436 (estimate at nearly $350,000 - $550,000). 

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Cartier’s Tank watch, the sale will include a selection of “rare and highly desirable” variants of the Tank. 

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Phillips Geneva To Auction 7 Rare Rolex Watches, Including The ‘Mythical’ Bao Dai

Rolex Reference 6062 “Bao Dai.”  All photos courtesy of Phillips

The iconic Rolex Reference 6062, “Bao Dai,” will lead a sale of no fewer than seven Rolex watches by Phillips auction house in association with Bacs & Russo. The auction, which will include timepieces from many other luxury watch brands, will be held May 13 and 14 at the Hôtel La Réserve in Geneva.

The Bao Dai chronograph is among the “most valuable and desirable Rolexes” and the “most complicated and iconic Oyster-cased model” ever made by the Swiss watch manufacturer, the auction house said. In addition to its rarity, this particular model also has imperial provenance. It has a pre-sale estimate of more than $1.5 million.

This Rolex triple calendar with moonphase in yellow gold is one of three black dial models known to exist with diamond markers, the auction house said in a statement. Of the three, the Bao Dai, is the only one to feature diamond markers at the even hours. 

The watch belonged to Bảo Đại, the last emperor of Vietnam. According to family legend, Đại (the 13th and last emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty) purchased the watch in Geneva in 1954, while he attended a conference seeking peace in Indochina.

The “Bao Dai” first appeared on the market in 2002 and was sold by Phillips for what was at the time the most expensive Rolex ever, according to the auction house. A private collector was winning bidder and it had stayed in private hands since.

Aurel Bacs, senior consultant at Phillips, sold the watch at that time. 

“It is an absolute privilege to offer the Rolex 6062 ‘Bao Dai’ for the second time in my career,” Bacs said. “With its incredible imperial provenance, stunning condition, and exceptional rarity, it’s a mythical watch that occupies the dreams of scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts all over the world.”

Other Rolex watches to be sold at the two-day auction include the following: 

The Gold Oyster Paul Newman Chronograph, Reference 6263
The yellow gold Rolex chronograph with "lemon" dial, white graphics and bracelet, circa 1969, is the third known yellow gold Paul Newman Daytona with screw down pushers to appear on the market, according to the auction house. Its estimate is $815,000 - $1.6 million.

The Neptune, Reference 8382
This 37mm yellow gold Rolex watch, circa 1953, is one of two reference 8382s to feature a cloisonné enamel dial depicting Neptune riding the sea. The dial was created by acclaimed enamel artist, Nelly Richard. Its estimate is $305,000 to $610,000.

Stainless Steel, Reference 6062
This triple calendar Rolex watch, circa 1953, with two-tone dial, moonphase and bracelet, and Arabic numerals at 3 and 9 o'clock is among a handful of examples to survive in original condition, the auction house said. Its estimate is $610,000 - $1.2 million.

Tiffany & Co. John Player Special Paul Newman Daytona, Reference 6241
Described by the auction house as “fine, rare, important and probably unique,” this 14k yellow gold Rolex chronograph, retailed by Tiffany & Co, , circa 1968. This is the only known and correct “John Player Special” Paul Newman Daytona retailed by Tiffany & Co, featuring the retailer’s signature on the dial. Its moniker is derived from the color scheme of the iconic “John Player Special” Formula One automobile. Its estimate is $406,000 - $813,000.

The Only Gold ‘Qaboos’ Daytona, Reference 6265
This yellow gold Rolex chronograph with champagne dial and bracelet, especially made for the Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Saided of Oman, circa 1973. This watch is the only known example of a reference 6265 in yellow gold to feature the red Qaboos signature, according to the auction house. Its estimate is $203,000 - $406,000.

The Pre-Daytona Chronograph with Black Galvanic Dial, Reference 6238
This 14k yellow gold Rolex chronograph watch with black galvanic dial and bracelet, circa 1967, is the second known example to appear on the market, which highlights its rarity, the auction house says. Its estimate is $254,000 to $508,000. 

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Montblanc CEO Jérôme Lambert Bids Farewell

Montblanc CEO Jérôme Lambert (letf) with brand ambassadors Guey Lun Mei, Charlotte Casiraghi and Hugh Jackman at the Montblanc gala dinner in Geneva

The rows of tables that make up the seating arrangement at the Brasserie Des Halles de L’Ile for Montblanc’s annual gala dinner is just one of the signature trademarks of Jérôme Lambert that displays his attention to detail. 

In less than four years the engaging French CEO of the German luxury brand has managed to make his mark in many ways. Among them:

* He created consistent storylines based on Montblanc’s heritage over multiple product categories and produced innovative products that adhered to brand’s legacy. For example, a year ago, Montblanc celebrated its 110th anniversary with a wide collection of writing instruments, timepieces, leather goods, cufflinks and jewelry called “Montblanc Heritage Collection, Rouge & Noir” that took design inspiration from various periods of the brand’s history. 

* He championed the first design partnership in Montblanc’s history, working with contemporary designer, Marc Newson, for the Montblanc M collection of writing instruments.

* He named contemporary art curators, Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath, as co-chairs of the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Awards, also a first for the brand and the 25-year history of the awards program.

* He was instrumental in merging the talents of its two watchmaking operations: Villeret (formerly known as Minerva), a watchmaking workshop in the town of the same name that produces a limited number of timepieces with hand-made chronograph movements; and the Montblanc Le Locle watch manufacturing operation. The two facilities produced separate products until Lambert arrived. In less than a year Montblanc began producing familiar and new Montblanc chronographs with Villeret movements at a broader range of prices and styles. 

Now it was time for Lambert to say goodbye. His success at Montblanc and an equally successful stint at luxury watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre has earned him a corporate position at Compagnie Financière Richemont, which owns both brands. He moves into a new title April 1 as head of Operations responsible for central and regional services for all brands with the exception of jewelry and watchmaking. He is being replaced by Nicolas Baretzki, currently Montblanc’s executive VP of sales.

The seating arrangement of rows of tables at the Montblanc annual gala dinner. Photo by Anthony DeMarco

The January 16 dinner during the Salon International Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) watch trade show was the last chance Lambert had to publicly address his top-line staff, many of whom he hired, and the international celebrities associated with the brand, many of whom he recruited. His energetic ad-libbed remarks were often interrupted by cheers and applause—overshadowing the celebrities at the event, including Hugh Jackman, Montblanc’s international brand ambassador. 

“Every time it’s a little bit of an adventure so it looks good on Monday morning,” he said about preparing the luxurious exhibition space at SIHH, the luxury watch trade show. “There’s a lot of people involved and a lot of stories.”

Jérôme Lambert addresses his guests at the Montblanc gala dinner. Photo by Anthony DeMarco

He added, “For many of you who started on the very first days, weeks and months of our history. I remember the tough nights. Thanks for the good energy, investment and strong belief that everything was functioning perfectly.… Thank you for the amazing time. Thank you for being our partners, brand ambassadors, friends and sources of inspiration.” 

Those sitting on the rows of tables cheered. 

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The Grand Prix Of Watches Selects Its Winners

“Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix: Ferdinand Berthoud, Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1

The 16th Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève held its awards ceremony Thursday at at Théâtre du Léman in Geneva. The top prize, the “Aiguille d’Or,” was presented to Ferdinand Berthoud, for the Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB1, a tourbillon, described as a marine chronometer made to fit the wrist.

The chronometer is powered by an original mechanical hand-wound movement comprising more than 1,120 components, entirely produced in house. The caliber FB-T.FC features a pillar-structure and a symmetry between its tourbillon and its original fusée and chain mechanism. The fusée is equipped with a differential-winding system as well as a “suspended mobile cone” power-reserve mechanism.

The remaining 14 awards represented a broad mix of mechanical movements and high design entries and included a combination of high respected independent watchmakers and international watch brands. Chanel, an international fashion brand, was a surprise winner and two watch brands, Girard-Perregaux and Piaget, received two awards. 

The award winners were selected by the panel of 27 experts that made up the international jury. The remaining winners is as follows:

Ladies’ Watch Prize: Piaget, Limelight Gala Milanese Bracelet

Ladies’ High-Mech Prize: Girard-Perregaux, Cat's Eye Tourbillon with Gold Bridge

Men’s Watch Prize: Grönefeld, 1941 Remontoire

Chronograph Watch Prize: Montblanc, 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition

Tourbillon Watch Prize: Girard-Perregaux, La Esmeralda Tourbillon

Calendar Watch Prize: MB&F, Legacy Machine Perpetual

Travel Time Watch Prize: Fabergé, Fabergé Visionnaire DTZ

Mechanical Exception Prize: Audemars Piguet, Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie

“Petite Aiguille” Prize: Tudor, Heritage Black Bay Bronze

Sports Watch Prize: Eberhard & Co, Scafograf 300

Jewellery Watch Prize: Chanel, Secret Watch "Signature Grenat"

Artistic Crafts Watch Prize: Piaget, Protocole XXL "Secrets & Lights" Venice Micro-Mosaic

“Revival” Watch Prize: TAG Heuer, Heuer Monza Chronographe

Special Jury Prize: The George Daniels Educational Trust

In addition to the jury award the general public voted on a “Public Prize,” casting votes on the Internet and at the various international exhibitions. This was awarded to award the Public Prize to: Czapek Genève, 33 bis Quai des Bergues

After stopovers in Seoul and Rome, the exhibition presenting the 72 watches pre-selected by the jury remains on show in Geneva until November 12 at the Cité du Temps. The prize-winning watches of this 2016 vintage will be exhibited in Dubai, November 15 to 19, as part of the second Dubai Watch Week. 

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8-Carat ‘Sky Blue Diamond’ Could Be Yours For $25 Million

The latest blue diamond to come up for auction is an 8.01-carat fancy vivid blue diamond being called the “Sky Blue Diamond.” It is the top item in Sotheby’s auction of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels in Geneva to be held November 16. 

The ring set on a Cartier mount surrounded by white diamonds, has a presale estimate of $15 - $25 million.

Describing the diamond, David Bennett, worldwide chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewellery Division, said, “The Sky Blue Diamond is of a wonderfully clear celestial blue, presented in an extremely elegant square emerald cut—in my view, the most flattering of all the cuts for a colored diamond.”

In recent years, colored diamonds have been highly prized at auctions with blue diamonds being the most sought after—setting numerous records. Among them:

* The 14.62-carat “Oppenheimer Blue” diamond, which sold for more than $57.5 million at Christie’s Geneva in May, setting a world record for any jewel sold at auction. 

* The 12.03-carat “Blue Moon of Josephine,” which sold for $48.4 million at Sotheby’s Geneva, November 2015, setting a world record for the price per carat for any diamond or gem at just over $4 million.

* The 9.75-carat Zoe Diamond, which sold for more than $32.5 million at Sotheby’s New York, November 2014.

* The 10.10-carat Millennium Blue Fancy, which sold for more than $31.8 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, April 2016.

* The 24.18-carat “Cullinan Dream,” which sold for $25.3 million at Christie’s New York in June. 

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